Well to continue the high jack... lets call it an excuse to again state that being a customer of Ed usually also becomes a great friendship as well.
Walt,
There are lots of very special firearms out there, many currently under ownership of folks here. I've seen lots here I would have had loved to have owned myself, was glad they at least shared them with us here. While you and I never had the chance to spend quality time together in person, which I would have enjoyed very much, it sure has been quality time here with you and many other folks I've shared at least private long distant time with, and others I didn't except on the forum. You and I share the love for the old Contender's, and lots of other things so it was an easy friendship. If I appear "perky" I guess because I am happy and content with my life despite what it is now. Everyday is a new adventure, maybe not much of one to most folks, but better than the alternative and enough for me. Trust yours is as well pard, I hope so.
Jon,
Thanks for the history. We're cut from the same log in many ways, mine born/raised on a ranch, joined the Navy soon after graduation close to the same time, have always had muscle cars, etc, etc, etc. And what i said about my time with Walt is the same with you. I miss not driving my Stingray anymore, miss most of the firearms I have now sold, not hunting or even shooting anymore, not being able to go to the places again in nature and otherwise that were always favorites. But they can never be taken away from me in my mind and heart as long as I still have them in working order.
Agree... as we all three know (as well as many other folks here as well), none of it is boastful, just relating and sharing from long experience what being lucky enough to be able to do or have in your life, especially friends/family, the yardstick of life that really matters. When you get old, have health issues, even if with no family or few friends left, it doesn't matter if you don't have the material things anymore, can't do what you once could. It's the memories never forgotten that makes the latter years not only tolerable, but maybe some of your best.