[TheForge] New knife steel

[Rob Fertner]

Mike,
Glad you're still with us on the sunny side of the dirt.  Normally, I'm far from maudlin. But it's a combination of things.
Probably, mostly I just finished my second go-around with prostate cancer. My brother (16 months younger) died
last August from complications of his Diabetes. My paternal grandfather died at age 65 right before Christmas forty 
years ago.
Rereading what I wrote, seems more depressing than maudlin. I have a pick up truck and a dog. I should write
Country-Western song. 
Actually, when I think about it I got a lot of blessings, including 7 grandchildren.  And I am starting my 21st year
as editor of the Central States Metal Artisans newsletter. 
Why do I feel like I just finished therapy?  😊
I appreciate you all and thanks for hanging in there.

Rob
Wichita, KS 

> Today is my 65th birthday...

See below. [2]

> ...and maybe I'm feeling a little maudlin.

You young fellers got no 'scuse to get maudlin!  :-) I'm in the middle of the fortnight-long process of celebrating my 80th Solstice/Christmas/NewYear with Piggies [1], fudge, pulled mints, a supply of good tipple, Neal Stephenson's latest book and a toasty fire in the kitchen range.  My 80th birthday coming up not long after.

> I've been on this list since 1996 there abouts.

I forget how long I've been on the list.  I have issues of The Anvil's Ring on my shelf, though, old enough that they were produced by mimeograph!

> I plan on sticking with it until someone shuts off the lights.  Have a 
> good one.

Same.  Merry Christmas, happy Solstice, happy New Year, best to y'all.



- Mike