Ron is a funny guy and he has a line that I think just may fit here, "Next time you have an idea...let it go."

I'm a retired school teacher on a reasonable retirement. I say that because I get to chose where my disposable income goes. I generally direct it towards things I like or Janice tells me to like and this hobby is one of them.

I was a member for quite a while before becoming a LM. A short time before ponying up the bucks to be a life member Dr. Ross at UCLA Med Center diagnosed my problem, said it was incurable and I had about seven years to go – not good news but hey it’s been a good run. So why would I go for the LM? Well because I enjoy this hobby and the people involved and putting my money there appeals to me.

I try hard to support things this club does like helping others harmed by Katrina, the occasional Newby projects, etc. I support the Building Fund in a lot of ways not because I think it’ll ever come to pass but because my club believes in it. I get a kick about learning there is a chip someone likes or I think they would appreciate. If it’s not to prohibitive I get one and send it. I enjoy the reaction when they get it.

There are a lot of things I used to be able to do that I cannot do now and so I’ve focused on as something I can get behind. I’m not particularly fond of the Riviera but I stay there during convention to support the club. In a thread the other day the distances traveled was brought up, yup they were awesome last year. I cannot drink so I haven’t been to Splash Bar but I do look forward to going this time. I owe some members a few and maybe I’ll collect some "large orange drinks" myself.

Gotta wrap this up cause I know I’ve lost most of my audience at this point, as if anyone was reading it anyway.
Without any expectations from others I'm going...
1. to put up that $150 you seem to be P&M'ing about. Sure I’d like to use it to go after that elusive chip but Janice told me it was ok.
2. I won a very nice jacket in the raffle last year. I live in the desert and there has only been one day I felt comfortable wearing it. So if someone from the Board will tell me how to do it I'd like to put it up for auction.
If I may I'd appreciate any funds derived to be earmarked for support of the club magazine - one of which I haven't received yet but that's a personal hardship.

I used to hate this but gonna do it any way. My Dad always said(?), “If you can’t hunt with the big dogs stay under the porch.”

And Stu, I look foward to meeting you. I'm sure we can sit down and find something to talk about other than you worrying about a $10 raise and my scolding you for that. Hell, Wayne and Vic seem to have reached an accord.