March 12th:  My dear friend from college, Cindy Toda, celebrates her birthday today.  I’m pretty sure she is still in her late 20’s.  She has always had a youthful spirit and lots of energy, and I can’t think of too many other people I know who are as well balanced as Cindy (and my friends are all well balanced, smile).  For those who don’t know her, CT is the creator of this great site which has allowed me to maintain some assemblance of contact with all of you during my deployment.  Cindy resides in St. Augustine & Jacksonville, FL; Central America; Denver; Detroit; Panama and, occasionally, San Diego.  Live long, my friend! 

March 12th:  My young friend, Micaiah, is learning to drive.  She is the daughter of my very dear friend, Tarron, who shared a particular near-death experience with me now many years past.  Micaiah and her mom are helping me to predict certain emotional events in the life of a teenage girl.  And I am paying close attention to those clues, as Jessie Rae has hit adolescence full force.  Tarron, Doron, Micaiah and Hannah live in Dallas, Tx.

March 17th:  I’ve long since lost touch with my friend, Wenny Wigley, from Pensacola, FL, but I watched her grow up as a young woman, then work her way through college (Emery in Atlanta) and post-graduate school.  I still keep in loose contact with her family and visit them when I am in the Florida Panhandle.  I always knew Wenny would do great things in life, I’m just not sure what they are.  So, wherever you are, Wen, I wish you well (D.C.?).

March 21st:  My brother, Doug, the great writer, scholar, intellectual and acquirer of good music, celebrates his birthday on the first day of Spring.  Doogalay is just a few years my junior and we have always been close.  He was always “the smart one,” “the good looking one,” etc.  Of course, he was also the prototypical middle child and he ran away on more than one occasion.  The Dude spent years overcoming his mommy complex.  The guy truly is brilliant and, someday, I’m sure he will write one of the many novels he’s been developing for years.  He’ll probably quit smoking and lose weight, too… when pigs fly.  Dougster and his better half, Cindy, and her boys, Tanner and Luke, live in Escondido, CA. 

March 21st:  Rich Voslow is another dear friend from college who has always been there for me, through thick and thin, and I am indebted to him for his kindness and generosity (though he has never made me feel like I owe him anything) - a true, good friend.  He is the kind of guy who is happy being behind the scenes, but always has a hand in ensuring everything runs smoothly (The Wizard:  “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”).  He is also one hell of a party planner and host, and I am always pleasantly surprised at his broad range of guests and surprises.  Rich live in Seattle, WA, a great place to visit for whatever ails you. 

                 

February 3rd:  This is also designated as ”Mark Carlton’s Memorial Day” because it was his birthday.  For those of you who didn’t know Mark (aka “Shovelhead”), you really missed out.  Mark and I met in college.  He was a star athlete (football player) in high school (Texas), who somehow found his way to crew tryouts with me as a college freshman.  We cemented a bond early on that revolved around character and humor.  He was a deeply spiritual man, but never in a preachy way, and I only saw him consume alcohol on one occasion - that night he scaled the dorms in his underwear.  Mark vowed he would never drink again, and I don’t think he ever did.  After college, he became a Marine helicopter pilot and we were fortunate enough to serve together on several occasions.  We also spent a fair amount of time together in Pensacola (when I was there as a Flight Instructor), including a memorable fishing trip with his (then) 5 year old son, Seth.  Later that summer, Mark was hiking with Seth in the Blue Ridge Mountains, when he was struck and killed by lightning.  Seth managed to get to the highway and flag down a car for help.  Mark lived more in his 30 years on this planet than most people do in an entire lifetime.  He was a very giving person, who brought great joy to everyone he touched and found humor in every situation, no matter the degree of stress or peril.

