Delmar, NY

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My allergy to home internet service, air conditioning and television

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I am an unusual person this day of age choosing to live without home internet access or air conditioning. It’s part of my choice to live simply and without modern conveniences that a lot of folks have. My budget is pretty tight these days and while I could make such things fit I choose to do without.

But I also worry if I made my apartment too comfortable if I would ever go out. What is the incentive to go to the library or down to the park if I had internet at home? Why ever go outside in the summer months if my apartment is perfectly chilled to a delightful temperature. No need to drive up to the Adirondacks for a swimming hole or a cool night in the woods if I can sit next to the cool breeze at home.

Maybe my objection to air conditioning is a bit silly. I mean there are plenty of people who live off grid down in Missouri and Oklahoma and other southern states and they have air conditioning – you can build a big enough system with batteries and solar to keep cool year round. Plenty of farmers and homesteaders have air conditioning – sure they’re barns might be sticky but their tractors and trucks are air conditioned – and when they’re done with chores they climb into an air conditioned tractor cab, office or home. People who fish, hunt and camp in the summer typically lack air conditioning.

The same is true for the internet. Having high speed access to the web doesn’t mean you can’t go outside or enjoy life away from home. It’s just more convenient than looking for a free hot spot. Having internet access at home might be essential in the future for some remote work jobs, especially if i want to run a business from my off-grid cabin. But still it seems kind of imprisoning to have the unlimited, always on flow of information at your house.

Not owning a television. Well that’s one I can’t criticize. I don’t see much benefit to commercials. I do watch my favorite off-grid and homesteading channels, the real farmer channels and some stuff about electronics and electricity – mechanical shit – but not anything I’d find on commercial television. I download them as free from YouTube.

*Maybe my views are changing but I still have to think living with less is a better way of life. I like my toys but it’s better to enjoy them outside rather than inside.

A summer’s night

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Under the starry sky’s gentle gleam,
In the wilderness, where dreams redeem,
A summer’s night unfolds its glorious might,
As nature sings a symphony of delight.

The moon, a silver beacon, shines so bright,
Casting a soothing glow upon the night,
Whispering secrets to the rustling trees,
As a gentle breeze dances with ease.

The symphony of crickets fills the air,
Their melodies, a rhythm beyond compare,
Joined by the croak of a distant frog,
Lost in nature’s tranquil dialogue.

The fireflies, like twinkling fairy lights,
Illuminate the dark with their whimsical flights,
Gently guiding wanderers through the stillness,
In nature’s sanctuary of peace and bliss.

The scent of wildflowers graces the breeze,
Carrying their essence on a gentle tease,
Their colorful petals blooming in delight,
Painting the darkness with vibrant light.

Amidst this wilderness, serenity abounds,
As the night’s beauty effortlessly surrounds,
A summer’s night, in its wild embrace,
Leaves memories etched, with tranquil grace.

So let us revel in this magical sight,
Embrace the enchantment of the summer’s night,
In the wilderness, where dreams take flight,
Where nature’s poetry whispers with sheer delight.