Smoking is not for me.

[Allan at Wallan]

I have never had a cigarette in my life but in the last couple of days I have been
breathing in the smoke from the fires in N.S.W. and Victoria. Having experienced
fires in our local area I can guarantee it is a frightening experience. The smoke and
ash are a threat to your health so please take reasonable precautions to stay safe.

My thoughts go out to the many people affected by these disastrous fires and hope
you and your families find safety in your area.

[rrich]

OMG, now that you mention it. . . . .

This month is the 53 anniversary of me quitting smoking. The worst part is I can't sit in the smoking section of air planes. Other than that I don't miss it at all.

The most memorable moment of not smoking was I brought the kids and SWMBO on a business trip, Los Angeles to Washington D.C. I used miles and it was a B 727 flight with one stop. (Western Airlines) As I had miles, we all sat in First Class. In those days there were 4 rows of First Class in the front cabin with 1 - 3 non-smoking. I pre-reserved seats in row four for all four of us. As we left Washington D.C. and gained altitude one of the First Class passengers complained that children were sitting in the smoking rows. I heard the FA say that yes and there was nothing she could do about it. If the passenger wanted to smoke he had to go to the back of the plane. I don't recall what he did. As we were getting off the plane, one of the FA took my hand and asked, "Did you do that on purpose?" I knew what she meant and answered "Absolutely" She responded with "Thank you".