The last meeting for February was a real treat for me. One of my first jobs was at a fiberglass boat factory in the sanding room. I can remember trying everything to rid myself of the dreaded scratching and the smell of resin. What I found worked best was new Sally Ann clothes every day and lots of masking tape. You would be amazed at what a combination of plaid pants, a green long-sleeved collared shirt, and half a roll of painter’s tape looked like. It was accented with a dust mask and matching swim goggles. This display really does a number on a man’s sense of self. So, when I saw that Daryl can cut without dust, I thought, “those are years that I will never get back.” I am really looking forward to the next time that he can show us about creating new parts. I am hoping to build a cowling for the new plane, but that will require a professional, so I may not get it done.

With what we now know, it will be all the easier to do repairs and construct parts that won’t weigh more than used plutonium. It will be cheaper to buy resin and mesh than sandpaper and grinder wheels. I’ll never get that money back either.

I also wanted to mention a little more about the Poker Run on May 30th as well. The fields are Vulcan, Claresholm, AJ Ranch, High River, Okotoks, and back to Indus for the final card and breakfast. Show up at Indus anytime between 10:00 and noon for food. At each airport, there will be a 2 ½-gallon ice cream bucket with the cards stuffed in envelopes near the taxiways. Grab only one envelope since each airport has a different marking on the cards. Leave them sealed and proceed to as many other airports as you can. The results will be recorded at Indus, and awards will be given. Keep a lookout for the other participants, and please make sure you are listening to the correct frequency. Regardless of the weather, breakfast will be served. I am promising that we will have great weather for this year’s event. So, if anyone knows a fair-weather dance, please show us the steps at the next meeting.

I would also like to say “Thank You” for letting me serve as President for the last two years. It was my privilege to be a part of a group of men that enjoy the thrill of building and flying.