Uncle Gnarley was perhaps better suited to
unemployment boots, while traversing the island in search for a great fishing
pool. This evening he wore Birkenstocks
and a tie-dyed shirt while drinking an Italian coffee. After all these years, I have learned never
to be surprised by my old friend.
Uncle Gnarley was totally engrossed in his book. The firm grip of his teeth on his bottom lip
was a tell-tale sign that he was in a state of higher concentration. I went over and nudged him "I thought
you would be up the Gander River by now?"
He was clearly not pleased, slowly rotating his head
to look up. The clasped lip was quickly
replaced by the unmistakable grin.
"Nav, the water is too high on accounts of all this rain. This fine evening, I am taking my pleasure in
a cup of coffee and a book. It is called
Why Nations Fail,
written by a couple of economists from Harvard. It is simply written, but it does outline a
very thought provoking theory. You might
enjoy the simple concepts, Nav”.
With that I knew that this was not to be a quick
encounter. I took the chair which was
graciously offered.
