I consider my objects to have special value. Some because they may have been given to me as gifts by people I care about; Some just because thyey have been used and cared for in such a manner that they are better after years of use, than they were when they were new or acquired.

Like my truck: If you totalled my truck and just cut me a check for $10K and said we're even....we might be even; and that $10K miht be the market value of my F250.....but I can not just go out tomorrow and buy another truck just like mine for that $10K....because I had spent a lot of time searching for that truck, so as to find an older one that was in acceptable shape (the newer ones literally aren't as good- not opinion- but fact. And a well-known fact apparently, as the older ones are holding their value better than the newer ones); and the improvements I made to that truck, to it mechanically perfect; and the maintenance and care that has gone into it since I've owned it.......the mere market value of another similar truck does not get me what you destroyed!

I'm not to the point [yet] where I'm attached to my bikes. I've only been riding for a year. I do associate wonderful rides and pleasant times and getting in-shape with my bikes....but I don't know if it's just too soon to form a real attachment- or if it's the fact that bikes are simple, and I know that I could quite easily replace them with something just as good for what they are worth.

But I like "my things"- even small mundane things. Seems like I have to have had 'em for a wehile though- to the point where they are uniquely my own.

The old corded phone on the desk right in front of me as I type this- It's an old friend. I've had it for 20 years. It's a color that you can't find anymore; It could not be replaced, as they no longer make this model or color; a used one might be able to be found....but likely wouldn't be as clean and nice as mine. Many of my possessions are somewhat of an extension of me.

When care is put into the choice of an object; and into it's care and/or improvement.....it is something more than it was when it was just a product on a store's shelf. Some objects fail to live up to one's standards.....those objects never earn a personality; but some objects are old friends; they cooperate; they live up to their intended purpose and even exceed it; they please you when you look at them or use them.