cruzer
05-04-2013, 09:34 PM
Things have been a little hectic since I got home ---all family matters--no illness----so here is a too-much delayed report on my trip to Louisville. After a surprise OK from my "keepers" I departed home at 0730 on Wednesday, April 3rd. After 13+ hours of enjoying the freedom of being in my Marauder and 15:30 elapsed time, I arrived in Louisville. I didn't get to my room til after midnite, thanks to meeting old friends in the lobby. Since I had spent 3 years in Louisvilee as a teen-aged pre-med student and 2 1/2 years as a newly-married ex Airforce officer finishing my pre-med studies, I decided to make this a home-coming as well as a Marauder GTG. On Thursday I visited my old National Guard unit and toured downtown. On Friday I got a late start, but caught up with the gang as you pulled into parking for the distillery tour. I really enjoyed spending the day with all you folks at the Air Museum (after I got home, I found out a friend of mine has hangers full of Warbirds at Lexington Bluegrass Airport--maybe next year), got my Butt Rubbin' and candy. The convoy back to Louisville was a blast.
I spent Saturday revisiting the house and neighborhood where Ginny and I started our family and took home our first baby. Then I visited the University of Louisville campus where I spent many hours hitting the books. I contacted my only living close relative, my oldest brothers widow, and took the first girl I ever loved for a quiet drink at the Louisville Aero Club , where we met in 1946. Then I joined the group when you returned from Lexington. The farewell party was a blast. Then "Goodbyes" on Sunday morning--15 hours enroute home , arriving at 2130. Total elapsed mileage, 2,165. Gas mileage ranged from 20.8 to 24.6 mpg. My photos show license plates from 14 states---that's quite a large "region"
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Now, the sentimental part... I have not felt as much friendship, caring and comradery since the Ennis Round-up (MV I ). I never felt like I was talking to a stranger---I was immediately accepted by everyone I had not met before and being with "the old gang" brought back so many great memories. I swore I was going to make notes with my picture taking so i could have facial recognition when I got home---well, guess what, I didn't take notes (having too much fun) and my memory has failed me again, so for fear of leaving someone out or mis-identifying someone, I am just going to say a heart-felt THANK YOU to all who made this trip a blast--to my "guardian angels" who made sure I stayed healthy--- to all who took care of my tech problems and answered my questions---loaned me a radio--and to all who so patiently listened to my "war stories". Very special THANKS to Mike and the gang for putting on one He-- of a show. To Mary and Mac, my love and best wishes.
And who can ever forget Doom--you are a blast to know and a great guy.
You folks made me feel like I was the Guest of Honor. There is no way I can put into words how loved you made me feel and how much I will treasure your friendship. You helped a tired Old Man fulfill the Number One item on his "bucket list". I seriously doubt I will be able to make any more GTGs but I will never forget this one. I can only wish that each and everyone of you will be as happy, healthy and as much in love in your 85th year as I am. God Bless You and Keep you safe.
Remember, always drive safely, but with GUSTO !!!!!
Til we meet again, Maury (A VERY HAPPY OLD MAN)
Oh yes, for those of you holding my IOUs--still have'nt located the boxes --will let you know as soon as I do, Maury
I spent Saturday revisiting the house and neighborhood where Ginny and I started our family and took home our first baby. Then I visited the University of Louisville campus where I spent many hours hitting the books. I contacted my only living close relative, my oldest brothers widow, and took the first girl I ever loved for a quiet drink at the Louisville Aero Club , where we met in 1946. Then I joined the group when you returned from Lexington. The farewell party was a blast. Then "Goodbyes" on Sunday morning--15 hours enroute home , arriving at 2130. Total elapsed mileage, 2,165. Gas mileage ranged from 20.8 to 24.6 mpg. My photos show license plates from 14 states---that's quite a large "region"
.
Now, the sentimental part... I have not felt as much friendship, caring and comradery since the Ennis Round-up (MV I ). I never felt like I was talking to a stranger---I was immediately accepted by everyone I had not met before and being with "the old gang" brought back so many great memories. I swore I was going to make notes with my picture taking so i could have facial recognition when I got home---well, guess what, I didn't take notes (having too much fun) and my memory has failed me again, so for fear of leaving someone out or mis-identifying someone, I am just going to say a heart-felt THANK YOU to all who made this trip a blast--to my "guardian angels" who made sure I stayed healthy--- to all who took care of my tech problems and answered my questions---loaned me a radio--and to all who so patiently listened to my "war stories". Very special THANKS to Mike and the gang for putting on one He-- of a show. To Mary and Mac, my love and best wishes.
And who can ever forget Doom--you are a blast to know and a great guy.
You folks made me feel like I was the Guest of Honor. There is no way I can put into words how loved you made me feel and how much I will treasure your friendship. You helped a tired Old Man fulfill the Number One item on his "bucket list". I seriously doubt I will be able to make any more GTGs but I will never forget this one. I can only wish that each and everyone of you will be as happy, healthy and as much in love in your 85th year as I am. God Bless You and Keep you safe.
Remember, always drive safely, but with GUSTO !!!!!
Til we meet again, Maury (A VERY HAPPY OLD MAN)
Oh yes, for those of you holding my IOUs--still have'nt located the boxes --will let you know as soon as I do, Maury