Jurgen and Susan Gobien

     We are most fortunate to have occasional visitors. I'm surprised that Durelle and I are such an attraction, but perhaps some of Charleston's other attributes contribute. This time it was Jurgen and Susan Gobien. (Susan had a conference :-) ). Jurgen and I go back forty years. If a friend is a person who "has your back", Jurgen and I fit the definition. We were nurturing a young but potentially major program through the military--industrial complex without all of the organizational support we would have liked. We defended ourselves and each other, and often compared notes over a glass (or two) of Guinness.
     Some things never change.

     We were nurturing a young but potentially large program to fundamentally change the tactical voice network used by fighter pilots attacking ground targets. As you can imagine, there were many factions involved. There was no shortage of oxen to be gored. We succeeded against significant odds and our friendship has endured.
     I was a half generation ahead of Jurgen. So, when Cindy was leaving us and we no longer had a use for our Yamaha Spinet piano, I sold it to Jurgen, It is in good hands as Jurgen's grandson is making great use of the piano.
     When visitors have not seen the Angel Oak, we subject them to a trip through John"s Island to see it. Fortunately, today was a good day to see it. Normally the idea of a Live Oak with Spanish Moss does not inspire excitement. This tree is a Charleston icon, and the normal reaction is, "Oh, Wow". The tree is over 400 years old and shades 18,000 square feet. The circumference of the trunk is thirty feet.

     
     You can see the impressive nature of the tree. Here's another shot of the tree with the four of us...thanx, Cindy.

     If you are interested you can check the following link. Angel Oak