Spent most of yesterday in my garage sorting through my Coleman stoves and lanterns. I own a bunch...many wait for restoration. I have three stoves completely restored, two in stages and another torn down. I enjoy the work but I'd never be able to sell them and recoup my investment in parts and time. As they say it's a labor of love.
Anyway, a fella recently asked if I had one for sale. We settled on a price so this morning I lugged the beautiful old girl into the shop and it now sits in my office. Thing is - well, now I'm not so sure I want to let her slip away. The price I quoted wouldn't cover a tank of gas for my truck.
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Our group gathered at the farm this past weekend and I missed it. Here I am the founder of this bunch of like minded individuals, and I let them down. Talk about an awful feeling....but, sometimes life just gets in the way.
Me, the guy that has always pounded the mantra, group first, screwed the pooch. Sorry guys. My friend and fellow group member, Senior, posted a nice note and described the day's activities. Bet they didn't miss me for a moment.
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I will make extreme effort to make the blog rounds today...if work allows. Kinda miss you guys.
Later,
Stephen
I know what you mean about those labors of love. They just seem so priceless after you get them finished. Even if all you do is look at them.
ReplyDeleteI understand the sense of frustration at missing the weekend retreat, but think on this: you can't benefit the group by neglecting those things which make it possible for you to be a contributing member.
ReplyDeleteI grew up camping with that exact model stove. Camped across the country and back, twice. Man, that was a while ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that memory.
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteWe've all missed you too!!!
Life should always come before blogging, I see you've taken Sweet Wife's suggestion to heart :-) Give her a hug for me!!!
Know what 'ya mean Stephen - have been away from the computer for a few days - just had to get some stuff done around here before the holidays.
ReplyDeleteSo much to do and not much energy to do it all. Takes me twice as long to do things now.....sigh.
The people I am familiar with in your group are self actuated. They won't hold it against you that you missed one get together. Seems like they had a pretty good time from what I can tell. Everybody gets snowed under sometimes.
ReplyDeleteWe never miss a chance to 'trash talk' those who don't show up.
ReplyDeleteYou do what you gotta... Life is never fair...
ReplyDelete