Date: 30 November 2013. Fine Folks.
© janice142
Since arriving in Carrabelle I have enjoyed the privilege of
meeting many fine folks along the waterfront. This is a small town that to
my eyes is laid out for the convenience of boaters. A couple of marinas
and a working boatyard (Dockside is do-it-yourself and also has hired help
available) are all good things. What I like best of all are the people.
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It is
wonderful to be able to row across the river and be within a short
walk to all the amenities such groceries, thrift store, a library, the
post office, a marine hardware store and more. There is even an
old-time real hardware store, in addition to the ACE Hardware. The
real place is called Gander's Hardware and it is a gem -- still run by
the Gander family with that home-town friendly manner that used to be
so prevalent in towns across America.
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Write kindness in marble and write injuries
in the dust. Persian Proverb.
Let me tell you a little about Gander's Hardware Store.
This is the type of place that if you do not see it, ask. The item is probably
there. Of course there is a great selection of stainless hardware, along
with plumbing supplies, and more. The prices are good too.
I went into Gander's just before
Thanksgiving. During the winter I use my lanterns more frequently
because they give off heat which helps keep Seaweed warm. My supply of
mineral spirits was running low. Yes, I could burn expensive lantern oil
but I wouldd much rather spend $12 or so for a gallon versus $5 per quart.
I requested the mineral oil from Mr. Gander and he brought
up to the counter a jug of Paint Thinner. Without my glasses I asked for
confirmation that it was what I needed for the lanterns. Yes it was but
the most surprising thing was Mr. Gander's suggestion that Kerosene was
less money and would work too. How many places would do that? Instead of
spending $11.39 plus tax for paint thinner I paid $9.69 for kerosene. Of
course I will be back. Honest business men are a true treasure. That I was
treated well as a transient was particularly heartwarming.
Also within wifi reach of the anchorage (with a booster) is
the public library. The people running it are friendly and always willing
to help. In addition to computers to use for web-surfing, they have one rack of books available for swapping, others for
checkout, and a couple bookcases with movies (both VCRs and DVDs) along with
books for a $1 donation per grocery bag. After a long stretch of not
enough books, it was sheer pleasure to "shop" the shelves. Yes, I ended up
bringing back most of which I read so they could sell them again. A
lending library is a boon to me, and having books especially before the
arrival of my
Kindle
was a true treat!
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Within sight of the anchorage is also a post office.
Miss Connie works there and could not be nicer. It is easy to receive mail c/o
General Delivery, Carrabelle, FL 32322. I have been enjoying a good
run of correspondence since arrival. After departure I will surely miss the
convenience of being able to walk over and collect mail.
Finding a way to receive mail is problematic when in
transit. Usually
I have things sent to my daughter who every few months gathers a bundle and
mails it on to me. I hate waiting for the good stuff.
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This is Miss Connie. She is a gem.
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Of course there is Amazon. Yes, I am weak
especially with such easy mail pickup here in Carrabelle. Someone sent a
gift certificate to me. How nice is that?!? I purchased the best book
ever. Okay, maybe not the best, but I had the original (published in 1980
as I recall) when I was home schooling my duo and now there is a Third
Edition out. I have hankered for it for quite some time and finally a few
days ago ordered same.
What is best however is that this book provides the critical details
without the minutia. Children should all know dates (1066, 1492, 1865, etc.)
and why they are important. We need to know what the Magna Carta is, to be
able to recognize a Picasso, Monet, and a Renior, know who Henry Ford is,
and
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy will teach all that and more.
I am excited to be again have this book aboard.
Reading is incredibly important.
My copy of the
Dictionary of Cultural Literacy was absconded by that child of mine though it was
filled with her notes. I like that my kidlet and now the grand are fond of
books. There is such a world open to those that read. At anchor it is
especially relaxing to curl up with a good book, especially if the book is
not
about how to fix something that has broken on the boat!
My most used but least liked book is
Calder's Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual.
For every complicated problem, there is a
simple solution... and it's probably wrong.
I am excited and hope to go to shore on Tuesday to
check for my newest book and visit Jerry [http://justrightmarine.com]
at Just Right Marine. He is my mechanic and we shall be placing the order for
engine parts. Fortunately the company in England that has all we need will
ship to the United States. Life is great in Carrabelle.
So, here I sit at anchor enjoying
my time in Carrabelle and meeting the nice folks of this town. If a
person has to sit out an engine swap, I suspect there are few places
where it could be done in such comfort with conveniences so close
by. Truly I am fortunate.
Is your home town small or large?
What is your favorite reference type book?
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