Merry Christmas from NorCal

[john rice]

Before you all think we are just warm weather wimps. Don't forget what Mark Twain said "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco".

It does get somewhat miserable but I have not forgotten what it was like in the NE and upper Midwest. Always remember flying USN out of Glenview, Ill. in the bitter winter. Firing up on the flight line in early mornings and it was probably the most miserable cold I ever experienced. Even in flight the aircraft just could not get warm. It was like a WWII movie except we didn't have all the sheepskin clothing. THO I also remember flying down to Key West [training] and "having to spend the night" as conditions would not have allowed us to land back at Glenview. Ha. We looked pretty out of place in our winter gear but it was surreal to be kicking back in that place overnight. You guys in the SE may have terrible hurricanes but the rest of the time.... sigh.

Hope you enjoy this- I shot it, somewhat blurry but handheld exposure at NIGHT.

and sharing what my brother sent to me:

"MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sipping hot coffee from hands free holder,
Ruf Tach steady on 5,500,
CTR 5th gear steady and quiet,
No cops anywhere- & why bother them,
Christmas at Flying 6 Ranch"

[FL-Frank]

John,

Reading your story brought me back to my roots. I grew up in Chicago, in Rogers Park (the furthest north neighborhood in Chicago, on the border with Evanston). My dad, retired military, used to take me and my brothers to play golf @ Glenview Naval Air Base. I remember one time, circa late 60's, we were turned away becuase both of my college student brothers were sporting long hair!

The base was closed several years ago, and has since been developed with multi-million dollar homes and high-end shopping areas. The golf course is still there, however, it's now a private country club.

Merry Christmas, and thanks for the memories!

[tfmcmahon]

My Dad was a dentist at Glenveiw around 1942 and I remember being served meals in the "O" club by German POW`s who were there and probably loved the cold weather as opposed to being at Stalingrad! Still have colored pics of TBF`s landing on Jeep carriers in Lake Michigan.Merry Christmas to all from 80degree Tucson!!

[john rice]

After I sent this off, I thought... "What was I talking about flying outta Glenview for?" and all.. Both you sharing your memories with me. Now I gotta pass to my brother as he was there also and will really love this!

Thanks and Merry Christmas.