JANUARY 1999

The first one shows me on Lizzard's bike in Manchester, NH, a few months ago. I reported on that ride in Grumpy-Talk 8! The next picture shows me on a ride obtained at the local Victory Market! This one has reverse, is tip-proof, but has no rear view mirrors or highway pegs! On the plus side: people get out of my way much more readily than when I'm on a two-wheeler!

Well, the much anticipated meeting on 15 January didn't really materialize! What did materialize, was a nasty blizzard-like condition which left the roads icy and very treacherous. I couldn't even get my car out of my parking space for more than two days! Odin did make it to Lizzard's in Manchester, New Hampshire and I spent a good deal of time with him on the phone.

Odin reiterated his position that he would step down as National Secretary of the Highway Poets Motorcycle Club and would publish one more "Highway Poet" and explain his position. He also said he would be of assistance in getting a replacement nominated and elected. I gave him my nomination of Lizzard on the spot! Uncle T and St. Dick were contacted by phone. Uncle T indicated he was quite busy with other things and inferred that advancing age would keep him from being overly involved with the club. This is the message I also got from Ogar, who said he was "hanging up his spurs" and even getting rid of his ride! St. Dick basically said "whatever you guys decide to do is OK with me!"

Splitfoot

Even my bro Splitfoot in Lomita on the West coast is saying he's getting a bit long in the tooth! He's going to hit the big six-ooh in September of this year. So we're back to "hanging by our thumbs" to see what will go down next! I guess it is time to reflect inwardly on goals accomplished and the ones left yet unrealized.

Well, we mustn't get too maudlin! There are plenty of things to straighten out on the home front. Ha-Yo finally got a job close to home, for a change. That will help with the bills. Our previous sole income was my Veterans Administration disability benefit. That barely pays the rent! Ha-Yo has been after me to apply for my Social Security disability benefit. That could also materialize soon. Now all that needs to happen is for my Internet Store to take off. As yet, I have nothing to report to you. Progress is slow! Let me kick back and reminisce on this past Christmas Day, almost spent biker style with Armin's babysitters!

Gina and Connie were eleven and twelve when Armin was one - he is now fifteen!