1935

Tahoe and Link Washburn are both busily engaged in writing but have been able to take time off to visit friends and relaparticularly in Maine. They report that the smell of the Atlantic sea breeze is entirely different from that of the Pacific. The saltwater smell off the New England coast is certainly distinctive, and your scribe will readily admit that he misses it in the hills of Vermont.

Ed and Joy Gerson had a wonderful dinner with Ken and Phyl Kurson in Belmont, Mass. Then, a few days later, Ed had a birthday celebration which was joined by Haroldand Renee Silverman and Ed and Mil Reich in West Hartford.

It is no longer news that Earl Arthurs has been cruising around the world for the past ten years, but we have now learned that he is recognized as an unusual 81-year-old. As proof of this we have in hand a long article, with pictures, which appeared in the Juneau (Alaska) Empire entitled "The Gentlemanly Art of Shipboard Companion." The director of entertainment on the Royal Cruise Lines GoldenOdyssey is said to be relaxed because he knows his squad of uniformed male hosts are two-stepping the ladies around the dance floor. These gentlemen are the ones who "start the ambiance going in what otherwise would be a dead lounge." Charm is said to be the trademark of a host, and Earl wears it comfortably. He "has got the chat and the charm." Earl often gives a bit of gentle dance instruction such as telling novice foxtrotters to "spread your feet," not "spread your legs." He can easily dance a 45 -minute set, which obviously proves that he is in great physical shape. The head of a firm specializing in cruises recently escorted a small group of ladies on an Alaskan cruise. Her letter to the Royal Cruise Lines said how much the group appreciated the Gentleman Host Program, and "particularly the genial company of host Earl Arthurs," pointing out that "Earl is an exceptional person and a tremendous asset to the Royal Cruise Lines." It seems that Earl is away on cruises a total of 21 weeks per year, divided into three segments of seven weeks each. What a superb way to enjoy "retirement," giving pleasure to others and keeping in shape at the same time.

Gordon Farm, RR1 Box 83, Sutton, VT 03867-9721