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Don Meads writes that he and Jane have been in the Philadelphia area since 1971, where they began as urbanites, added an ex-urban farm and now (two-plus years ago) downsized in the same rural area about 50 miles northwest of Center City, retaining their "pad" for winter escapes. He says the distinguishing feature of their family is size and mobility. By now all four boys and three girls are married and have children, totaling 22 grandchildren, and there are seven great grandchildren and counting. "The combination of numbers and considerable global travel annually has challenged us all. For me, geezerhood is bearable. We're booked for Hong Kong and China on September 15 and shall meet our youngest daughter and her husband in Shanghai, our seventh trip back to mainland China since 1977."

Jeff Markell in San Diego also plans a long China trip for October, with a cruise on the Yangse and a visit to Tibet. "There arent many foreign destinations an American can go to today where he'll be received with anything like cordiality," he said. Retiring completely is just not for him. I have too much fun doing what I do, which is writing. "By now I've reached a point where I can write just about whatever I want to, and still get published." Abook published in February is titled Unusual Vessels, describing a series of vessels that were important at different times, but are now relatively unknown. An example: In 1407 AD a Chinese admiral sailed the Indian Ocean with a fleet of 64 capital ships each 440 feet long, 180 feet wide that could carry 1,000 people. These were by far the largest ships ever built anywhere at that time, and they'd be big ships even today. The entire fleet, including support ships, totaled 317, manned by 27,870 men! This is just one of the many ship tales Jeff includes.

There's still time to sign up for the mini-re-union October 7-10. You received a reservation form in the class newsletter. The deadline for sending Huntly Allison your check and getting a room at the Lake Morey Resort is September 7. Remember, it's BYOB. The extension of the program to three days (or two) should make it more practical for those of you coming longer distances.

P.O. Box 1302, Redding Center, CT06875-1302;(203)938-8485;mlw97@optonline.net