Introduction

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Sarah wrote:

 > an old friend of mine (Willie McCool) died piloting the thing.  It was
    > his first mission.  He was so excited to be going that he could hardly
    > keep from grinning from ear to ear.
    > 
    > I had a good cry, but I take comfort in the fact that Willie died
    > doing what he loved, and oddly enough, he managed to "land" in the
    > state he called home.  (He would actually be smiling quietly about
    > that.)

    (((Sarah)))
    I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend - and for the loss all of us 
    feel at this tragic time.  What a great insight you shared about 
    Willie - thank you for that kindness...

    I am a newbie here - a hobbyist - feeling very out of my league with
    all of you pro's. I just love old uprights and have been doing 
    refinishing on them - I'm on my 5th one now. I joined the list in the
    hopes of learning some tips for doing minor internal 
    repairs on the old 'Grand Dames' that I love to work on.  My current
    project is an 1893 Henry Miller upright - I mostly do the cabinet 
    work/refinishing.
    
    I probably don't belong on this list, but I'd like to learn what I can if 
    its ok with you.  I'm not a professional or do I have any intentions of becoming a 
technician - but I'm a damn good refinisher :)  Slow as molasses in January - 
    everything done by hand. I'd like to find a mentor in my area 
    (Vancouver, Washington, USA) - someone retired maybe who likes 
    to dink around like I do. 
    
    Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and thank you Sarah, for 
    your sharing and hoping a hug will ease a bit of the pain...
    
    (((Hug)))
    Dorie