Been Out of Touch

This has been an interesting summer. I did have plans to keep up a weekly Blog. However, I am spending a lot of time on my sail boat, and am having a difficult time trying to stay on-line long enough to do some writing. For some reason there has been a problem with the wireless all summer.

Of course this leads to some frustration on my part. At my age there should not be anything that can  frustrate me...except my arthritis and various other aches and pains nature visits upon seniors! The frustration is minor as I am now resigned to these daily enemies and accept them as part of my existence. But not having Wi-Fi at my finger tips...well that's another story! There are those who say frustration is a form of repressed anger caused by the inability to achieve a goal. I rather view it as a form of disappointment and I believe that meaning is closer to the Latin origin of the word. Honestly, I don't need advice or pills to deal with it!

"Life is not an easy matter...You cannot live through it without falling into frustration and cynicism unless you have before you a great idea which raises you above personal misery, above weakness, above all kinds of perfidy and baseness." - Leo Trotsky. So why should I be any different?

I managed to get this much written and then came along an invitation for Maureen and I to spend a few days on a friend's sail boat. It's called Awful Beloved, but that is a long story for another time. Today, both the weather and wind are kicking up so we pulled anchor and motored into the Waupoose Marina, near Picton Ontario. Maureen and Caroline are off exploring the countryside and I decided to remain on board to see if I could finish this blog prior to heading back to Toronto and our own boat at the end of the week.

I must admit the frustration is now gone and I am in the cabin typing as the boat rocks back and forth at its berth.

Yesterday afternoon the crew of four anchored boats in the bay, got together for late cocktails. Now I remember years ago when we gathered on another boat the host boat would supply some of the drink and a few nibbles. Much to my surprise the skipper decided our contribution would be fresh pizza. Prior to rowing over (the engine refused to start on the Zodiac) to the other boat at anchor, the skipper, with my meager help, cooked up two beautiful pizzas. We packed them off in a waterproof bag, along with a few cans of beer, and rowed the dinghy to the rendezvous vessel. The other visitors were already on board and enjoying a refreshing drink in the stern cockpit. We clamoured up the transom ladder, pizza and beer in hand, and settled in on the comfortable cushions with the other guests.

Now in days gone by when we visited another vessel at anchor for a wee drink we brought simple fare such as canned oysters or a bag of nuts and chips. Similar items, along with a cheese tray, were usually served up from below by the host vessel. But not this time. Up into the cockpit came a magnificent tray of crackers seperated by various cheeses and apple slices from the local area. This was followed by a large bowl of selected stuffed olives. By now everyone was ready for a second drink.  Much of the conversation, as was to be expected, centered around sailing adventures. Then one of the pizzas was served hot  receiving rave reviews. I was still waiting for the canned oysters!

Again the drinks were refreshed, accompanied with lots of ice, another tray appeared from the cabin. This time it consisted of pieces of watermelon, topped with more exotic cheese, again local, with a sprig of fresh mint and held together with a large toothpick. It was simply delicious.

By now the sun was settling on the horizon and most of us decided one last swim in the crystal clear waters was in order. It was absolutely beautiful and refreshing. Back on board the conversation switched to the latest round of "shady" stories and then the second pizza appeared. Finally, one of the skippers brought out a large bottle of Gin, also produced locally. Naturally we had to compare it to the usual brands provided by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and found it very interesting. ( A subtle way of saying it was good but not special!). First there was a sweet flavour, and then a harsh aftertaste. We all agreed it was unique, but it would not be one of our favourite gins! 

It was a splendid way to spend the late afternoon and watch the fading orange and gold sun slip over the distant tree line.

The crew and skipper on our boat had prepared chicken for dinner last evening. When we finally made it back to the boat we decided we would have the chicken dinner the following day instead. We tucked into our cozy berths for the night and, after one "sleeper" were soon rocked to sleep to the sound of the lapping water.

If I was frustrated when I first began this blog a few days ago I can now say I feel great. Life has been good to me and I do appreciate the fantastic friends I have met, the great times I have had and the joys of boating that have filled my life to the brim.

It is true Canada is a land where these pleasures can be enjoyed. But they require a positive attitude, and openness to change, and the courage to reach out to others. It must be most difficult for those who are filled with hate and sadness, who are frustrated and unhappy - but who are not ready to do anything about their own condition. As I have said so often each one of us is the author of who we are today. Blaming others for our condition produces no benefits, but simply more frustration. Yes I have been fortunate, but I have seized the opportunites and, as a result, have much to be thankful for.

And that's Dick's View of the World this Week