I believe it was 1999 we decided to spend a few weeks visiting China. The news had information about the Chinese government were going to completely dam up the Yangtze River for generating of electricity and this would flood many cities that were on the banks of the river, as well as the Three Gorges, which was, or had been a tourist attraction.
This would be a once in a lifetime trip, Tiananmen Square, Terracotta Soldiers, and many other sites. One I particularly wanted to visit was the Flying Tiger Museum on the west bank of the Yangtze River. During World War II this is where American soldiers of fortune were able to stop the rapid advance of Japanese forces by flying P-40 fighter aircraft.
Unfortunately, we were late arriving so missed seeing the museum. We boarded a large river ship and steamed down the river for about four days. At the end of our cruise, or we were near the end of our cruise on July 4th. They attempted to play United States patriotic songs. It was hampered by showers now and again, so their fireworks were under plastic sheets. When ignited, it wasn’t always successful.
Near the end of our boat ride, we were ferried up and over a mountain ridge, and then boarded on to small bamboo rafts and cruised down a mountain stream. The banks of this stream were at least 500 to 600 feet high on either side! There were some caves near the top of the walls of this stream. The guides told us there were ancient graves for the dead in the walls of the canyon, high above us.
While the canyon walls cut out the direct sunlight, I was getting worried because it was getting dark and we hadn’t yet reached the Yangtze River. Now, I am not an expert sailor, but did know it was very dangerous to venture out as big of a river as the Yangtze after dark without a motor or running lights.
Finally, at the last minute when we reached the main body of the Yangtze, we diverted to one side and entered a smaller ship through a sally port, and it then delivered us to our ship with a lot more safety! I was really relieved with that precaution. The Yangtze at that point was more than a half to three quarters mile wide. It would have been very dangerous to venture out in the middle without any motor or running lights! Just Sayin…RJS

Well I have mentioned before I am really hearing challenged, and now After 8 years on this pair, the left has failed so it has been doubly hard to hear anything and especially listening to My BFF widow has been calling and asking me questions. Thankfully my wife could get on line to help hear. Anyway when I inquired about getting them looked at, I was told that the Manufacturer charges have gone up for repairs from about $100 when I had to have them sent in to now $350. My wife who has to deal with me not hearing her is getting tired of it, and I can't blame her, Main reason when I joined the Navy in the 1950's they said you can't be a SONAR MAN. Funny how later in life I became in charge of the Sonar section in Design division for the Navy as a Civilian Engineer. Anyway with the increased sophistication it looks like a pair may cost 6 big ones. Going in Thursday to see what is available.

I worked for A&P in mid to late 60’s. A grocery cart heaped with groceries was @ $25. That grocery list included everything. Married in 70 and wife and I spent @ $35 month for groceries, which included some ribeye with bone-in. I remember price changing at A&P. Before bar codes - tomato soup was 5c a can, might go to 6c. You’d drive across town to save a penny per gallon of gas, which equates to about 15c per fill up. Made $509 gross a month, $150 one week take home, second week $135 after health insurance. Paid all bills, rent, car payment, gasoline, etc and had some spending money. Ponderosa Steak house had family special on Tuesday evening, 99c, which included ribeye steak, baked potatoe, and roll. We didn’t buy disposable diapers either. People don’t seem to realize that when I get $15 minimum wage, after it trickles down , my money still doesn’t have any more buying power. Had more pocket money/buying power then than now. Our money is not worth anything now.

If and when I have Ill or bad feelings towards others I will say in a Civil way, Im 68 , 69 next month, and have some regrets, but we are a Very Happy Family,, That said ,I've posted photos of my Family and when I've gone fishing, but still get shot down by the same deniers, Im tired of not being able to meet these facebook internet warriors , I've always been an open book here on Stage, have you that like needling or pretending to say something else? I'm a Man with feelings as I'm sure most Stage Women & Men are,,,,Tomorrow will mark 39 years of Marriage🙏

Fisherman,
I need your advice. This spring I'm going to teach my grandchildren to fish and would like your input on life vests.
I grew up swimming every day since I was 6 years old and can swim like a fish, but l need to set a example and wear one also. My weight is 205 lbs, wanting to get down to 185. Almost everything I wear is Camo, yes even my under shorts. So mine must be Camo. My wife is a little larger than me 225 lbs and doesn't swim well. My grandson, Gizmo is 6 yrs old and weighs about 57 lbs. My granddaughter, Lil Raccoon is 5 and rather small. Weighing about 37 lbs. And the most active of all Tiger 2 years old and about 20 lbs.
Yes that is actually what Grandpa ( me ) calls them
Anyway their safety is paramount, and your suggestions on PDF's would be most appreciated.
One other thing. Lil Raccoon can swim with arm floaties. Gizmo is hesitant and won't go into the water, but wants to fish like Grandpa does. And Tiger I'm sure that if he saw a fish would jump in after it.