Saturday living

The old clipper sailboat that was built in Shanghai sold yesterday. She was bought by a nice fellow who was thrilled to get her. He is going to do a year-long restoration on her.

I know how thrilled he is because I am still so glad to have bought my boat a little over a year and a half ago. It was a happy day but also a bit daunting too. But any hesitation I had is gone. Since then I have gotten so much pleasure out of her, even though I spent money on her too. I don't begrudge any of that. I want to live a life that gives me and those I love pleasure.

The man who owned the old boat was a fellow who spent no money on her. He ran her aground four years ago and did nothing to check for damage. When she was pulled from the water yesterday, about 3 feet of her rudder was gone. He had told me there were a few "chips". In the final deal, he let the boat go at a much reduced price because of the rudder damage. He did not gain anything from his inaction or from not being forthcoming. Frankly, I was embarrassed to have told the buyer that the boat was in good shape when there was such a flaw.

I take care of the things that I have. My father taught me to treat things well and to not expect replacements. I am mindful of the value of what I have. Plus, I like fixing things myself--a DIY mentality. And if I can't fix something, I pay someone who will.

There are all kinds of people in this world. I don't have much respect for ones who hide and conceal things from others. Eventually, we all are found out for the wrongs that we do. What goes around does eventually come around.