It’s that time of the year again, crops are being planted in our fertile Jersey City soil.  We have had decent results in the past.  In fact, one of our Habanero plants yielded over 250 Habaneros last year.  The majority of which are dried and ground up to make spicy seasonings.  This year we are planting:  Tomatoes, Squash, Beans, Parsnips, Carrots,  Habaneros and some assorted herbs.  Now to get Rosie our hen back to laying eggs.  She started molting and thus went on an egg laying hiatus recently.

Speaking of crops……Johnny Cash, “Look at Them Beans” from 1975. Nice watch strap on the album cover.

Derelict Places is an English based web-site dedicated to abandoned structures. From insane asylums to woolen mills to crumbling WWII bunkers, it’s got something for everyone.

I have had a fascination with old abandoned structures, especially old farm houses and hunting lodges since I was wee lad. I grew up camping, fishing and hunting and whenever we were in the back woods of MN, WI, or IA and came across an old building I had to investigate. Scavengering through one of these abandoned houses was a very close second to plopping down in a duck blind or fishing for trout. You never new what lied within. My father used to collect old beer cans and he was just as interested in pawing about as I was. In the back of all these structures was their dump site and this is where you could unearth old cork bottles, tins and beer cans. My father still has a bunch of his rarest cone top beer cans in his office that came from these dumps. On many of these excursions I used to collect agates.

The Lake Superior agate can be found all over MN and WI. Because of their abundancy, the Lake Superior Agate, became the official MN State Gem in 1969. Most of mine came from long walks on gravel roads. I clean my agates then store them in water filled cork bottles and sit them on my window ledge.

5″ tall cork bottle with Lake Superior Agate shards.

I know Spring is right around the corner but now is the time to shop for winter coats. Case in point – Sterlingwear of Boston, who makes superior, military spec Peacoats at a very good value has some great deals at Vermont’s Barre Army & Navy. Sterlingwear’s 100% wool, fitted “Mariner’ Peacoat is $139 and their “Navigator’ Peacoat which is also fitted and has a full satin lining can be had for $99. All of the Sterlingwear coats are union made in East Boston. Hurry up as sizes are going fast. The glowing testimonial at Ask Andy About Clothes has me sold:

“After reading several positive reviews on the site, I decided to check out Sterlingwear of Boston and their selection of Peacoats.

After realizing they were located in East Boston, about block from where I grew up – I decided to call and ask if they took orders in person and if I could come over and look at some of the styles. They were extremely helpful on phone and were happy to get a visit from a customer, since most of their work is via internet, mail order and by contract with the US military.

To make a long story short, I went to the factory and met with Jack Foster the Director of Sales. He was one of the most helpful people I have met in years, and showed me around their facility, showed me some of their authentic Peacoats, some of their fashion designs, and some of the other things they make. I settled on a Navigator, which is basically the authentic US Navy Peacoat – with full satin lining. Got measured and special ordered it in Navy. It cost $159 dollars including all taxes and UPS delivery to my front door.

I received my jacket today (less than 4 weeks after my order), and I am totally blown away with the quality of the material, workmanship, and style. Honestly, if you are looking for a Peacoat – I suggest you give Sterlingwear of Boston a try. A really great bunch of people, making fantastic products, at amazing prices.”

US Wings has some nice military looks as well. Schott N-3B Parka. Made in Canada. Available in OD, Navy or Black. $74.95

Schott Toggle Knit Sweater. Available in Black. $136

Spring deals can be had too at US Wings. Military Cargo Shorts with adjustable waste tabs. Available in OD, Navy and Khaki. $16.95

WWII Aviators Cap made with 8.2 ounce twill and adjustable leather strap. Khaki. $9.95

Some of you may know that JanSport has introduced their Heritage line. Urban Outfitters recently started selling some of them but only a few of the range.

It’s nice to see all these companies that started back in the 60’s and 70’s are catching on that us 30 and 40 somethings have a thing for nostalgia. My school backpack in the early 80’s was a green JanSport. Unfortunately, it fell pray to the annual garage sale.

The Heritage site has some interesting photos and its cool to see the evolution of their brand. Their original logo is simply perfect.

The “Swinger” with brass zippers/hardware is coming soon.

Bag photo from a great blog I frequent called Men and Women of Industry

Seirra Trading Post has some nice deals going in their ‘clearance’ section. Quite a few Barbour Jackets to contemplate. Sizes limited so hurry up.

Barbour Summer Weight Waterproof Beaufort Jacket Now $179.95

Barbour Ayr Reversible Jacket Now $82.92

Barbour Utility Jacket Now $199.95

Barbour Beauchamp Waterproof Insulated Jacket Now $289.95

Barbour Duracotton Trapper Jacket Now $236.95

Barbour Flyer – Waterproof Jacket Now $179.95

Barbour Fulbourn Jacket Now $160.95

Bass Pro Shops has these on clearance for $19.94.  Not a ton of sizes left……

Click boot for details.

Also a great buy are these 6″ pull-ons from Cabela’s. My brother, Kirk can vouch for these having had them for the last 3 seasons.  $37.95

Click boot for details.

“Brit Eaton is the best of a curious breed of fortune hunters combing old mine shafts and barns across the West for vintage denim. He’s discovered $50,000 worth of clothes in a single day, and his clients include Ralph Lauren and Levi’s.”

He describes his profession as part “Antiques Roadshow and Crocodile Hunter.”

Rattlesnakes and drunk lunatics with shotguns won’t deter this guy from getting his fix of vintage clothing.

“I used to walk into a good thrift shop and my palms would get sweaty and then one day I couldn’t get excited by thrift shops. It’s like I used to enjoy firecrackers, but now it takes dynamite to get me high.” Brit’s statement reminded me of something Kurt Cobain said after he became rich. Something like, “thrift stores were just not as much fun and exiting anymore since he could buy the entire store.”

Click here to read the story

“Oxford American meets Town & Country” and “The New Yorker of the South” is how the new up start magazine, Garden & Gun, has been described.  Published by the first female editor of The New Yorker.  Rebecca Darwin, who has also held high level posts at GQ, Mirabella, and Fortune, has put together a great read.  Only 9 issues into its venture it features gorgeous photography and thought provoking writing from big-name authors like Reynolds Price, Clyde Egerton, Winston Groom and Roy Blount Jr.

They also hooked Syd Evans to be the editor.  Syd’s last job was the editor of Field and Stream so it appears that they have all their bases covered.

I may be a bit biased but that Olive Waxed Cotton & Leather Overnight Bag is pretty nice looking.