Watching the Ships Go Bye And Wondering About \"Stuff\"

I have a slight addiction to second-hand shops, I got the bug from my Mother.  She would take me to rummage sales as a child.  I also like to look at stuff that was thrown out.  I was eight years old and found an old German helmet.  The ones with the point on top.  I brought it home, my Dad showed it to his friend who was an antique dealer, I got $5.00 for it.  Hooked from then on.  If I walk three blocks I am right on the promenade watching the cargo and container ships coming into New York Harbour.  I can't help thinking aboutf all the stuff that has arrivied to be loaded onto our landfills.  Case in point, every year after Christmas is over,  I count the number of trees, including lights and ornaments that have been thrown out in front of apartment houses in my neighborhood.  I still have the lead toys, marked occupied Japan from my childhood and think of this every time I see those cargo ships and also think of of how much we throw away.     Kudos to the junkies, I remember chasing after the junkman as a kid, cause Mom saw a beveled glass breakfront hanging on his wagon.  She gave him $2.00 for it.  Dad refinished it and its still in my family. My brother despises secondhand anything and goofs on me all the time.  If I bring him a book or most anything he says where did you get this in the garbage?  I get that alot.  From other people who think its funny too.   I always enjoyed having stuff,  when I worked I was the one who had pins, needles, thread and assorted sundries.    I enjoy seeing things live on. I enjoy using things that someone else has had too.  Its a feeling of wonderment for me.  I like to think of how stuff can be used or who can use it that I know of.   This is more often not appreciated.  It amuses me that my behaviour makes some of my friends laugh.  I am the butt of their jokes, when it comes to stuff.  I am not a pack-rat and take extreme personal pride about the appearance and cleanliness of my home and everything I own.  Cleanliness. I also get that from my Mother.   Always have always will be clean.   I may not have "the latest stuff", but what I have is paid for clean and in excellent working condition.  I take care of stuff. I got to retire at an early age of 57 because I wanted to and because I could.  This too has been a major point of contention with some folks.  "What do you do all day"?.  Well the truth be told, I do whatever I want to.  I have worked since I have been 17 and I decided I had enough. So I watch the Ships Go Bye, wondering what is in those containers?.... I guess this time of year, its summer stuff.  More white plastic wobbley chairs.  How much money do we owe to China?  But that is another story.  Life if Good! Ree