Stan, I was going to reply with a spoof post about how things like beer could only be detrimental to the process, and it's all about early to bed and early to rise and eating right, and running 6 miles a day, but as I sit here getting started on a growler of Old Peninsula Oatmeal Stout, well, I just can't lie-- there's no proof that a little beer hurts!
John, blank canvasses are always welcome here. Actually, the paint-by-number jobs (where the customer gives clear and strict specs) are pretty fun too. Come to think of it, I can't really remember the last job I didn't have some fun doing. Did I mention how nice it is to no longer be designing plastic parts and molds, and managing projects, for people (mostly in the automotive industy) who not only didn't appreciate creativity, but discouraged it and even punished for it? What's the saying, "The best revenge is living right"? I take it as a good sign that I can remember but few of their names.
I really appreciate all of your comments. Kip, I like just about anything Italian (especially if it has a motor, not that I could ever hope to own a Ferrari, but I do have an Italian coffeemaker and paper towel dispenser!). Steve, you might better reserve judgement until you see the mess I'm sending back to you
And the owner of this gun gets a AA+ rating here. He's a high-end dude in terms of 1911ism and every other category except, well, we were at the local microbrewery at the Single Stack Classic, and got approached by three (3) separate, drunken, roving bachelorette parties, and he was too much of a gent to take advantage...... shame on you, and get yourself into some kind of twelve-step between now and next May!