Hey folks it was great reading this thread. Brought back some good memories. Have hardly posted anything in years. Had some life changes and somewhat drifted away. Would check the forum sometimes, but not logged in. You are a great group of people.
A little over four years ago I unexpectedly and rather suddenly had an unplanned early retirement. The whole thing happened in about 10 days. Loved the freedom of retirement, but the income stunk, but I was able to get by. Financially I hadn't planned on retiring at that time. Figured I would retire around 2016-2018 originally. Was retired for about two years before I found work again and have been back at it for a little over two years. Kind of set me back financially to retire in the 2016-2018 time frame, but I'm happy to have a regular income again.
Both the kids got married and moved on, one to the other side of the state to get her masters and then for a work offer. The other to AZ and made me a first time grandpa with the birth of a grandson about a month ago. Already picked up a youth sized .22 bolt action for the little wolfepup.
Had a Cougar Lady Friend for awhile that I would marry if she would have me. Didn't work out for a variety of reasons.
Saw the posts about Facebook, and I'm sure that has hurt this forum and many others. I'm not on FB, as I am forbidden to do so. Not sure that I would want to anyway, but just might join under an assumed identity. About two years ago I get an email from my great plains residing sister that they were back home, after attending my aunts funeral a few hours drive away. I called here and asked about my deceased aunt as that was the first I heard about it. My sister replied, "Oh that's right, you're not on FB". Seems like the family communicated everything about my aunt's passing on FB? Don't have a smart phone either. Got a old style flip phone Neanderthal 2.0 version. I can get text, but don't expect a return text. I guess I can internet connect on a limited basis with it, but I don't.
Also saw all that stuff about ham radio, but that was mostly Classic Greek to me.
Bidah, sorry about the crappy situation that transpired with the x and your children. That's got to be a tough experience for a loving father to go through. Hopefully as others have said your sons will remember truth and reestablish a positive relationship in the future. I've seen others go through similar heartbreaking crap like that and the devastation it can cause. Try to keep a positive and patient outlook.
I'll keep you in my prayers. If my retirement was on it's original track I'd talk to you more about your off grid property.
Pathfinder, glad to hear the the new wife and the move sounds like it's been good.
Timothy sorry your still bound to Massapoopshits, thought you may have fled by now.
Jay, what are you up to, still making music?
Bogan, still Bogan I see and that is a good thing.
BillT, congratulations on retirement, careful filling those propane bottles, Homeland Security might think you are up to no good.
Majer, I know you're well with all the new gun laws they passed to keep you safe awhile back.
Heard the ammo part wasn't going as the politicians had planned.
Peg, Ratus, Alf, Magoo, and others, I hope you are all well and that life is good.
Good to see Benny posting occasionally, lost your number from when you called me about 6 months or so again.
Didn't mean to leave you out Crusader Rabbit, or anyone else. Say hello to the HazCat for me.
Saw Brian at the NRA conference in Indy a couple years ago, about the time I faded from here.
Deepwater, keep the boat trimmed and upright, or at least wear your life jacket.
M'Ette, who? She probably doesn't remember me, I haven't talked to her in a long time.
No, I didn't forget RED364, her blue guns and the eye bleach pictures. Does she still hang out here?
I apologize to those I didn't mention, trying to post this with my CRS memory.
It was nice to visit with you folks again. I'm turning into a cranky old curmudgeon that is hoping to make it to my real retirement. Find a nice secluded rural place where I can pee off the front porch, shoot off the back porch, and skinny dip with a sweetheart off the dock.
There is a lot in America and this world I don't understand anymore.