I have a new chapter.

Not in my book, but rather in my life.

Last week I retired from my career of 37 years of government service with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Surprisingly, it was not an easy decision. One finds that the day you look forward to all your life is bittersweet when it arrives. I worked for 37 years with wonderful dedicated people, who were the best in this business, doing interesting and important work. What more could one ask for!

But, neither my wife Jenny nor I are getting any younger, and the honey-do list is getting behind and quite lengthy. I am actually working on two books, this one, and another, neither of which are finished, as you well know. And I have a grandson that will soon be ready to learn how to fish. So I have decided to take more time for my family, and for Jenny and I to do the things we want to do while our health allows.

First on the list is to get this manuscript finished. I have no excuse now, so most mornings will find me at this keyboard, pounding away on your stories and many of you will be hearing from me about drafts and edits to your stories. Stay tuned.