To Doug Rhaden - as fine a gentlman, as brilliant a student as I know.

My dear Doug - how wonderful this 21st Facebook Technology is. I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Horst was many things, but I knew him best as a loving father and a good friend. You are one of his three great legacies, and we are all so proud of you. With the heavy winter snows, which only Ralph can snow blow from the driveway, he lost the fat around both his belly and his butt, and he is striking the ball very solidly. We have gotten quite competitive and it is a great joy and delight to compete against him at the Barrington Park Districk. My own golf game has gone through tectonic transformations, inspired by the last round I played in 2010, wherein I "FIRED" a blistering 115 (last time I shot that high I was in 5th grade) at Lakemoor Country Club near McHenry. This so inspired me that I started playing the Barrington Park District Course every day, first of all with just a 5-iron. 

 And I became very proficient with that 5-iron, then the 7-iron, then the 21 degree metal. Earlier this year, before the bitterest of colds and wind and snow, I had my handicap down to plus 5, 12 strokes better than my previous all-time best. What with the rotten weather of the last month, it got back up to 3, but, I am gonna have a great year. Plan to compete in the US Public Linx, US Senior Public Linx, Illinois Open, Illinois Sr. Open, Illinois Amateur, and Illinois Senior Amateur.

Have to keep these thought constantlyl in mind: (1) focus my eyes on either that back of the ball, or maybe a specific dimply, ALWAYS alighn the shot so that everything is square; smooth take away; own the club at the top; smooth start to down swing; release naturally, and whatever happens, do not get angry - it's only golf, after all.

On the more impoortant fronts, I have fallen in love and hope to marry, and will be adopting this wonderful young 19-year old boy from Detroit, who is coming to Chicago to raise his 4-yer old daughter, find work, etc. We will probably attend St Anne regularly and get very involved with several of their ministerial programs. Bradley is like the pied piper of Hamlin - a charismatic, stright-shooting, leader. There is a lot of good we can do in Barrington. Will keep you advised. 

 Looking forward to paying golf with you, your brother, and Ralph. Go with God. We love you.