Notes From My Journal

EF and the Car

EF says he needs a new car. The one he has now is getting old, and he’s afraid it will soon be breaking down. EF is one of the four full-time people that maintain Paradise Palms, the botanical garden I’m developing in West Delray Beach. He’s a good, skilled worker and he is a valuable part of our team. He can operate all the equipment: the tractors, backhoes, ditch diggers, etc. He’s also reliable, punctual, etc. He is married with two young children. His after-tax pay is nearly $50,000 a year. “What sort of car are you thinking of?” I ask. “A jeep,” he says. “Wouldn’t an SUV be better for you and your family?” “No. The jeep I want will be good.” “What kind of jeep is that?” I ask. He shows me an image. It looks like a military vehicle. “Wow!” I say. “How much is it?” “$150,000.” “Dollars? US dollars?” He nods. I smile. “Are you joking?” I ask. He smiles back. “No, I’m not,” he says. I’m still skeptical. I look at him sideways. “I didn’t even know it was possible to spend that much on a jeep,” I say. “I found one,” he says, To be continued…