The time will come, when thou shalt lift thine eyes
To watch a long-drawn battle in the skies.
While aged peasants, too amazed for words,
Stare at the flying fleets of wondrous birds.
England, so long mistress of the sea,
Where winds and waves confess her sovereignty,
Her ancient triumphs yet on high shall bear
And reign the sovereign of the conquered air.
— Thomas Gray, 1737

January 7, 2009
Have begun the New Year eager, but unable to begin component construction due to continuing delays unrelated to the Sopwith project. Expect access to dedicated component shop, hopefully within three months time. CAD work proceeding slowly, but methodically as expected.
I have become resolute in my determination that the next entry in this journal, shall be to document commencement of the project.