I used to read a lot. Growing up, we didn't have television. We didn't live in town either, I grew up in the middle of dirty acres of woods. If you wanted entertainment you read a book, played a card or board game, or went outside and amused yourself any way you could. My two favorite authors were Louis L'Amour and, later, Clive Cussler. Both men wrote basically the same story-one man with a strong sense of morality that wins in the end against all odds, but does it quietly and with dignity. This man knows his ability but doesn't flaunt it, and rises to any challenge put before him.
Now, let's talk about old trucks. They're mystery novels. They have secrets both good and bad. These secrets aren't usually told outright, you have to dig and scratch to discover the true identity of the truck. You can see the trails of the previous owner, discover clues to the sort of life it lived, as you move around on your hunt for clues. I just traded away two old trucks. They had very different lives. I knew nothing of their history before they arrived at my house but when they left I knew a bit more. I may have made some money on the trade, I'm not sure. It's always a gamble. The real value, the true essence of the operation, is not the money made. I do have two reasons to make money but the real endeavor is the reading of the mystery novel. I'd rather live it than read it, and I do so each time I crawl under a new book.
Here's a direct chronology of a money trail:
1984 for f150. I'll spare you the redneck details or the importance or origin of the money, but it's important. Paid $2500. I know it's a lot but I told you I'd spare the details so just forget it and follow along.
Traded for 1989 Ford ranger. Better fuel mileage.
Trade for 1990 Jeep Cherokee. Tired of the five speed and needed a family vehicle, preferably four wheel drive. This truck quit running. Here's where it gets interesting. I spent a lot of money on that Jeep trying to resurrect it. We won't bother with all that. However, I learned a lot about those engines and basic diagnostics. Sold for 600. This is a strong loss.
Bought a ford pickup for 600. Put 200 in it, sold it for 900. Later found out it died a week later.
Bought a buck lesabre for 800. Spent 180 on it, sold it for 1800.
Bought two trucks for a total of 1300. Had 1600 in them and just traded for a truck and a four wheeler. Hopefully I can fix and sell these two for a total of $2500.
Now, if you had the choice to read a novel or live a mystery-solving hobby that increases your knowledge and grows your wallet, would you? I still don't have television and still don't need it.
