[scook]

Joe - glad you're looking at getting on the water. Being boatless is bad enough but not getting out really sucks. Last year when I was trying to get mine started after my skillful electronic ignition installation, my fishing buddy got me out in his boat several times and it really felt good.

This weekend I'm trying to finish up getting the old V ready for the water. Today I went over to a friends place, whose back problems have him in a wheel chair, installed a grab bar and spent some time with him. It's pretty hard on him - his nick name is Bear - he's a guy who used to pick up refrigerators in a bear hug and carry them out when he helped people move.

I'm thinking of friends who didn't come back alive from Viet Nam, remembering my dad who did come back from WW II and generally appreciating what I've got - it's definitely not perfect but I'm not complaining.

Happy Memorial Day to all you guys.