one step at a time

I believe I might have just a touch of obsessive compulsive disorder.

I have this new kick, or jag, or whatever you want to call it. I believe it's driving hobbitt just a little nuts. I'm sure it'll go away by autumn.

We were guests, you see, on the boat of some friends from Edmonds the other night. They are really fun folks, and wonderful hosts. It was a real treat for me to be on the water, even though we didn't leave the marina. It was cocktail hour...

The gentle rocking brought me back to many, many childhood memories of playing in, around, on, and beneath boats. I even had the extreme pleasure (for a 13-year-old) of piloting a neighbor's boat into the Shark River bay, beneath the Ocean Avenue bridge in Avon-by-the-Sea, New Joy Sea. It's not a thing a kid forgets.

So first I'd like to say, "Damn you Islander!" Then I'd like to say, thanks for a truly lovely evening. We had a great time. I also appreciated the way you and the lovely Mrs. Islander spoke about the way you see clear to enjoying yourselves in this way. It made me think quite a bit about recreation and my need for it, and how important it is for us to enjoy the here and now, since that's all we have anyway.

I've been spending pretty much all my free time since virtually shopping for boats, checking out moorage and maintenance costs, and driving hobbitt nuts, as previously stated. Oh, I will have a boat someday. (Okay, I have the kayak. But I'm talking something with a motor.) I'm sure I'll have a boat. It will happen.

Or not. I'm not attached. I'm just obsessed.

But first things first. Once the check I mailed today clears, this baby is finally all mine. Thirteen months early.