The Visionary

I love Florida. It is a State of many contrasts. Huge mansions look across the road at homes that are less than mansion type structures. On one main thorofare near our home the zoning appears to be somewhat like a cabbage patch. There are businesses interspersed with private dwellings and a lot of "For Sale" signs.

On the road I reference there is what appears to be a fortune teller who is attempting to drum up business. Outside of the business location is a promotional sign announcing what I'll refer to as "today's special".


While it appears to always be the same special, who's to question it's still not special that day?


The economy has been tough for everyone, so it seems that from time to time there are also vehicles for sale at the location.


Recently, there appears to be a fishing boat with motor for sale. I hesitate to go any further with my attempt to categorize it.

My expertise with identifying boats is mainly limited to rowboats I've rowed in circles at Edinboro Lake and Kennywood Park.

At the latter facility, I was pulling to my right with my dominant arm, as I attempted to entertain my picnic date seated at the other end of the boat. In the center of the small boat pond was a tower from the top of which emanated various public address announcements.

I had never been that close to the tower and when the announcer's voice boomed out: "This is the Voice Of Kennywood" - I promptly dropped the weaker arm's oar into the water.

I can't recall if my date swam to shore or not. Not a good boating story.

However, I do somewhat recall touring the Queen Mary, in Southern California . I hesitate to detail this experience as all of us were "partying hardy". My memories of the day are somewhat diffuse. You see, I also seem to recall that Howard Hughes's airplane was located inside the ship. So, my reliability may be in question here.


Anyway, the sight of this boat of unknown classification got me wondering. Suppose a man stopped and inquired about the price of the boat and motor?


Upon hearing the asking price he decides it is way out of his price range. Not to be discouraged, as he is a frequent flea market and garage sale attendee, he counters with an offer of roughly one-third the stated sales price.


The seller becomes outraged and threatens to throw the man off the lot.

The prospective buyer runs back to his car but, as he flees, he shouts over his shoulder: "I don't know why you're so upset. You should have seen it coming!"

Now keep in mind - this never happened as far as I know. It all took place in my imagination. But, maybe, I'll stop over there some day just for the heck of it.