Well, Pete, seeinhg as how he grew up in Western Colorado, where the coal mines filled with immigrants were, I would think that would be a good question. I know he has some tales to tell of those times, esp. when the mines caved in. I remember as a young girl, whenever we went to New Castle, where he and mom were born and raised, they would point out the spots where the fires were still burning deep within the earth, with the miners long left in there long gone to ashes. His background was mostly ranching; he was lucky enough to grow up with both sets of grandparents for the fist years of his life. Tough people from the looks of the photos. One a Confederate who never swore allegiance after the war; the other from up Nnorth, one of the only US deputy marshalls to ever survive longer than a few months in the Cherokee Strip. His friend was killed, he went to the US MArshall, who later became the first governor of OK, and said he'd like to get the son of a bitch, so he was instantly deputised. About 3 years later the by now gov. told him he'd better quit while he was still alive.

I know what you mean, Pete, about parents. My mom died earlier this year, too, at almost 83. Dad is doing really well, but doesn't travel much anymore; I don't travel much, either. Haven't seen him in almost 3 years, so I plan to make the most of it, esp. as if we move away next Spring, I'll be that much farther and don't know if I'd get to see him again before he decides to go to Greener pastures, long away may it be!

Thanks for your interest, Pete and Aine.

I plan to print this thread out to take with me, so no problem.