Oakland, OR: Elderberry Press, (2003). SIGNED first edition - "Just what is a scuttlebutt? Located amidships, second deck down, the watering hole, or "scuttlebutt," is strategically placed near the ice making plant. With ice cold water being dispensed through copper tubing to a spigot, this watering hole is where sailors congregated on the battleship USS Texas to quench their thirst with cold water, smoke cigarettes and shoot the bull. Yarns, sea stories, lies and jokes were shared among sailors at the "scuttlebutt." Even those who've never been near the ocean will be sure to enjoy the many tales herein." The stories include memories of growing up on the farm in Iowa during the Depression, his years in the Navy from 1939-1959, and finally his life in California. INSCRIBED on the half title page. Photographs. 253 pp. ISBN: 1-930859708.