all depending your point of view. November 1st I will hang-up my internet membership and concentrate on more important things like some companionship with my bride whose health is not the best. It's been fun while it lasted but, as I recall from the Scriptures, St. Paul said something like, "When I was a child I spoke as a child but now that I am older it's time to put childish behavior behind me." On the other hand, however, a man once told me "you never get too old to have a happy childhood." Whichever the case, I have lots of loose ends to tie together -- lots of trivial little things I've neglected to do for quite sometime.

So, I'll hang around until Halloween and then vanish into the sunset as far as the cyber world is concerned. New Years eve will usher in another mark in life -- I intend to quit working my buns off just for the sake of working my buns off. It's a hangup that needs attention. As Clint Eastwood, playing the role of Dirty Harry, once said, "A man has to know his limitations." I think I've did my share and now I want to just catch some rest in order to see if retirement is anything like I've been told it would be.

In the meantime I'll keep a much lower profile, but still monitor the boards just in case (oh, that's my handle, ain't it? if I feel a need to offer my thoughts prior to election day.

Y'all been a really nice bunch of people. I met some folks I otherwise would never have known -- guys and gals much like MasterJay who is a genuine speciman of what I think a human being should be all about, not taking anything away from Loree who was instrumental in goading me until I finally saw some of my work in print. Great folks.

As I left the race trace a couple of weeks ago after my final shift a tall, lanky racer called "stretch" approached me and said, "WE all love you, guy. You've been an inspiration to us just being handy on occasions when the flag bearers were late or absent and you strutted onto the track with our flag fluttering above your head, then hung around to present the trophies for the heat races."

Recognition! Fifteen minutes of fame! Isn't that really what life is all about? I wonder sometimes if is isn't.

I doubt there are many people who reach my age who can step back, then look back, and say to themselves, "Well, Buster, you gave most everything in life your best shot." That's a fact and if I were to have a tombstone I would want it to say that but I will be interred in a urn of ashes at Fort Logan when it comes time to make my exit -- closeby to the remains of a bunch of guys and gals who, like me, loved their country enough to serve it well.

The best man will not win this election, BTW, because I am on running for office.

So long,

Gramps

I am NOT running for office.

G

Well Gramps, I for one will be sorry to see you leave, you've brought some great commonsense to these forums, I include the old "War Stories" or, whatever it was called.

It's been a privilege to know you. If you have a spare moment, drop me an E-mail, I lost all my E-mail addresses in my last re-format of my main computer disc, thought that I had it all backed up.

Enjoy your twilight years, you've deserved it.

Cheers mate.

Oh, Gramps, that is the saddest news! You see, we're selfish and look forward to you insights, your experiences, your wise counsel, your stories that never grow old.

OTOH. you've certainly earned your rest, relaxation and the time with your beloved wife. A life worth living, an example for all of us, your urging us to live every day and do the best we can. Job well done, Gramps

I wish you the very best, real joy and happiness in the fullest measure. The loss will be our's.

But I'll still grieve.

You've been here a lot longer than I have, but I have enjoyed reading what you had to say.

Ron

Happy trails.

Fair winds and following seas.

You are better off doing just about anything than posting on a political forum.

Good luck.

CBK

Our loss is your lovely wife's gain but I'm selfish enough to want you to stay here with us. I'll look forward to seeing you whenever you stop by.

Happy trails, Gramps...

Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you 'till we meet again.

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans

SG

I will miss you a lot, Gramps. Have a wonderful life.

My dear Gramps....I hardly know what to say. For you have been such an important part of waging the good,, no make that GREAT, fight and with such calm, common sense, and sensible input...each and every time.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for rememgbering me in the way that you did...I feel so honored to have been a friend, all this time, and being privey to your posts that are always so far above most of the others on here. That is because you are mature...something that I am still trying to attain....and I may never reach that accomplishment, for like you, my own life is winding down. Last year was a wakeup call for me, as to have fragile life REALLY is...at how quickly it can be snuffed out, when it is 'time.'

I am glad that we will have you until after the election....I would love to ask you to reconsider, and stick with us, but I know that you always exercise good judgment, in all that you do. And this may be one of the most important decisions you have ever made in your life.

Do what is best, my dear, for you and for the wife. She is one lucky woman, and I wish the both of you all the happiness possible during the setting of the sun.

Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross again sometime, somewhere? As the beautiful song says, 'Only Time Will Tell.'

My very best to you....Loree

Since I'm following you very close in age (maybe some 5 years), & like you, we have also dedicated ourselves to our brides (you 52 years & me 50 years), maybe I should also start to re-think some of my priorities.

But it's been fun

My very best regards to you & your bride

Lobato1

I'll bet from what you told me about your bride,she'd be more than understanding....sorry I haven't answered your last email,was in Reno last two weeks then our production sale was this week...

You've taught me,and so many here so much...don't just disappear...please.

MJ -- I will make it a point to stay in touch with you and a few others I've encountered on these boards. But the grind of trying to right a ship when half the crew is determined to scuttle her is getting to be too big a challenge for an old war horse like me.

I do have your cell ph. number, remember? I'll touch base with you from time to time.

BTW, let me know if you managed to get that book. If not I have a copy I'll send to you: my compliments.

Gramps

well wishers here who will sorely miss you. You have been a steadying force during a very volatile time.

As is your wont, it was very thoughtful of you to take your next step in a very organized manner by allowing everyone here a bit of time to get used to the idea of your leaving.

It certainly has been a pleasure to be around someone who has managed to maintain a gentlemanly stance on such a variety of issues without the need to berate those who have not been able to resist their combative instincts on this board.

There is no doubt in my mind that your choice is a wise one and that you will make very good use of your time.

Enjoy.

Keep your nic active from time to time...just in case you might want to weigh in on some topic. I agree that many of spend just a little too much time on these boards, and meanwhile, life can pass us by or catch up with us, as the case may be. You certainly are the 'grownup' on this board, and you'll be sadly missed.

But maybe the election will finally bring an end to all the vitriol that's been flowing, and in that case a fair arbiter might not be quite as necessary.

Just hopin' that might be the case. We get some decent leadership, and so don't have to spout off as often in these parts.