Rick Lister:  

Life Apologies for my tardiness and thank you for the notes. It has been a tad busy of late Yes...Still enjoying the bach lifestyle... Obviously the rumors of my canal-side, watery demise were slightly exaggerated although the realities are far more severe and not for the faint of heart. My last operation was 4 years ago, re-attaching the other quads tendon (xtreme biking),... (2 years earlier - water fight and roof dont mix) bounced back fine, though. and for the less cautious, the bite is definitely worse than the bark, but I'm not a loud person.... "yeah right", some things never change! The government is trying to keep up with my analytical reports which allows me to call myself productive. Switching depts <again!!>, <again!>, and now <again!!!> (strtgic policy) and the assignments are much better providing significant challenges. There seems to be a significant disconnect in business between the overwhelming number of left brained anaylsts (maps, gps, flares never venturing past their backyard) and the right brained ones (always foraging and being well past being lost). The number of tools, methodologies and dsiciplines not really providing that orientation they need. My eldest is married and busily working away in IT (what a surprise)and his wife still dancing. My 2 youngest are well, with both in HighSchool one in Theater the other in IT - (it must be a gene). They are still being spoiled and both extremely busy; dance, cadets, soccer, boarding, skiing, music and the science projects LOL - getting into electronics now which is really fun!! They are both getting even taller now and the youngest is supposed to be taller than his older brother by the time he's 15 (6') Man!! - well he is now 14 and 6' - They must be putting something in the water. New frontiers like 'quantum physics' and m theory, (Everett et al), really provide a lot of wonder and awe when the pragmatic becomes overwhelming. Been writing Mr. Hawking hoping that our close proximity might endear him to my theoretical leanings - but he is very busy. Getting into electronics with the youngest as a h/w & s/w architectures bridge is where the majority of time is now devoted and still active in technical and consumer advocacy communities and forums although this is taking on a more sociological lean. I wish you all the very best for this new year and for always, and still sincerely thank you all for your participation of the memories in my formative years that persist in providing me the foundation of pervasive smiles and a warm heart. Thanks for your notes and apologize for not recognizing some of you but enjoy the pictures, thank you. I'm back in Ontario <for now>, closer to work and have started 'working out', finally, NOT retired from gaming (lol) there are only so many awards or titles you can get, or visa-versa. Beer is still a much more complex palate than wine and reduced consumption makes more time to get all these things done:) It's all good! Rick(Barry) School First of all, noteably, I have developed a discourse here that I am pretty sure extends beyond the norm and apologize if it makes heavy the burden for those seeking some of the 'specifics'. Through the course of our lives, in this cold, dark universe, we too often pass quickly over the 'meanings' [of things]' overlooking our place in life in the grand sense of things. To unencumber ourselves of the fears of communicating with each other seems paramount to 'relating', (sadly too few do), and insomuch may, with great effort, find something we may build upon, supposing some may actually venture forth. I have learned of the passing of a good many friends, and people that I knew of, but had not found the time to know. I am sorry for our losses. I count myself fortunate for having known them and their friends and extend my deepest sympathies to their families. I myself, through a great many harrowing exploits, am extremely lucky and appreciative of this gift and wish you all well, health, an...Expand for more