Valentine’s Day

I’m torn. Not literally, but figuratively. Being literally torn would probably be accompanied by a great deal of pain. While I am enduring a small amount of pain in the way of sore muscles from skiing, I’m certainly not torn. Actually, thinking back a great number of years to microbiology and anatomy and physiology, I may be, in fact, torn. Isn’t muscle pain primarily the result of small tears in the muscle fibers? Okay, so I’m literally torn a little bit, but more so, figuratively.

You may ask, why am I torn? As I mentioned, Suzanne and I are New Jersey for a romantic ski weekend. And while I am greatly enjoying the time away, I’m also contemplating the list of required work for Condor. And now you may ask, why am I contemplating the list of required work for Condor when I should be enjoying the time away with my wife. Well, that’s an easy one. Since Suzanne was 100% behind the idea of buying Condor, it’s a joint project. Since it’s a joint project, it makes sense that when we’re together, Condor should be part of the thoughts and conversations. Plus, I was told I’m not allowed to think about that nasty, four-letter word this weekend. That’s right, the “w” word – work.

So, in between trips to the mountain, I think about all that needs to be done. With a somewhat self imposed deadline of March 31, we’re quickly running out of time. And the two blizzards this year haven’t helped. Yesterday, I heard some mention the three blizzards this year. I was able to restrain myself and not correct them. I see that it might be easy to think that we’ve had three blizzards this year. If you think back (and possibly look at a calendar), you’ll discover that our “first” blizzard this season was actually in December, and therefore, it was the last blizzard of last year. So, we’ve only had two blizzards this year.

But these blizzards and cold temperatures aren’t helping the cause. Condor sits patently waiting for the care she has been promised. Perhaps the kids could take notice of her patience and learn by her example. “When’s dinner?” “In a little while. I’ve got to take care of the chickens first.” “I’m hungry. Why isn’t it ready yet?” “Because I had to clean up your laundry and clean the cat boxes first.” Okay, I admit, this was actually a conversation between Suzanne and I, but it just as easily could have been between one of the kids and Suzanne.

Because I can’t be working on Condor, as she waits patiently, I’m writing this entry in the blog. This answers the question, why are you making another entry in the blog, if you haven’t done any more work? I know how you guys think. I had one reader pose a similar question. I use the term “reader” rather loosely. If a person who, while driving along the highway, reads a billboard, one might label them as a billboard reader. You are reading this and thus, I label you a reader.

And so, this reader asked, “Why did you make a blog for a single boat? Why not just a general blog for all your boats, or all your experiences? You will now be limited to talking about one boat in particular. What happens when you start working on another boat?” This reader (and the four of you will have to argue over which of you this was) has a good point. We have, in fact, restored over thirty boats in the past 15 years. But why would this blog not be able to relate some of those experiences?

Another reader asked if Condor brings the number of currently owned boats to a even half a dozen. I find I am torn with this question. Not only am I amazed that I have more than one reader, but that this person would think that I am a hoarder of boats. Of course we don’t have six boats! We only have five. We sold a Laser and the skiff. My 1975 pea-green Laser isn’t a project anymore. She’s solid and light and has upgraded rigging. I just need time to sail her.

As I sit here, torn, but ready to go back to the mountain to tear up the snow, I think about all the work on Condor that is not getting done. I think about Condor waiting patiently. Perhaps I’ll send her a Valentine’s Day card.