Hey, a travel note: I’ll be in the Azores all next week traveling with friends, so posting will be spotty. Any readers of this blog live there? Any of you been there, and can give this newcomer some advice? One of the friends I’ll be with has been there before, and will be taking our group to his favorite places. But I’m always eager for more input.

You’ll be shocked to know that this middle-aged fatso bought some actual hiking shoes yesterday, as the weather there is pleasant and there are lots of places to walk. So there.