I lost a good friend this morning due to pneumonia. This was a complication due to pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and a myriad of other problems.

There was a time where I thought I might just have Fred and Angie get out of the Air Force and go back to making wine. We would just follow Matt's career; however, Angie sort of took over.

First of all I want to than everyone of my hard core fans for their continued support. I appreciate the PMs pointing out some editing omissions on my part. Editing is painful.

John from that unpronounceable place in Wisconsin pointed out a historical error in Part 7 of Soaring With Eagles. I had omitted Theodore Roosevelt and his son as Medal of Honor recipients.

Re: Soaring With Eagles - Part 2. I forgot how things change in military training. The last time I fired an M-16 was in late summer of 1966.

Wow, things suddenly seem to be working very well. The site is operating rapidly, linking is swift, no more interminable waits, etc. Everything seems to be wonderful.

The big thing about shaggy dog stories is the set up followed by a big let down. Fortunately, at least I think so, Soaring With Eagles is not in that category.

Interesting that I can't access this site from AOL; however, it comes up instantly on IE. I am certainly glad that there are several options available.

Portia

I've posted the first part, one of ten, of my latest novel, Soaring With Eagles. This is the last story of eight in the California Saga series.

Check this out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/11/pentagon-same-sex-b...

Now the US military has to properly recognize the transgendered.

This is part of a facebook note my wife just wrote to Air France:

I hope the news is wrong; however, the nurse who allowed those joking morons to get into Kate's hospital room via the phone has committed suicide.

I haven't been happy with the last two chapters of Adam and the Wishes since day one, and my Beta readers and editor agreed with what I realized was a weakness with the whole thing.

I witnessed a murder today. It wasn't an accident, let there be no doubt about it. Before you get too worried; no, it wasn't a person, it was a young kitten.

This is an interesting community, to say the least. I know that many here are not writers or aspiring writers; however, it amazes me how some writers are so creative, and so damn good.

... get 25,000,000 hits very soon. Maybe we should have a contest to see who gets the time the closest. Maybe George Carlin's comment about the future is appropriate.

Portia

There is an interesting discussion at this link about being transgendered in the US Military. The repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell does not affect the transgendered in the US Military.

Life imitates art.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/sarah-crilly-goal-s...

Every once in a while quotation marks and apostrophes seem to do this to stories. I was just curious as to why this happens. Sometimes, it gets cured. This is from the latest episode of Bike.

"“I thought that was only when I did the cooking—talking of which it’s David’s day off, so I suppose I suppose I’d better see what’s in the fridge.”" This was from the latest episode of bike.

It's fixed now. Just wondering. That's all.

If only! What a start if he/she wanted to go all the way.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/toyota-shocks-ad-world-wi...

Portia

I read the article twice to make sure I got most of it. What's interesting is that many readers never bothered to read it carefully. They were very reactionary. As the mother says, the painting says quite a bit about Jessie.

Portia

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-ross/whats-in-a-name_b_1...

I am retired Air Force, a graduate of OTS, and also was an OTS flight commander and instructor for five years; however, I know that the ordeal at the Air Force Academy is something totally different. I've known a number of Academy graduates over the years; however, it's been 24 years since I retired and have lost contact with any of them. I am familiar with drill and ceremonies, taught it, and some of the other things that go on, but any information would be appreciated.

I may be wrong about this, but it seems to me if I comment on a story before voting that I am unable to leave kudos. If I vote first, then of course leaving kudos is not a problem. Has anyone else noticed this? The reason I'm saying this is that I just received a very nice comment about a recent story; however, the kudos count hasn't changed. I can't imagine getting such a nice comment without getting kudos.

Portia

This has been an interesting weekend. I posted the final parts of my latest story, Adam and the Three Wishes, and then went through the post partum depression of wondering whether or not it would be received favorably. Being filled with a lot of self doubt doesn't help one bit. Thank you everyone for reading and commenting. I feel a lot better now.

There are many very accomplished writers who have posted works here in years past; however, their works languish under layers of dust, and are relegated to the seldom accessed stacks. Our membership has increased greatly over recent years, and tastes of the readership have changed quite a bit. The stories with a few exceptions are leaning towards themes that are reflected in younger society in general. Vampires, gothic adventure, super heros seem to dominate the contributions.

Not for the cat lover. Wait until this guy dies. I'll bet the cats will think of something for him.

http://on.aol.com/video/dead-pet-cat-is-turned-into-flying-h...

Interesting article with links to a blog:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-mcbride/the-real-me_b_15...

Portia

Tomorrow starts the first day of my eighth decade. I'll celebrate by going to Fort Smith to visit a manufacturer of farm equipment. I'm not sure where I'll eat lunch. In the afternoon, I'll visit an advanced care organization that is surrounded by a hospital - nice people. They take care of post operative patients and patients recovering from serious illnesses. As far as celebrating goes, I'm not much for it. Maybe I'll celebrate if I make it through the next three decades with my mind and senses intact; so far so good.

I can't access stories from the home page. Anyone else? I need my Bike Fix.

Portia

Since this is the Masters weekend, I thought some might want to read my take on the tournament. The first 19 chapters are the best part. The next four are strictly an 'add on' and will probably morph into a complete tale some time in the future.

http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/20792/bobbie-and-glass-ce...

Portia