Ken Q

So relieved to hear from you Landon! I, and the rest of us, are shaky on the exact geography, so of course we're concerned when we see the news posts and the sad pictures. So glad that you were not affected. Be well, and Happy New Year, my friend! Ken

I think (and hope) you are right. But these fires seem to spring up everywhere, so still a concern.

Last post I recall was Monday. The news is from that area is horrible. I hope Landon is OK! Ken

About 364 days, I'd guess. We were never so many, but makes me think of holidays long past: Grandma, Grandpa, mom, aunts, uncles and six cousins and me. At Grandma & Grandpa's house, which was my home as well (Mom & I lived with them after my father died when I was two). I always resented it when my two years older cousin sat in MY chair in the dining room with the grown ups, and I was stuck at the children's table. Well, fast forward almost sixty years. That cousin is now the family matriarch, and I'm the patriarch. The last of the earlier generation passed away just over a year ago. The cousins have scattered all over the country, and even those close by have been out of touch. The grandparents were the glue that held the extended family together. So now, especially with Covid preventing get togethers with friends, holidays have been just the two of us. But, always a connection to the past: our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are served on the same china, and eaten with the same silverware that graced Grandma's table so many years ago. (I have the glasses too, but they are too fragile to use). So Don and Sharon, and all the Grandparents in our band of brothers, God bless you. Enjoy the mayhem!! Ken

I'll refine that: cats do as they please, women do as the cat pleases, men wait on the woman so she can do as the cat pleases without interruption, and dogs don't exist (or if they do, they shouldn't). Ken

This fellow, Chuck Wright, described the whole thing accurately: "INSANE!" Between the hypoxia and hypothermia it is amazing he made it. I don't know what his altitude AGL was, but looking down at the ground between the knees gave me the willies. Like flying in a lawn chair powered by a lawn mower engine, with a bed sheet for a wing. I'm actually surprised that the little engine performed so well at altitude. But as Rob said, fun to watch. Ken

Merry Christmas to all! I'll pass on the Sprouts, but when we spent Christmas in England with my cousins we had parsnips, and they were delicious. Christmas is the one day a year I get Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding. But here in New York it's 35 F, and we got our first snow of the season (A dusting). Ken

Hottest probably my long time home, Long Island NY Coldest Moorhead, MN, also highest at about 1000 ft MSL Wettest. Either at home, or Southampton, England.

A very merry Christmas to all, and a happy and healthy (especially healthy) New Year to all. And to those who don't celebrate Christmas, A happy winter holiday season too! Ken

I most heartily agree, Landon!! It is a wonderful change from the Vietnam period when servicemen and veterans were reviled. Having my service recognized with gratitude is a great feeling. Ken

Best wishes Derek and many happy returns! Ken

All the western U.S. regions and airports. I love the realism of flying on PilotEdge, and these regions and airports coincide very neatly with the PE area. Special favorites: KSBA KPSP, KMRY, and the odd little mountain top strip, KBLU. Ken

Rob is right: It is, after all, easier to get forgiveness than permission! Ken

Good advice in pithy comments. Collectively we're coming up with a "Poor Richard" for our times. Good for us, Ben Franklin I'm sure would approve. Ken

Don't borrow trouble. The rate of interest is too high! Ken

Dave, you are in my prayers, and I hope for the best for you. Ken

When younger I believed "time flies when you're having fun.". Now I realize that at our age time flies whether we're having fun or not. Ken

When younger I believed "time flies when you're having fun.". Now I realize that at our age time flies whether we're having fun or not. Ken

73. Doc says I should lose 30 lbs. I'd rather Lose 30 years (age only. I wouldn't want to go back to where I was in life 30 years ago). Ken

Actually seems to be available as a PDF download. K

Well, yes. But #1, it is rather dry reading, and doesn't have much of a plot. And #2, it was published in 1989, so has been out of print for years. A quick search on line did find it apparently available (and with very flattering ratings). These may be used or remainders. Anyway, here's the reference: Karen Quinn and Kenneth Quinn, A Manual of the Old English Prose, NY, Garland Press. 1989. (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities). Ken

Happy birthday, gentlemen, and many happy returns. Ken

"Our song: 'My Lady in Waiting' by Schooner Fare!" For the first 13 years of our marriage my poor wife had to deal with me going off periodically for my Naval Reserve duty, icluding going off to sea. But by January, 1990 I had my 20 years, and was getting ready to retire when I got called up for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. This song, which had always been a favorite, became especially poignant. Ken

Catalina is one of my favorite destinations, and these shots capture it so beautifully! Ken