It turns out the Old Gator was an old friend from years ago who wrote and apologized saying he was just teasing me and thinking I would respond with a spirited comeback. I guess somewhere along the line I left my sense of humor on the roadside.
It has been too many years and too many scrapes to let this ruin our friendship. Should the old gator wish to come back here I'd welcome him. and maybe even banter, though I am not sure I still have the mental agility to do so. Anyway, it is his call and he was just teasing and intended no harm.
Bob Taylor