Countdown, Classmates!

��� Has it really been five years?!� Sure doesn't seem so, but I guess that's true enough.� I'm finally off the deep-seas runs, although am keeping my hand in the industry by regularly attending vessels in a marine consulting capacity.� As a result, I'm home more now than I've been in the last 34 revoultions around the sun, and have been thoroughly enjoying the experience.� No clinging to bulkheads in storms, biting my tongue in dealing with testy shore communications, demands and directions, no more madly maneuvering through small-boat traffic in congested waters and fog.�

���� Fortunately, I was able to remain in touch with many of you during the half-decade, and even convinced one particularly courageous '68 soul to visit my Ship on her final port stop in San Diego, and then to also brave the rigors on our property up here in the Great Northwest.� J-Lit was an absolute hit with the Family, don't you know, not that that is of any surprise.� (By the way, do ask him about his phenomenal Candle Trick, won't you?� My words cannot adequately describe the eventt.. )� For the rest of you in the future, our offer remains open.

���� Laura and I will, of course, be attending the extravaganza in July 2013 - a little older, a little wiser, but no less excited to be meeting up again with those outstanding personalities who shared the formative days right along with me, and have, no doubt whatsoever, survived the ensuing ride quite nicely!

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See You,

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Rick

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