Thanks, Matt. And my belt is Orange!

“1. Thanks, Matt, for publishing the introduction to my article. I really appreciate it.

Hikers and other TT people, I thank you for any of your comments. I hope to learn whether or not to include this Introduction with the full article.

2. Yesterday, I passed testing and received an Orange Belt in Aikijutsu(Defensive Combat). White and Yellow are behind me and there are many other colors ahead. You probably have seen me in action on Phil's Photo Page.

Today I burst out laughing at work. Most people my age(69) are planting tomatoes, growing roses and playing bingo. My hobby, I'm slamming them on the mats. I love it because I am in better physical shape than during most of my adult life. Thanks for letting me sound-off.

E-mail address: nowslimmer@cfl.rr.com
.”

“Congratulations nowslimmer!”

“Awesome! Keep slammin' those younger people into the mat!”

“Congrats! Keep dem young'uns in line!”

“Thanks. Only problem is when it is my turn to get slammed. For my 70th in July, we are going to try for a picture of me sailing in the air upside down. I'll be doing a front flip to unravel my arm before it breaks. Have done the flip successfully, but the other night I failed. Came straight down on my head! There was no damage, had extra thick mats and I was wearing a helmet.

Life gets better every day, when one participates. I'll be backpacking (GSMNP)next week after a 15 day vacation starts Tuesday.”

“...."Life gets better every day, when one participates"....



That's a GREAT line!”

“Congrats on your orange belt...the fun starts after 65.”

“Congrats nowslimmer! That's awesome - watch that eye though.”