I’m a member or past member of:

St. Louis Astronomical Society;

Astronomical League;

Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers;

Planetary Society;

American Watchmakers’ Institute;

National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors;

Antique Telescope Society (Charter Member);

Mixed Breed Dog Club of St. Louis;

International Siberian Husky Club;

Gateway Sled Dog Club;

North St. Louis County Obedience Training Club;

Metro St. Louis Watchmakers;

International Weight Pull Association;

Springfield Dog Training Club;

Wood River Refinery History Museum

I am past president of:

Gateway Sled Dog Club;

Metro St. Louis Watchmakers; Wood River Refinery History Museum; Past Master of Franklin Masonic Lodge #25; Regional Representative and Board Member of International Weight Pull Association; President of Board, Mansfield Christian Church

Marilyn and I had sled dogs, and took them to many parades in St. Louis. They pulled sleds, wagons, pony wagons, and other stuff. One year we delivered Santa Claus to Plaza Frontenac in St. Louis, by sled dog. I borrowed the large white chair we had at Shell for Santa to sit in, and mounted it to our pony wagon.

Our dogs are also Registered Therapy Dogs. We visit nursing homes, Veteran's homes, and other places. They also do trick shows. Yorik and Majik both know over 80 tricks each. We do trick shows at nursing homes, churches, schools, senior centers, Head Start, libraries, and other places.

I collect and restore antique telescopes and related equipment. I have restored several, and probably the one that was the most work was at Washington University, St. Louis. I go back once a year or so and do routine maintenance.

https://physics.wustl.edu/resources/observatories/crow-observatory

I also collect fishing reels and related things. Marilyn collects sled dog things, dog and bird figurines, and much more. We used to have a Victorian Mansion in Alton, IL. It was turned into an apartment house in the early 1900's. We restored it back to original. When we moved here to the Ozarks we sold most of the antique furniture and furnishings. We kept a few things, including the Benjamin Harrison vases. They belonged to President Benjamin Harrison, and they were in his house in the Adirondacks. They are Old Paris with Wurttemberg bisque.

At Shell I started as an operator, but moved to the crafts. I worked as an insulator, ending up in the shop where I did most of the layout work. I was offered the opportunity to work in the IT (computer) department, where I did training. I helped develop a program where those who wanted to work overtime could indicate so online, instead of a clerk having to call each person. I went to Houston and helped update the corporate website. I then ran the computer "help desk" at Wood River.

I made our own website many years ago, and have made several others, including one for our church, our vet, another vet, the Men's Fellowship, the dog club, and more.

Here in Mansfield I supplied our church with current computers, and set up a network. Our former pastor used to play computer games. I set up, networked, and supplied about 25 computers so all the kids and adults that wanted to could participate. That ended when the pastor went to another church. I updated the sound system. Another guy and I run the sound system Sundays. I wrote a program and installed it at the Mansfield Public Schools - very similar to the one at Shell - so the substitute teachers could say when they wanted to work without the secretaries having to call each time an opening occurred.

Dad passed away a year ago - Feb 18, 2019 - the morning after mom's 90th birthday. I took on the job of Power of Attorney for her. It has been the worst year of Marilyn and my 50 years together.

May 17, 2020 We live pretty much in the middle of our 100 acres. We go to town once a week, sometimes twice. Usually to the Post Office and grocery store. We wear masks and then use hand cleaner each time. We just leave the masks on to go to the next place, but clean our hands before getting into our car. When we get home, I unbag the groceries and anything that does not go to the refrigerator goes on the top shelf for a couple days. Regrig stuff we either wash off with wipes, or put behind the other stuff for a couple days. Then clean the counter and throw the bags away. When we're in town we might see one other person with a mask on, seems most people just don't take precautions. Example: One girl in the grocery line was not wearing a mask but picked something up with her key so as not to touch it, then hugged a friend before leaving. Also handling cash before and after buying her things, which she simply picked up and left. Mom is in assisted living in Alton - they have been on lockdown since this whole thing started. She is such a "people person" I know it is hard on her but there is nothing I can do. Illinois says probably through the end of June now. I send her things now and then, I know it is exciting to get mail and packages. Deke is also in a nursing home in Brighton. Lee was in a nursing home in Jerseyville, but signed himself out right in the middle of this pandemic. I made them all Walnut pencil boxes just so they would have something to unwrap.

Mom passed away 9 March 2021.

www.justfurfun.org