Recently, I received notice that my dock permit expires in September.  That is somewhat ironic because the dock has been on dry land for several years, and even now the little cove on whose shores it sits is mostly a “marshland.”  So I am certainly not paying to renew that permit.

But I must do something with the dock. It’s only a flat, wooden swim dock, 10’ x 16,’ with a 16’ walk-on ramp.  Both the dock and ramp have metal frames, and there are two winches to move the connectors as water recedes and refills.

Everything seems to be in working condition. I would love to give it to anyone who will come and move it. If you are interested, call me (706) 216-3439.

Nostalgically, I hate to see the thing go. For more than 25 years, I sunned and swam, Morris fished, and we moved a succession of four or five boats from that cove. So, there are lots of memories.

After Morris died, I sold the pontoon, but still occasionally swam, ate lunch or enjoyed the sunset while sitting on the dock. Since the onset of the drought, however, weeds and grass have expanded to almost cover the path leading to the ramp. 

So the dock has served no purpose for me for several years, and I was suspicious that on my shallow side of the cove, there was little liklihood of my ever using it again.  This year confirmed that suspicion, even though docks on the other side of the cove are in use again.

Sometimes it takes a nudge, like the permit expiration notice, to make us face the reality that we probably have a number of things which we no longer need or use and which we should either sell, give away or trash. 

With all the advances in technology, I have a couple of cameras, a record player, and various other outmoded pieces of equipment which fit that category.

Sometimes we cling to prejudices or grudges the same way.  What are you holding onto unnecessarily?

Now for that apostrophe lesson; I’ve done at least one column on this previously.

I will not attempt to discuss plurals, possessives, and contractions — only the difference in “its” and “it’s.” 

I am amazed at the number of otherwise literate persons who consistently misuse these two words. The easiest way to prevent such misuse is to remember that it’s means only two things:  either it is or it has.  If you can’t substitute it is or it has, then write its, not it’s.  If you want the contraction of either it is or it has, then put the apostrophe. It’s that simple.

And don’t forget: I really want to give away that dock.

Helen Taylor’s column appears periodically in the Dawson Community News.