Mother was a local radio talent who married a local artist who became a renowned professor. His notoriety led him astray. Raising 4 children with little support from her extended family, she had the fortune to marry a star liner captain. Her money and home issues were over.

I was the only child at home, and learned to play the euphonium, piano and violin. Thus, although I could play them, I never mastered any. I was trained in opera but my voice deepened, tenors do get the money parts.

Equestrian training in Dressage and Hunt seat brought me into Three Day events, where I had the misfortune to break 9 bones in my left hand, compound fractures of both legs, and a double fracture of the pelvis. One year later I was walking again.

After enlisting in the Space Marines, because of my medium build, one of the more muscle bound jar heads challenged me to try out for Scout Sniper. Convinced I was too small. The training was SO much fun, I failed the first time just so I could do it again. He washed out both times. 12 years enlisted. It was suggested I should become an instructor, I found I did not have the patient temperament it required.

Went into law enforcement but found the operational confines, and the constant waiting for permission to fart, let alone use my training do the job. I needed something different.

My step father had retired, and I asked him if he would train me in ship operations, navigation, and agreed. We eventually bought a Python and ran short passenger sight seeing trips in various areas.

Now I have 11 ships, I am moving to buy a fleet carrier. I look at the shortening horizon, at my age I better enjoy what I got.

Lead, follow, or just get out of the way.

Semper Fidelis