[Stan Hillis]

Today Susie and I are a year older. Susie was completed on Oct. 13, 1925. She and I found each other at the Fall Southern S X S Shoot some 12-14 years ago. With her long LOP, 16 gauge chambering, Hunter One trigger, 32" barrels and ejectors she caught my eye as being a standout among Field grade Elsies. Seldom will you see a Field grade with those options. I walked away from her, but returned a couple times with interest. The last time I did so I looked at the hang tag and said out loud "Oh no!". The owner asked what was the problem and I replied "It was completed on my birthday". He grinned the way someone does when they recognize they've got you and said "Do you know an omen when you see one?".

She was dubbed Susie that evening. I fell asleep with her beside me in bed. We bonded.

Happy 97th birthday, Susie. Long may you run.