[SEL] Just a bit early.....

[Jerry Evans]

Hi to all the members of these two great lists (actually 3 lists if you 
include the bcc to "Slick"),

         It's a few days early but I need to send this out now as I will be 
meeting Reg & Marg. in a few hours and assume that I will have my hands 
full protecting our ladies from "you know who" and will possibly not have 
time for e-mail once that happens.  :-)

         Every year I try to send out a mail to all the friends I've made 
on these lists and it usually ends up as a "soppy, sentimental, I Love you 
all" kinda mail.

         Well, I've thought long and hard about this years message and 
guess what I've decided ?

         Damn, you guessed it again :-) , it's gonna be another one of 
those mails !!!!!!

         Thank you all for your friendship, support, camaraderie and for 
just darn well being there !

         I joined the lists in late 2004 (or thereabouts) (could I stop 
calling myself a "newbie" now ?) and my life changed. I have derived so 
much pleasure from being a member of your (our) fraternity.

         Yes, sometimes the posts do get a bit "tense" and yes, sometimes 
they are "off topic" and yes, sometimes someone will post attachments that 
cause a lot of stress to the "dial uppers" but eventually, what counts is 
that we talk (write) to each other.

         Pretty much every "engine related" question I have ever posted 
gets answered and often by members who are not active and I meet new friends.

         I, as a South African, have often needed help in obtaining parts 
or help in getting parts. It has always amazed me as to how many of you 
guys have offered that help - without ever having met me. I need you guys 
to understand that I really appreciate your offers to help and really wish 
that I can return your kindness and trust someday.

         In the above I've referred a lot to "guys" but we do have a few 
active "gals" on the lists. The two that spring to mind are Helen (Dolly) 
and Kelley. Thank you girls - I love you to bits and thanks for your posts 
and friendship.

         Of course Marg also joins in whenever "him in the shed" allows her 
near the computer :-).

         I have learnt that I can rely on "engine people" to do good. As a 
case in point, my friend Neville Botha's recent flooding setback. I 
suggested personal notes to him - you guys outdid yourselves. There were so 
many messages sent to him. For 3 days I've delivered printouts to him and 
each time Neville "beamed" - he was so impressed to get so many messages 
from strangers. I swear that your messages made it all worthwhile for him. 
Thank you all so much.

         What also impressed him tremendously was the number of letters 
actually mentioning the great collection that he has built up - mention of 
individual engines (and condition) he has and suchlike made your letters so 
much more credible than a simple "Get well Soon"  message. Thanks again.

         O.K. Guys and Gals - it's late and I must get my "Beauty Sleep" - 
have a great CHRISTmas and a prosperous 2011. Forget about those who feel 
the need to be P.C. - it's CHRISTmas.

  I look forward to corresponding with you all in 2011.

Keep the revs up (or down)
Jerry Evans
Near Johannesburg in Sunny South Africa.
Etched Brass Engine Plates made to order:
<www.oldengine.org/members/evans/plates/index.htm>