Random thoughts...

[Martin]

Hey, Martin, I finally got back down to Powell's this weekend -- must be the first time since pre-pandemic -- and came away with a nice haul...no horror this time around, but a bevy of vintage mystery stuff. My last couple visits before this one had been a little disappointing -- maybe just a few books each time -- so I guess the secret to Powell's success is wait a couple years and let that inventory build up! That said, I don't think the solution is worth the cost...I'd almost forgotten what a soul-enriching experience that enormous place is, and I'm looking forward to getting back there soon.

Minor complaints: The in-story parking garage was closed, and, as busy as the place was, they only had the main east cashier open (the downstairs west wd you made it as closed). But it was great to see it that busy...I'd heard that they were struggling a bit due to the pandemic restrictions, so I hope yesterday was a sign that things are on the rebound for them.

Glad you were able to find some things. Pickings were slim for a while as they had halted in store book buying. Off work due to surgery but am cleared to drive so I am thinking of going down this week. If I visit Powell's and leave empty handed, I am still happier then when I arrived. Soul-enriching is a good description. I only bother with their garage if I am trading on books and the street parking is nearly impossible. Here is the parking secret. Two blocks west is a Whole Foods. The building across the street on the north has an underground garage. Park in there and enter Whole Foods. On your way back spend $10 at Whole Foods and they will validate you for two hours parking. I am not always in and out within two hours but the two free hours offsets to cost a lot.

[RonClinton]

Congratulations!

Hey, Martin, I finally got back down to Powell's this weekend -- must be the first time since pre-pandemic -- and came away with a nice haul...no horror this time around, but a bevy of vintage mystery stuff. My last couple visits before this one had been a little disappointing -- maybe just a few books each time -- so I guess the secret to Powell's success is wait a couple years and let that inventory build up! That said, I don't think the solution is worth the cost...I'd almost forgotten what a soul-enriching experience that enormous place is, and I'm looking forward to getting back there soon.

Minor complaints: The in-story parking garage was closed, and, as busy as the place was, they only had the main east cashier open (the downstairs west was closed). But it was great to see it that busy...I'd heard that they were struggling a bit due to the pandemic restrictions, so I hope yesterday was a sign that things are on the rebound for them.

[Ben Staad]

I would agree with that. I don't think I've ever been hot for them but I'm generally happy to add a few nicer editions of books that I would otherwise not be able to afford. Like Dune or The Road.

Nothing is crazy in this hobby.

I am hot and cold on their books - I think I enjoy them more because I can get a book that appears to be a fancy special edition for an author like Agatha Christie for my wife.

[Brian861]

Can't wear a watch as I'm not crazy about things on my wrist. And the few times that I have; I seem to bump it on everything within a 100 mile radius. Fancy is definitely out of the question.

[TacomaDiver]

Nothing is crazy in this hobby.

I am hot and cold on their books - I think I enjoy them more because I can get a book that appears to be a fancy special edition for an author like Agatha Christie for my wife.

[Ben Staad]

I'm not a huge fan of them but for some reason I find myself going back for more. It's as if I have a book buying addiction or something. Crazy saying that..,Right?

I wonder if we all went in on an order we'd save some money with the shipping. There are a few other books of theirs that I wouldn't mind having, but the shipping is killer.

[TacomaDiver]

Bought a few books on Folio for Christmas gifts and man the shipping rates are ludicrous. I paid their price but that will probably be the last time. It was $34.24 for shipping and handling on two books -one which is very small- but they do guarantee delivery before Christmas.

Bought a copy of The Color Purple for my wife and a copy of The Living Mountain for my daughter.

I wonder if we all went in on an order we'd save some money with the shipping. There are a few other books of theirs that I wouldn't mind having, but the shipping is killer.

[RonClinton]

Yeah, watches are tough - so many shiny pretty things! Omega make some nice watches. I think my favorite of theirs is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 43mm GMT Worldtimer, which is more than I'm willing to spend until after we get the kid thru college - https://www.chrono24.com/omega/omega...id15869031.htm

I also like the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Solar Impulse Limited Edition. I've always liked the X-33 models, but there was always something else I wanted instead - https://www.chrono24.com/omega/speed...id21516302.htm

I’m afraid the second one doesn’t do much for me, but that first one is beautiful…I love blue dials, and the clean layout of the complications is handsome. I prefer Omega over Rolex for reasons both quantifiable and abstract, but given that I’ll likely never wear either on my wrist — I could add another motorcycle to my modest stable for that same $8K - $10K — it’s a bit of a moot comparison. For now. ;-)

[Dave1442397]

I try so hard to stay away from watches, as every time I dip my toes in the water I get far too obsessed. With limited edition books and motorcycles, I already have two expensive hobbies, and I don't need or want a third. That said, horology always seems to drag me back in a time or two a year, and I find myself visiting Watchuseek.com and Watchrecon.com daily. I have a glass-top box with twelve slots and only have two spots left, so at least I've managed to corral in and contain the potential. I haven't breached the four-digit threshold yet, so I suppose that's something...though there are a couple models in the Hamilton Jazzmaster Automatic Chronograph line that sure continue to catch my eye, and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean chronograph in orange is my grail watch.

Yeah, watches are tough - so many shiny pretty things! Omega make some nice watches. I think my favorite of theirs is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 43mm GMT Worldtimer, which is more than I'm willing to spend until after we get the kid thru college - https://www.chrono24.com/omega/omega...id15869031.htm

I also like the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Solar Impulse Limited Edition. I've always liked the X-33 models, but there was always something else I wanted instead - https://www.chrono24.com/omega/speed...id21516302.htm

[Ben Staad]

Bought a few books on Folio for Christmas gifts and man the shipping rates are ludicrous. I paid their price but that will probably be the last time. It was $34.24 for shipping and handling on two books -one which is very small- but they do guarantee delivery before Christmas.

Bought a copy of The Color Purple for my wife and a copy of The Living Mountain for my daughter.

[RonClinton]

That's great, congrats on the win!

I was looking at a watch (that I don't need) on chrono24.com, and luckily, someone bought it. There is one more beautiful example for sale (it's at least 45 years old), and I think I've convinced myself to click away and pretend it's not there. This has been going on for almost a week now...I really like this watch!

I try so hard to stay away from watches, as every time I dip my toes in the water I get far too obsessed. With limited edition books and motorcycles, I already have two expensive hobbies, and I don't need or want a third. That said, horology always seems to drag me back in a time or two a year, and I find myself visiting Watchuseek.com and Watchrecon.com daily. I have a glass-top box with twelve slots and only have two spots left, so at least I've managed to corral in and contain the potential. I haven't breached the four-digit threshold yet, so I suppose that's something...though there are a couple models in the Hamilton Jazzmaster Automatic Chronograph line that sure continue to catch my eye, and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean chronograph in orange is my grail watch.

[Dave1442397]

I am. Something must have happened with the high bidder. Woot!

That's great, congrats on the win!

I was looking at a watch (that I don't need) on chrono24.com, and luckily, someone bought it. There is one more beautiful example for sale (it's at least 45 years old), and I think I've convinced myself to click away and pretend it's not there. This has been going on for almost a week now...I really like this watch!

[Martin]

I am. Something must have happened with the high bidder. Woot!

Congratulations!

[Ben Staad]

I am. Something must have happened with the high bidder. Woot!

Are you adding another lettered to your collection?

[Martin]

Things may have gotten interesting here.

Are you adding another lettered to your collection?