I'm late getting to the party, today, but , Don, your quotes are great any time of the day or night. Continuing on Lilo's theme, you've given us lots of "food for thought".

I love the C.S,Lewis quote - all the others are saying the same thing but I love the way he presents this thought

Sorry I missed commenting before, the first one I'm not sure about, but I think it's the wording ore than the meaning. # 2 and #3 are right on. Thank you, Don

I just came back to this thread...and have read through your comments. I would like to add a bit to my earlier post. Alcohol is served at most all of our Yacht Club functions. But, with the exception of one couple...nobody ever gets buzzed much less drunk. The guys who drink limit themselves to either one/two beers or a single glass of wine. Many, if not most, of the women don't drink alcohol at all. We are BOATERS first & foremost. Being drunk is not a good quality in a Captain or First Mate! We are conditioned to always be in control of ourselves. Lives depend on our ability to make clear decisions. People who choose boating as an activity at the level that you are in, I can almost assure you, have cultivated proficient seamanship skills...and being tipsy or drunk is NOT one of them. I have found it rare in life to run across a person who dramatically changes his/her "colors" from one scene to the next. If you're unfortunate enough to have somebody at your marina who allows beer or wine coolers on board...then, they might be expected to also indulge at other marina activities. But, I'll think they will be very much an exception. As far as the dancing thing goes...I'll also suggest that not many of the men do dance. Sure, there is always the few couples that shine on the dance floor but they are usually by far in the minority. Most people just enjoying watching those few who can really kick up their heels. My husband would not dance either at a dinner/dance event. I hope you can find a way to enjoy your marina friends & still remain true to both your principles & your personalities. I also can not drink alcohol, for different reasons, but it doesn't matter. The result is the same...I absolutely can't drink so I understand your situation. I sip my Diet Pepsi and nobody ever says anything about it. I don't think people at your marina will even question why you're not drinking alcohol. Our marina is a Hunter dealership...nice boat! Tricia