That's what I was thinking (that Al would be really old, not that you're kinda old now).
Maybe you know my friend from Detroit. His name is Augie "Gus" Giordano. He'll be turning 70 years old soon but still plays strong. Last time I played him, a couple of weeks ago, he clobbered me in One-Pocket. It was a humbling experience. I'm sure he hasn't been in Detroit for possibly 40 years.
(didn't mean to hijack the thread but since we have confirmed the gal pictured is Palmer, I figured no one would mind)
I didn't/don't (that I can remember) know Gus. I lived in Ann Arbor (sorta going to school) in the early 70s and spent a lot of time in Detroit, some at the Capital Cue Club/The Rack, some at Cushion and Cue in Oak Park (where I first met Palmer Byrd).
What I remember from The Rack is that Cornbread Red was the most fearless and aggressive person I had ever met, which still holds true today.
Palmer Byrd, on the other hand, was soft spoken sweet and a nice friendly person. I'm glad to hear she's well.
Kevin