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Why are you called The Motte?
A motte is a stone keep on a raised earthwork common in early medieval fortifications. More pertinently,
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the more easily defended motte. In Shackel's words, "The Motte represents the defensible but undesired
propositions to which one retreats when hard pressed."
On The Motte, always attempt to remain inside your defensible territory, even if you are not being pressed.
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Notes -
I'm a bit biased because I'm an awful fisherman, but it's a bit technical if he's not already experienced at it. What should be an opportunity to just drink beer from a cooler can turn ugly if a hook goes somewhere it shouldn't.
My go-to with my FiL is watching football. You never have to talk about anything serious. Accomplishing yardwork or home improvement tasks can be fraught but at least you're getting something out of the deal. If you both bust your ass it's an excuse to burn more time to drive somewhere and get masculine food you shouldn't normally eat.
I personally always enjoyed shooting the shit with girlfriend's dads. Some of them weren't up for it, others were very enjoyable to talk to. I talk more about serious topics with my FiL then he does with any of his kids.
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