Lester

Finally, after 40 years I went down to see Lester, my old aviation mentor & EAA motivator, and today became just like yesterday. The afternoon flew by just like the years that have overtaken me. What can you say about the influences upon your life that forever change the way you think? This afternoon, here was Lester again showing me a pristene, perfect Luscombe 8A and a 1936 Coupe that is very close to perfect in pain and chrome detail and the Cessna 140 we worked on together in 1970 still sporting the fabric we worked on night after night until late hours. What can you say except Thanks, Lester. In truth, Lester will probably never see this blogline but it is my diary and record of good things past. At the time I was helping with the C-140 rebuild I was in my mid 20’s with a young son, Marc, and a soon to arrive daughter Beth. Nostalgia reigns just now.

On the way back, I stopped by Harbor Freight to look at the parts degreaser that I have wanted most of my repair life career only to find that mineral spirits is not allowed with the pump. Only water based solvents can be used. What a let down! Now I have to regroup and try to make one using an old wash tub and a to-be-found pump compatible with mineral spirits. Here we go again – designing a device that is decades old that meets my criteria.

A very wonderful day. Thanks Lester.