I got an email from Mark “Village Troubadour” Stover last week letting me know that there was a launching at Washburn & Doughty. Liz Richmond, a welder at W & D texted me too. They both know how much I enjoy the launching process, especially from aboard one of Captain David Winslow's tugboats.

When they contacted me, I was in the middle of making our evening meal. Well, let me clarify that. Assembling our evening meal might be more accurate. My preparations involve timing the opening of a pre-roasted Hannaford chicken, placing frozen organic veggies into a steam-filled caldron and mixing packettes of “Annie’s” gluten free rice noodles with some sort of pre-made cheese powder and ¾ cups of water, stirring gently. “Chef Boyardee” taught me everything I know!

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the launch but I was reminded of another time in my life with Captain David and a multitude of other players, some of whom I will now try to recall — Captain Eliot, of course, Bob Goodspeed, Greg Hartley, Phil Roberts, Executive Chef Uncle Eddie Furber, Ed Mitchell, and the indomitable Capt. Rich who managed the parking of BIW launched frigates during my tenure. I apologize for omissions.

At that time David wasn't as old as he is now. Neither was I. For me, Pennsylvania hillbilly, this was an experience unforeseen. Watching David and others maneuver their boats, and those of others, was fascinating. But times have changed.

Now, David, who runs things at Winslow Enterprises, has had to modify his work agenda to stay in the mix. Back in the day, I recall interesting interactions between other competitive tug companies who were interested in a piece of the action along the Maine coast. I'd prefer not to go into detail at this time. Suffice it to say that the Congeniality award was uncontested.

Now David brings his many years of incredible skills to an ever widening array of jobs. He has acquired barges for dredging and transporting. He still does work for BIW and a multitude of other waterfront projects.

From the pilot house, David makes it look so easy, sort of like parallel parking on a much larger scale. Being able to watch the maneuvers has been a highlight of my photo experiences. Marge and Eliot would be very proud.