Landmarks of Your Personal Past

Well, I will know to not leave any money lying around when you're in the room.

Lt. Commander Data: "There may be a correlation between humor and sex. The need for more research is clearly indicated." http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0001459/quotes

Thanks for that. Having never watched that Star Trek series, I was seriously deficient in Data appreciation. Now I understand him somewhat.

I once hitch hiked across Utah. I was fascinated by the salt lake, but when Salt Lake City came into view, I was blown away. It was a total surprise to see such a scene after all those miles of wilderness.

You have been around the bend, a bit, haven't you? Interesting person. So, what book are you writing? Can't imagine hitch-hiking across Utah. And, what was that "a cotton patch with a tent in it?" You were "hatched" there? You are incredible, you know. The rest of us would like to know 'the rest of the story' in your adventures.

In an attempt to set the record straight, I have been hard at work on an autobiographical novel. BUT - I plan to publish under a new pseudonym. There will be no fanfare on this or any other forum. Sorry.

Good for you. It is bad luck, you know, to talk about those things. No, it's just that you seem to be ready, I intuitively see that. Ready for what? Nobody knows but you.

If it is the same Buffalo, TX (there is probably more than one) I pass right through it every time I drive from Dallas to visit my family in Houston. It is a very nice small country town.

Mum's the word.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/arts/design/15museums.html?
In the past, I always took solace in the great museums of Boston with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum:

And the MFA... especially the Buddhist Temple Room:

When I was in Hong Kong, I felt overwhelmed by the bustle of the city. Fast drivers made me dread to cross streets. Other sailors used the opportunity for a shopping spree. I was content merely to walk about and observe. For one thing, I had no need of sharkskin suits and all of that electronic stuff they were getting.

Of all the places we visited during my service aboard a destroyer, Osaka is my favorite. I would give almost anything to go back as a civilian.