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Grandfather Says: Something Beautiful That Money Can Never Buy

By RD Blakeslee

One of the things we all have where money doesn’t count is the sky.

Grandfather pays attention to it and says he will miss it when he’s six feet under.

Sundown – Grandfather’s deck

Thunderstorm from an airliner window at 33,000 feet, on the way to Alaska.

From the deck of Grandfather’s cabin in Alaska.

***

About the Author: RD Blakeslee is a nonagenarian in West Virginia who built his net worth by only investing in that which can be enjoyed during acquisition and throughout life, as opposed to papers in a drawer, like stocks and bonds. You can read more about him here. This article was originally published on 8 March 2018.

Photos: Courtesy of the Blakeslee Family

July 28, 2022

Comments

  1. 1

    Mary says

    So pretty! A perfect example of a picture being worth a thousand words. Thanks for reminding us that the best things in life are free.

    • 2

      RD Blakeslee says

      You’re welcome, Mary.

      • 3

        Mary says

        I came back after reading Len’s message. Where is your Alaska cabin?

        (I’m glad the full article was restored but your message was gold even without the extra photos!)

        • 4

          RD Blakeslee says

          The cabin is on Chilkat Lake, about 30 miles NW of Haines, AK, Mary.

          Funny you should mention gold, which is mined by rugged, independent cusses everywhere in Alaska.

  2. 5

    DAvid C says

    The sky has always amazed me and filled me with awe. And these shots only reinforce this feeling. Thank you for sharing them, especially the view from his cabin. That has to be quite restful.

    • 6

      RD Blakeslee says

      It was restful on the deck in Alaska, DAvid, but Grandfather has to be content with the view from his deck at home, now (the first picture), as will be explained in a forthcoming episode of “Grandfather Says”.

  3. 7

    Sam I Am says

    Great pics. Alaska is a big beautfiful state. Where is your cabin located?

    • 8

      RD Blakeslee says

      On Chilkat Lake, About 30 miles NW of Haines.

  4. 9

    RD Blakeslee says

    Now, a little over 4 years since this vignette was posted, I am still able to enjoy the view from my deck, because I built my house to be suitable to live in for all my life: https://lenpenzo.com/blog/id58566-grandfather-says-some-thoughts-on-building-a-life-long-homestead.html

    • 10

      RD Blakeslee says

      …but, I’ve had to sell the cabin in Alaska…

      https://lenpenzo.com/blog/id49738-grandfather-says-the-alaskan-cabin-on-chilkat-lake.html

      …so, no more viewing the sky over Chilkat Lake, or from an airliner’s window.

  5. 11

    bill says

    Thank you for posting the wonderful photos Mr. Dave.

    You’ve got me thinking about beautiful sky views in my memory.

    I’m listening to Kate Smith sing “The Best Things In Life Are Free” in your honor Mr. Dave. Glad you found them, and love in your life.

    I wonder if Mr. Dave and I are the only ones who remember Kate Smith.

    • 12

      Len Penzo says

      I remember her too, Bill (although she was arguably before my time). However, I do remember seeing her on a few variety shows when I was a kid.

      • 13

        RD Blakeslee says

        During WWII, Kate used to sing on the radio every night; “God Bless America”.

Trackbacks

  1. Black Coffee: Welcome to the Financial Fun House – Len Penzo dot Com says:
    March 10, 2018 at 4:16 am

    […] it before then — so I strongly encourage those of you who read it on Thursday to go back and check out the post as it was intended to be published. My apologies, […]

  2. Black Coffee: Welcome to the Financial Fun House -- Business Updates says:
    March 10, 2018 at 7:49 am

    […] on it before then — so I strongly encourage those of you who read it on Thursday to go back and check out the post as it was intended to be published. My apologies, […]

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