thank you Mr. Sailaway21, Guy

[sailaway21]

Giu,
Yeah, I got even the patriot part of it. I assumed that the whole tricorne allusion was to not only the age of the hat but in reference to an age when patriotism was still popular. I dissociate myself with neither age nor patriotism. (g)

[Giulietta]

SA, so as I wa driving Fred to school today, a mere half mile trip, I explained the story behind the hat, and you and so on..he became very appreciative at the same time..

I explained to him about you being merchant marine and not Navy, and his aswer was...I allways give way to tankers when we are at sea...they are big and heavy...

He got that right...(G)...by the way, the hat is now in the trophies cabinet.

PS..I didn't tell him about your sexual preference s when yopu were in the Navy (VBG)...you know...the stuff you told me about the 5 sailors, the dwarf and the 5 leggeed donkey..

[sailaway21]

Uhh?
No you didn't but he's going to read it here. This is his thread, you know?

[Valiente]

Meu Deus, not a donkey...

My late father was in the British Merchant Marine 1941-52. He didn't attend reunions because so few of his friends survived. It's one thing to be in a Navy during wartime, but quite another to be unable to fire back. It strikes me as the harder job, really.

The funny thing was that at the age of 16, he thought joining the Merchant Marine was a good alternative to getting bombed in London, as he and his mother had already been made homeless twice. I have a 15 1/2 year old nephew, and the idea of this kid making those kind of decision fills me with amazement.

Oh, and Alex? My father got his Rose and Anchor tattoo in Lisbon at 17, apparently to commemorate an event I will refrain from specifying in a Fred-monitored thread.

Needless to say, he liked Portugal from that point on.

[Giulietta]

Guy...Fred wants to take the hat to his club tomorrow to show his buddies...

I am sure you will need to send the other hats you have at home (ehehehehe)

[xort]

Many kudo's to the ranking conservative.

And kudo's to Alex for raising a fine son.
Very nice photography too, Alex. Were you concious of the soft natural light for the portraits? That doesn't look like an accident.

[ADMTROX]

Alex,

Tell Fred that he looks very handsome in his new hat!

Chris

[OPTIMANIA]

Mr. Guy, I will take my capitain hat to vilamoura and then I will say I am the capitain of the giulietta, ok?

[Valiente]

Who's the cabin boy, then, Fred?

(I am sending you a present with my wife...shh...it's supposed to be a surprise!)