February 19th:  James S. and Jeannie (Glossa) O’Keefe’s anniversary (15 years).  Normally I wouldn’t remember this sort of banal statistic, but they were married just a couple of months after me, and that was just a couple of months after Joe and Maura Suggs were married, so it was a banner series of festivities - truly a fun year for weddings.  Then again, weddings are always more fun when someone else is getting married.  Enough with the sarcasm, though, the O’Keefes really define something that is, well, unique.  Jim defected from the Navy early on (to the Coast Guard!), taking a reduction in rank. and Jeannie set the standard as a doctor.  I’ve never really figured out why she puts up with him, but he IS one hell of a father (and soccer coach).  The O’Keefes now live in Washington, DC, with their daughters, Megan and Katie.

February 20th:  Mary Ann Riis, daughter of my good friends, Jim (another college crew bud) and Ashleigh Riis.  Why is it that so many of us had daughters?  I don’t know, but it sure is fun when we all get together.  Nearly every summer we get to vacation with the Riis family at their place (formerly a Civil War hospital) in Point Clear, Alabama, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth.  The Riis’s live in Mobile, Alabama, Jim and Ashleigh’s hometown.

February 22nd:  My Mom, Natalie Mae (Frenn-LaFave) Gianetti, was born in Escanaba, Michigan, a small town on the lake in the Upper Peninsula.  She and my Dad were high school sweethearts, and they married shortly after, while attending college.  She was from an affluent, well established family (her Dad was the town doctor), and my Dad was sort of from the other side of the tracks (one of those work hard/play hard, blue-collar, German-Irish-Catholic family).  My folks had 3 or 4 kids before they knew what was causing it (I can’t even imagine having 4 kids at age 25), but managed to thrive and survive.  Anyway, my Mom just retired as a college dean last Spring, and she still seems pretty darn young, all things considered.  She lives in Jackson, Michigan.   

February 27th:  My brother (Rick’s) wife, Jenine, celebrates her birthday today.  She and my brother met many years ago in San Diego, California, where they both were living, and both “bottoming out”, so to speak.  Jen is a true Califorina girl through and through (that’s a compliment in this case).  The two of them eventually started an online musical instrument business when Ebay was a fledgling company.  Then, after my brother decided to get out of the touring side of the music business, he and Jen left SoCal and headed for a place where they could own some wide-open land and wake to deer and rabbits in their yard.  Or something like that.  They live in Heath Springs, SC.

February 28th:  And, finally, my young friend, Tori (Victoria) Price, occasional babysitter and daugther of two (more) great college friends, Tim and Karen (Reddy).  Tori has come to my rescue many times while I was living in downtown Atlanta, and my girls always asked for her by name when it came to selecting a sitter.  Tori is a smart and beautiful young lady who already has most things figured out, and will be knocking them dead in college (just like her brother, Ryan) before too long.  Tori live in Marietta, GA, with her family. 

          

January 20th:  My oldest daughter, Sarah Jane, was born in 1985.  She continues to be a beautiful inspiration with her wit, charm and intuition as she makes her way in the world working her first post-college job (”career”!)  and raising her young son, Lenny IV.  Watching her grow and develop over the years taught me that I was indeed mortal, and not nearly so bulletproof and indestructable as I imagined in my “coming of age” years.  Sarah, Lenny and Lenny IV reside in Jacksonville, FL.

January 21st:  Joe Suggs, my good friend and former Marine aviator who I met through Jim O’Keefe when we were all Flight Instructors together in Pensacola.  Joe is a man of many abilities, not the least of which is his “Great Santini”ish sense of humor.   He is married to the former Maura Sullivan - an introduction I had a part in while stationed in Norfolk, VA in 1990 (and it seems to have worked out pretty good).  Joe, Maura and they 2 daughters live in Jacksonville, FL, and they attend St. Paul’s Catholic Church - small world.

January 21st:  Jeannie Glossa, another friend from college, who married one of my best friends from college, James S. O’Keefe (aka Jimmy O), a former guest contributer to the blog.  Jeannie is a medical doctor who has exhibited an extraordinairy level of kindness and self-sacrifice (perhaps against her better judgment), by inviting my family and I into her home on many occasions.  Our daughters continue to hit it off grandly, which helps to allow Jimmy O and I to share mutual vices every so often.  The O’Keefe’s now reside in Washington, DC, in the same house young James grew up in.

