I'm only 33, so I'm the grandchild of depression era folks but they never imparted much of a sense of the real value of things well-made. Many folks who lived through the depression were forced to reuse everything that they had for much longer than anyone would have expected. Those are the folks with that weird old electric drill-driven circular saw, barns held together with sheet tin and usually two or three old cars tucked way out in the "Back 40." Some of those folks kept and still keep everything. Others deliberately tossed out everything that they could because keeping all that old stuff was tantamount to saying that they couldn't afford new things even though new things were available. This is why neither of my grandparents left many pieces of heirloom furniture or the like for posterity.

I however, grow up with very little and have always appreciate what I have, most especially quality. I've known hunger and cold and lived without running water for years. Consequently, I appreciate these things greatly and respect the few amenities and possessions that I do have.

I can't really think of a metaphor that describes me, but if you ever stop by the Habitat for Humanity "Re-Store", I'm usually the guy looking carefully through the various bins and mason jars of nuts, bolts, and fittings that were found in "Grandpa's" garage and donated. I'm always looking for that odd bit of hardware or small treasured-tool that most people think is just junk. Most of my hand tools were found in a flea market or thrift store for a quarter each.

I'm also the guy who drives through worn-down neighborhoods, looking carefully at the glazed tile cornice or fluted steel columns in a generally neglected building. I live in a 80 year old house that I've slowly and deliberately restored and enhanced with a respect to the character of the structure. I see the often value in things discarded by others and can't abide the wanton waste that our society allows and encourages. I've also been boycotting Walmart since 1994...

I also know that each of us is only around for a tiny fraction of time and that while each of use wants to make a lasting mark on the landscape, I'm aware that others will follow me and judge the impact that I made. I try to look beyond the short-sightedness of my generation and culture and try to see and compensate for the consequences of my actions and choices.

I think I have a unique perspective on these things. I'm a trained and educated archaeologist as well as a trivial historian, and a trained geographer, and ecologist.

I drive Volvos because they are a quality machine that if taken care of, will last a very long time. I respect quality and longevity above most things and feel compelled to assist in the survival of such things. I'm also not egotistical or chrono-centric enough to think that me or my generation can solve all the problems out there or that our present perspective will be judged the "right" one long after our volvos have reverted to the dust from which they came.

I also hate throwing out a perfectly good belt, when there's good leather shop right down the street.