First off, sorry to be so late replying. My better half and I have been super busy moving two large households into one (smaller) house (OK, it has a great shop!), and I've sadly neglected much of the forum.
That said, Paco, I appreciate your telling us about Mr. Anderson. Not may of those wonderful old folks left any more, and I have the utmost respect for them. Best to you, as well as to the Anderson family.
Meanwhile, congratulations on what's turning out to be a fantastic restoration. But then ... I think we've all come to expect this kind of quality and fine detail from you.
Hi John,
Moving can be stressful if your rushed. Glad things are working out for you and congratulations on the shop upgrade.
Any time I think of guys like Mr. Anderson my heart feels heavy and eyes sweat (like now) but I'm so luck to have had the pleasure of meeting many veterans both on the job, caring for them in the back of medic rig and off the job hanging out. I once treated sailor that survived the horrific sinking of the USS Indianapolis. He described the shark attacks that followed. Later that same shift, I treated/attended a Tank crewmen that was in the Battle of the Bulge and met Patton. My younger partner at the time (not a veteran) realized why I pulled rank on him insisting I attend/treat and he drive us to the ER. I wanted the the opportunity to talk with these special men and thank them for what they endured for us. Years later at a different firehouse, I met and treated a strikingly handsome African-American senior with green eyes that turned out to be a Tuskegee airman stationed in Italy. I have met many veterans over the years but these four men including Mr Anderson really made an impact on me as an adult. My HS machine shop teacher (Mr. Bishop) was a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress over Europe. Besides my supportive family, Mr. Bishop (RIP) gets a lot of credit for shaping me into who I am. Oh, I can't forget Mr.White, my fifth grade teacher who was a hunchbacked man from shrapnel left in his back who had no difficulties whipping my ass often. I was a very bad student early on but I never disrespected my elders. It safe to say, in my case that vocational education and the men who taught saved my life leading me into a career paths that have been more than satisfying, challenging and rewarding. I am truly blessed to have had the honor and privilege of meeting these special humans. I often ponder, if I was born 10 to 15 years later, I would have been prescribed Ritalin vs good old fashioned discipline and mentorship. Who would I be? Probably dead long ago. I'm still hyper as hell but use the energy to be productive, hell my four German shedders can't keep up with me on long fast walks
. Last but most important is my wife of 30 years and our son, they have helped me grow in ways I never could imagine.
Sorry, for the long reply,my heart is controlling my fingers again.
On the restoration, Thanks for the kind words John. I really try hard to do things right and learn every step of the way. At times I go too far, but thats me putting my signature on the work. I'm glad you follow along and appreciate you feedback.
Enjoy your weekend and carful with your back, just the notion of moving makes my back hurt
.
Paco
