Vocabulary Lesson: 'zip ties'

Hello, zip ties. Nice to finally remember your name.

Yes, it has been a while since I have been on the beach to pick up any plastic. (And, yes, I am going through terrible withdrawal from the crashing waves and soothing salt air.) But it's funny sometimes how unrelated parts of life have a way of relating to each other.

I was reminded today (by a WIRED article advocating zip ties as bike-tire traction for snowy days) of the name for these things that I had been simply calling "plastic ties." I just knew there was another name for them — it has been on the tip of my tongue, but eluding me all this time. What a relief!

World, meet "zip ties" — often found cluttering Montauk beaches, no doubt having some important function in the fishing world, but also great for riding your bike in the snow.

For the love of local food ...

The sister's market booth — Beautiful Briny Sea salts.
Rosemary salts, my fave.

I am headed to the farmers' market bright and early this morning to help my sister set up the Beautiful Briny Sea salt booth. But it is almost impossible to wake up at 6:30 a.m. when it's pitch black outside! Here's hoping I can do it when it counts next week, when I am officially filling in as the salt girl.

Did you watch 'The Walking Dead' on Sunday night?

I did. And this line really stuck with me:

"The world runs on fossil fuel. I mean, how stupid is that?"

- Dr. Jenner, "The Walking Dead"

Nothing like a zombie apocalypse to put things into perspective.

When winter is making you blue ...

... open the blinds and let a little sunshine in.