Five months is How long it took me to drill the 5 inch diameter hole needed for my new Dickinson fireplace . For five months, I stared at  that small quadrant of the boat where the fireplace would live. Staring,  knowing sooner or later I would have to make a decision. I stared at it while it was sweltering hot. I stared as the leaves started to fall. Thankfully as I write this, my toes are warming not far from the crackling fire. My furry friend snuggled in by my side. A small cast iron pot nestled perfectly on the stove simmers with steam.  The crackle of the fire the multicolored glow from the Christmas tree! Cozy at last. My boat sits at 67°. While it’s 27° outside. But Back to the five months Sure I’ve been busy, but have I been that busy. Just last weekend, I used a small propane heater to heat the cabin. It kept us warm as we watched the parade of lights at anchor. The need was there. Sure I needed to order the proper parts and assemble the system before I actually installed and drilled the hole, but there was a lot of procrastination. Could it be because I was drilling a 5 inch hole into my boat. Or was it because procrastination is fun! instead, I was sailing or watching a YouTube channel of sailing. But this I have found to be true. The sense of joy  I’m always searching for is in the work I’m avoiding. Life proves this to me time after time. Will I choose sailing over projects again? You betcha! But in the end the joy is in the work! Here in Middle River It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. With a coco in hand and a roaring fire I say bring it on! 

Happy Holidays 

From Jimmy and Marley 

Sv Magic