There are a couple of things I miss, living on a boat. A bathtub is number one on my list. I remember those days, pre-boat, when I could have a leisurely soak in a tub full of bubbles. While we were hauled last month, and staying at the Howard Johnson hotel in South City, I plunked my big self down into their miniscule excuse for a bath tub. Sweetie walked in and just laughed at the sight of me packed into that tub, like a quart trying to fit into a pint container.
Another thing I miss is a washer and dryer, although I have never had one of my very own. But I'm sure I would like one. The laundry is packed up once a week and carried to the local laundromat. I think Sweetie must be part centipede, because he always has at least 16 pairs of dirty socks, every single week. Are all men like that?
I wish I could have a few indoor plants on the boat. Our friends Daryl and Tracy have a beautiful collection of blooming orchids on their sail boat, Q. Their boat has forward-looking windows with a shelf that is perfectly situated for the orchids. The closest I come to live plants these days are cut flowers that always have to be stashed in the toilet bowl prior to leaving the slip. The dry toilet bowl is the perfect place to store top heavy vases during a rough trip. I have found that heavy crystal vases (from the Goodwill store) travel better than the florists' pressed-glass vases. I suppose the heavier weight of the crystal prevents the vase from sliding around when the boat rolls. I used to grow kitty grass that might have been classified as an indoor plant, but it caused a nightly puke-a-thon, so I have discontinued growing it, for obvious reasons.
A fish tank would be nice to have, but again, for obvious reasons, I deny myself this particular pleasure.
A library, or at least a substantial book shelf, would be heavenly. Imagine having all the reference books you would ever need, right at your fingertips? If I had room for just 200 books, I'd be content. A toilet that doesn't talk back is on my list of wanna-haves. Landlubbers take flushing for granted. The closest thing for a boat is an electric Vacu-flush, but I don't want to rob a bank to buy one. Besides, I don't trust something that is so easy to use, although the lucky people who have them rave about their dependability.
Even if we were to win Lotto (I'm not sure, but I think you actually have to buy a ticket to win...) I don't think we would move back to land. Even without the luxuries of a bathtub, a washing machine, blooming live orchids, a library and a real toilet I will take my happy life on board over anything else. Besides, if you don't get along with the neighbors, all you have to do is ask your harbormaster for a change of slips!
