Lewis, i don't think anyone believes that seamen of any era had an easy time, for most here, including myself was just a different era. In our day the washing machine was a galvanised bucket, communications with loved ones was by snail mail, if it managed to catch up with you. Modern ships seem to have more comfort than in my time, but thats not belittling todays seamen. It seems on a lot of modern ships mostly that are short handed compared to my day. We are all here on this site living with old memories, frequently threw rose coloured glasses. As far as Marion goes, she does a lot of research on this site, and has helped me in the past. I in fact did appreciate you witty post, long may it continue