Solving the world’s problems

When I was young, I could see clear solutions to a great many of the world’s problems.  Now that I am older than dirt, my vision has been tempered by the numerous scratches that have accumulated on my glasses lenses.  Or something.  Nevertheless, I hold fast to my core convictions.  One of these is that there are certain Indispensable Items that can solve a great many of my problems, and probably yours as well.  A recent conversation with Mrs. Uhdd inspired me to share my list with you, and to ask for additional suggestions. 

Life’s little toolkit should contain:

• Duct tape
• WD40
• An icepick
• A decent knife–these turn out to be harder to come by than you might think
• Sturdy candles that don’t smoke
• Dry wooden matches
• A good length of string
• A spool of fishing line and half a dozen fishhooks (it’s no good having these if you’re squeamish about baiting them, but consider your options–getting Miss Puss to catch a rabbit for you?  I think not)
• Wool socks (these are indispensable in the northern latitudes where Mrs. Uhdd and I dwell, but are probably superfluous in the tropics)
• YakTrax (see above)
• Pockets (there are altogether too many shirts and jackets and pants on the market without pockets-what are they thinking?)
• A bottle of water
• Milkbones (you can guess who insisted on adding these to the list)

I’ll bet you can get most of that in a one-pound coffee can.  Of course, I have a great deal more stuff than that in my big toolbox and in my kitchen miscellany drawer and in my garage . . . and that is the heart of the problem. 

I am on a mission to get rid of things that I kept because they might come in handy.  If Kathy/Centria can open the door and go outside on an adventure every single day for a year, I can open the door and go outside carrying a bright orange American Waste Disposal bag full of stuff I do not need every week.  I’ll let you know how I do.

Meanwhile, I have discovered that my icepick is missing.