Welcome CodeFin to Blogosphere

The blogosphere just got a new source of light. Welcome Joe of CodeFin.net. I'm sure we'll enjoy reading your posts and getting your perspective on life as a computer science student and IT professional. Joe's a long time friend. I've known him a couple of decades. He's remarkably resourceful outdoors and in, from wilderness to the darkroom. I can vouch that he's got something to say and will be a welcome addition to the blogs I regularly read.

Quantico 1942

I've mentioned that my dad served as a Special Agent in J. Edgar Hoover's FBI. Here's the text of a letter sent to his father on February 6, 1942. He was 29 years old.

Dear Father,

Am writing this note from Quantico, Virginia at which place I have been the last few days.

Have been given some more responsibility and am doing some special training. Quanitco is about 50 miles south of Washington near the mouth of the Potomac river. This is a training center for sailors and Marines and I find it very interesting to see a little of what is going on. More and more I am impressed with what the FBI is doing for the welfare and security of the country.

I have been very busy and have had very little time to call my own. Expect to be back in Washington on Monday night and will then write you at greater length. Am looking forward to hearing from you again and trust that this finds you and Ruth and everyone at home well and happy.

Much love,

Joseph

Jerry's Good Word

Long before blogs, we had newspaper columnists. I'm glad we've still got 'em. One of my favorities is Jerry Johnston of the Deseret Morning News. Jerry and I became friends years ago when I was in the radio business. We've had some great discussions over the years, usually over lunch.

This morning when I grabbed the newspaper off the front porch, Jerry's column caught my eye. He wrote today about renewal, how our bodies do this, and how we need to make it happen in other ways as well. He wrote about having lunch with an old freind and those conversations about things that matter. I'm due for a lunch with Jerry. Maybe this column will remind you of a lunch you need schedule.

Comment?

On Winning and Writing

"The next best thing to winning is losing! At least you've been in the race." --Nellie Hershey Tullis

"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self." --Cyril Connolly

A Virtual Anniversary

You married her 60 years ago today. You loved her smile, brown eyes, talent, intelligence, and the way you felt when you were together. She loved your curly brown hair, blue eyes, your courage and confidence, the ease and depth of your conversations.

Your work in the FBI took the two of you from Detroit to Cleveland, El Paso, Los Alamos, Ogden and what was then a little Utah town called Bountiful. You didn't live to celebrate your 20th anniversary. The term downwinder wasn't mentioned in your obituary. You now have three granddaughters, three grandsons and a great grandson. Happy 60th anniversary, Dad.

Worth Repeating

I ran this quotation in a previous post, but I'm running it again. I know this is related to my weekend experience. I'm not entirely sure how this all fits together, but I guess that's the beauty of a blog. It gives me some space to figure it out. In the meantime, here's the quote.

"If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." --Fred Rogers