I think one of the economic indicators most ignored by the so-called "experts" is the washcloth-by-the-side-of-the-road count. Last year, as things seemed to be cooking along and Wall Street was spraying money from its trunk like a circus elephant, there were dozens of lost, discarded washcloths along the roadside. There were days when I might see 3 or 4 new ones. Why washcloths? Don't know. Inexplicable. But there they were, more numerous than t-shirts, panties or even single shoes. But this summer, deep in recession, people are holding onto their washcloths -- none by the roadside to be seen. Along with the downturn in road kill, I think it all means something. I'll let you know when I figure it out.

Cool weather in August? I'll take it. The days have been just beautiful, the nights cool and crisp -- it's like September in July. Or something like that. Had a great camping trip over the weekend, got several girls safely in and out of the kayak, built sand castles, and just had a nice couple of days lying on the beach. Today it was time to make up for the lack of riding by taking on Taborton Road, my favorite new climb. Like a dinosaur, flat at both ends but a big climb up the middle. Perfect day for it.

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