NB Day 7 – Still Sebastian

I am thinking that EVERY mishap on this trip is my fault. It’s very hard to admit that to yourself, but if this is going to be a learning and growth experience, then I have to face facts.

Running aground and snapping the rudder key: clearly my fault. Damaging the prop: clearly my fault. Now the transmission.

Here’s what happened…The blown belt was NOT my fault; these things happen. But in my impatience to get the belt replaced and get underway, I neglected to do my usual pre-trip check. At my next stop, I realized the transmission fluid was very low – possibly vaporized by the overheating. I filled it at my next stop, but I think the damage was done.

Demerits to me for impatience and a lack of discipline – not following best practices. Are you seeing a pattern when I mention impatience?

Good thing I’m not an airplane pilot.

OK. Good. Now I’ve admitted that to myself (and to my readers). Let’s compartmentalize that and move on.

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While I’m waiting for repairs, I thought I might publish a post that I wrote earlier but never published:

The World’s Ugliest Squeaky Toy

When we were visiting Mel and Bonni in Sarasota, Bonni pointed out how much Guinness loved THEIR dog’s squeaky toys, and she guilted me into buying some for Guinness. He does love them.

After he eats, he is always full of energy and wants to play. Unfortunately, I am probably sitting around with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a cigar.

So the squeaky toys provide the play.

Here’s the first one: this possum is inherently ugly (a really good possum replica), but now it is missing one ear and 2-1/2legs. It definitely looks like road kill.

I’m pretty sure the tail will go next.

The possum essentially functions as a throw toy. I toss it into the forward cabin; Guinness propels himself down the companionway steps and retrieves it. I throw it up the dock, and he launches himself off the boat and retrieves it, and the cycle continues.

Once the possum is destroyed, a duck and a snake are waiting in the wings.

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I’ll report more on the transmission issue when I know more.