1974

No doubt by now we've all suffered a relapse of that very prevalent infectious disease called Potomac Fever, which is characterized by excitement, indecision, gossip, and a strong tendency to disbelieve what presidential candidates tell us they will do for us if elected. Fortunately this strange disease tends to occur in four-year cycles, but it can last 12 months if you catch it. And it always goes away on its own, without any treatment. So hang in there, gang.

I must say that living near Washington, D.C., during a presidential campaign is a new and exciting experience for me, since the good, secret stories of politicians circulate very fast amongst those who dare set foot inside the Beltway. All of this is probably old hat for a crusty "insider" like Jim "Jimbro" Miller. When not busy in his Washington law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson, and Hand, Jim can be found in the thick of heated congressional committee debate on taxation, which is one of his special areas of expertise. Jim no doubt uses the savvy he garnered while he was a member of the Treasury Department tax counsel staff during the Bush administration. But his real clout seems to lie as one-half of a class of '74 tag team with freshman Congressman CharlieBass. Together, Jim and Charlie have mud-wrestled successfully with House leaders on such slippery legislative issues as tax cuts and balanced budgets during Newtonian maneuvers earlier this year.

Meanwhile, from "Down East" I recently got word that Bill "Messer"Landmesser was on the ballot as a candidate for a three-year term on the Stockton Springs school board. Bill has been a vocal critic of the incumbent board's stand on curriculum issues and has been pushing for a return to more traditional forms of education that emphasize family values and objective measures of learning. I have Bill listed as working for World Book, so I'm sure that whatever he's unsure of he can look up. Best o'luck.

I finally made it up to Alaska for two weeks at the end of the summer to hike and kayak. Rick, Cathy, and Owen Ranger hosted a lovely brunch at their house in Anchorage for myself and Dave and CarolHawley and their two younguns. I did not know Dave well during school daze, but enjoyed hearing his stories about showing Dick Ellsworth and Herbie Hopkins (and their suitcases) around Denali Park when they showed up in Fairbanks shortly after graduation. Dave and his family reside in Portland, where he runs his own software engineering company and Carol works for Kaiser as an orthopedist specializing in sports medicine. One, two, three...Just Do It! (Are we allowed to say that at age 43 ?)

And if you see fresh snow on your ski trail in spite of a dry forecast, it may well have been created by a computerized snow-making machine run by one of Dave's programs. I'll also remind you that Rick still believes that we can pull a '74 sea kayaking trip off next summer up by Shuyak Island, so contact him if you're at all game. Highly recommended (even I can do it). , ,

Speaking of trips, Mike Draznik has organized a mid-winter class outing to Steamboat Springs in Colorado in early February. Mike's"phone number is (513) 871-9198 in Cincinnati, so give him a call if you can go (you too, Arnie).

A number of people have already expressed an interest in getting together for some good skiing out West. Draz told me that Marty "Clambo" Melberth is doing well up in Dayton and ventures south to the Queen City to hit the little white ball with Draz and Annie (when he can get his car out the driveway). And I didn't think ye had it inya, Clam.

Blessed and peaceful holidays to all.

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