Repair

We got a bbq from Trash and Treasure the other day.  It looked really good though everything bought there is “as is”.  We really did not know if it was any good until we tested it.  Fortunately, when we did that, it was as good as it looked.
It was rather large.  We knew we could get it into the back of the vehicle, but that it may take some manipulation and removing of parts for the trip.  To that end we were unscrewing handles.  A couple of the workers came and gave us a hand.  We were delighted.
One of the fellows was from India originally and I will never forget what he said.  He said he had noticed in this country when something is broken there is a tendency to get rid of it and get a new one.  Where he was from the tendency is to repair it.
Over here though that tends to be easier to say than do.  A lot of stuff is built not to last.  It always amazes me how soon after the warranty expires something gives up the ghost.
It reminded me of a builder I had working at my place.  He said his daughter really liked his vacuum cleaner and wanted one for her home.  He said he bought two to make one decent one.  Fortunately, he knew what he was doing and could do that.
Personally, I am really glad I get repaired rather than discarded. I have bits that are broken or do not meet the manufacturers original expectation.  I could easily and deservedly be discarded but I am not.  I am repaired.  Works for me.
This morning I realized a back strap was broken on my backpack.  It has served me well.  I could easily get a new one for around $100.  Or I could do a fix with what I had on hand.  I fixed it.  It may not look as pretty but it is functional.  There no doubt will come a day when a new one is needed.  Thankfully today is not that day (to quote Lord of the Rings).
My thinking has for ages been I would rather fix something and save money that can be used for something else.  I can only give it if I have got it.
The backpack is fit for purpose again.  I tend to wear it when taking photo’s.  It would have been awkward with only one strap.  Now I can give the photography the attention it deserves.  I am under no illusion that I am very good, but occasional there is an outstanding shot that both I and others are drawn to.
I am not very good at repairing stuff but I do give it a shot when I can.  I also sometimes enlist the help of others who do know what they are doing.
Things that are built to last sometimes just need tweaking and they are good to go again.