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Here in Louisville we are having our first heavy snowfall of the season, and from my office windows it's already a winter wonderland out there! The forecast is for up to 12 inches of snow before it ends tomorrow with plunging temperatures down to the zero mark by Saturday. So, it appears that we are going to, for sure, have a white Christmas this year! Our weary technicians have completed the tunings of some 350 pipe organs throughout 9 states, so barring any last minute service calls for sticking trumpet notes or other maladies that befall pipe organs, all should be in readiness to musically celebrate Christmas. Due to the weather conditions, I might be closing up shop early, so wanted to extend my hearty holiday greetings to ALL for a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! The river fraternity certainly is an interesting and varied mixture of great people. Whether you're the vessel's responsible master charged with every aspect of the boat's operation; a skilled pilot who knows the river like the back of your hand - even in the dark of night; the engineer who keeps the engines finely tuned and humming; the cook who keeps everyone well fed; or a member of the crew who labors on deck in the hot summer sun and freezing winter cold; it takes EVERYONE working together to make it ALL happen. And, ashore, there are MANY who post/lurk on this board that are former crew members who pursue other professions but will never let go of our love for the river, its boats and river people; steamboat enthusiasts who regularly ride the boats and a some who are simply casual observers. And, of course, there are some of us, like me, who strive to maintain interest in steamboating by preserving and promoting our river heritage through our work in museums and libraries. It takes ALL of us to never let go of it and to keep it alive for generations yet unborn. Whatever your level of interest and/or participation, THANK YOU! Happy Holidays to ALL. And in the immortal words of Tiny Tim, "God Bless Us Every One!"
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