JRT,

Finally able to access the pics of the kids. Was that a recent one? Must be because they seem to have grown noticeably since the last few months.

Nice clear pics McG. Just the way I like it....nobody around to spoil the tranquility. Just to sit there and watch the trains go by.

Folks,

Dux:

Both you fellows are excellent photographers. I always enjoy seeing your part of the world through your lens.

The photos I sent to you were taken the very day that I sent them and indeed the kids are growing like the national debt. From my perspective at least, based on the photos you send me, so is the beautiful little Lady M.

Folks,

I am pleased to inform you that, as I type, our commemorative eleventh anniversary HWH medallion is being struck from precious metal. Polished to a mirror finish it will soon be placed in our large trophy case along with ten other medallions and many other valuable gongs and treasures. Speaking of gongs; we should all thank the generous Dux for donating 20 of his own lesser 24 Kt gold gongs for smelting. Naturally I will be posting an exact illustration of the medallion and this time, as there is no nudity, I will be showing both the obverse and reverse sides.

Most of those donated medals were won by Dux as a fighter pilot in the First World War. That reminds me; though Dux is indeed a card carrying member of the most uppity upper crust of the snooty, toffee nosed aristocracy, will everyone kindly stop courtesying when Dux enters the room? Come on lads, a simple respectful nod of the head will suffice.

He deserves that respect gentlemen as he has many destroyed aircraft to his credit and, yes MG, despite the fact that he personally accounted for the destruction of no less than 5 Camels, 3 Se5s, and 4 Spads. There is a sworn affidavit from his CO swearing on a copy of Burke's Peerage that Dux was flying for the British at the time.

Chaps,

JRT,

I was only too pleased to donate those hard won gold items for such a worthy cause. They will make a most attractive medallion presentation in the HWH display case - quite different from the others which are covered in gold foil from Capstan Full Strength cigarette packets.

We never did find out who pawned the originals at the Hymie Goldenberg Brokers Emporium. I believe it was about the same time that SNAFU went missing.

I sent those moggie pics to M and they were greeted with lots of oooohs and aaaahs! Thanks very much. Has their daddy shown up yet to admire his handiwork?

Folks,

Dux:

All the little moggies have been retrieved by their owner who conveniently took them to safety just prior to the grass being cut. You may remember that at one time the kids had rescued a baby possum. That tiny critter was literally frightened to death by a passing lawn mower. We thought at first that the little fellow was just "playing possum". Not so. He was deadly serious about it.

Yup. The "gold" of the new medallion can even be placed in contact with the skin without fear of said skin turning green. Foil from Capstan cigarettes you say? Those fags were deadly. The brand's paper wrapper was the only thing fit to smoke IMHO. They gave off such a putrid stench that most of the lads actually preferred the "Little Czarina" vodka soaked, pencil thin cigars Olga imported from southern Sloberovaya. Full strength, yes indeed they were. Also a favorite of Stalin; I believe that a monthly chest x-ray was recommended in bold, red Cyrillic lettering right on the packet of that particular brand.

Folks,

Dux:

Has all the snow melted from the bird feeder? Has spring finally sprung in the Peaks Dist.? I mean beyond there in your heart? We've had a brief flirtation with winter for a few nights. One night there was the threat of frost in low lying areas across the state. There was no noticeable damage here. However many of the beautiful blooms have done their best and are beginning to fade. Others will come to take their place. Such is life.

As I have typed before, our 11th anniversary medallion has been struck and I plan to post its likeness (both obverse and reverse) on or about our official anniversary date of Tuesday, April 24.

In conjunction with our anniversary I propose that we adopt a HWH motto. This has somehow been lacking in the past and IMHO the oversight should be immediately rectified. How about 'Ad Astra... What's that Dux? You interrupted me to say that's already been taken? Really? Hmmmm. OK then...

To that end I offer the following:

HWH Motto:

'Si Post Fata Venit Gloria Non Propero'

Before you ask who the hell Gloria is Dux let me try to translate. The gist of it is something like:

'If glory comes after death, I'm not in a hurry' or 'If glory comes after death, I can wait.'
Maybe even 'If one must die to be recognized, I can wait.'

I think it appropriate considering our well known aversion to posthumous recognition. Unless one of us is greatly offended by it that motto will be considered adopted. Put that hand down! Don't you dare raise an objection Dux. It is already on the danged coin.

I'm in favour of your fine suggestions for the motto Rog, surely they are better than what I had in mind: Vir Prudens non contract vintum vingit. A wise man does not take a leak up wind.

Looking very much forward to the unveiling ceremony of the anniversary medallions.

Folks,

MG:

Thanks. The ceremony promises to be brief and honesty forces me to admit that my work will not be worth waiting for. That being the case, I do believe I have considerably improved over previous efforts though it will merely be a better grade of poor.

My Latin is quite rusty and my second choice was similar to yours but not quite as good. My second choice was

"Ethay iseway anmay evernay itspay intoyay ethay indway."

OK that's in pig Latin. I told you my Latin was rusty.

JRT,

Pleased to learn that all those moggies are safely re-housed.

Looking forward to viewing the first striking of the HWH gong in gild....er....solid gold. What of the ribbon? Might I suggest a subtle golden bronze similar to Glenlivet whisky and with two vertical stripes in Creme de Menthe green. Olga will appreciate this latter. As you will be only too aware; it is her favourite tipple - by the pint of course.

Folks,

Dux:

Yes, there will be a ribbon. I do not think I'll be divulging too much if I post a very small likeness of that tonight.



Since there are four of us from different nations currently active and in good standing; I felt it appropriate to make the ribbon from the flags of our respective countries. We four are entitled to affix said ribbon to our dress tunic and wear it with pride to all formal events, even informal events such as pub crawls, races, weddings, birthday parties, sporting events, family celebrations, prisoner of war castrations and bar fights.