January 28th:  Ellie Winkleman and I go back 25+ years, to college.  We rowed crew together, developed a great friendship, and even dated off and on over the years.  Our lives have had many parallels, including co-location on the West Coast (on more than one occasion) and numerous annual get-togethers in Jacksonville.  She loves animals (hence the pet possum) and always has a smile and true warmth for an old friend.  Ellie has now been a long time NYC resident, but we still see each other often (though never often enough).

           

2nd - Britney Spears:  Pop superstar who’s first hit was “Baby One More Time”; recently photographed having a cigarette with her 3 year old.

4th - GJL:  I’ve never been real big on celebrating my birthday.  The truth is, I don’t get all the hoopla we (in the U.S.) attach such an event.  It just seems to propagate this notion of “me, me, me.”  But I don’t want to be a wet blanket, either.  My preference would be to enjoy the day to myself (unless my kids are around) and, perhaps, reflect over the last year, or some cerebral crap like that.  I did get a very pleasant birthday surprise, though, a couple of years ago.  My now 13-year old daughter, Jessie, was in town (San Diego) for what became a long weekend because we had Sunday night tickets to see Avril Lavigne, and my B’day happened to be on a weekend.  This kid set an alarm (she had to make a special effort to get up EARLY to beat me out of bed), and actually COOKED me a stellar breakfast in bed!  It’s the little things.

9th - John Sullivan:  My brother-in-law, whom I truly admire, and not just because he served in the Navy.  He’s always been sort of the rock of the Sullivan family; the quiet, unassuming, most grounded family member, and he’s always been one hell of an uncle to my daughter.  We’ve shared some good times and good laughs, and are still family.  He manages a well-known seafood restaurant - something he’s done as long as I’ve known him - near where he and his family live in Middleburg, FL.

11th - Mike Sullivan:  Another brother-in-law, who was always the protective one whenever there was any drama between Susan and I - a fact that drew us closer and earned him my respect.  He has managed an auto dealership for many years and always has the best “toys” (golf cart, jet ski’s, etc.).  He and his wife, Carmen, have two beautiful daughters and live in Jacksonville Beach, FL.  Thanksgiving dinner at the Sullivan’s has been a long-standing tradition, and I still make it to the house for the feast whenever I can (and I’m grateful to always feel welcomed there).  

12th - Desirae:  A friend of Mason and I who we know through our good friend from College, Cindy Toda.  Des has a great laugh, warm eyes, a wicked sense of humor/wit and that sort of “Chasing Amy” quality (i.e., Kevin Smith/Jay & Silent Bob ref) that drives people nuts in a good way.  Have a great B’day!

15th - Michelle LaFave-Carter (aka, Chele, Shelly):  My one and only sister and dear friend.  We weren’t always as close - in junior high school, I used to be jealous of her because she was a year younger and more popular; and she hated that a couple of her BFFs kind of liked me - but after a few bonding episodes in high school, we cemented our lifelong relationship.  We manage to get together for family vacations once or twice a year, and always have a great time.  I miss our weekly phone calls, and discovered on Thanksgiving that they’ve disconnected their home phone.  Chele, a family medical doctor; her husband, Brian (high school teacher, band director and symphony player) and their two daughters, Kaitlin Rose and Maura Skye, live in Alpena, MI.   

25th - Jesus Christ, Superstar:  The historical figure of Jesus is of central important to various religions, especially Christianity and Islam.  Scholars often draw a distinction between Jesus as reconstructed through historical methods and the Christ of faith as understood through theological tradition.  Most scholars agree that Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee who was regarded as a healer and was accused of sedition against the Roman Empire.  On the other hand, mythologists argue that Jesus never existed as an historical figure, but was purely symbolic.  The four canonical Gospels (estimated to have been written between 65 and 110 A.D) are among the earliest known documents relating to Jesus’ life.  I’m willing to go with the whole “Jesus, born in Nazareth” story, but I’m not so sure about that virgin birth (Mary was said to be 15).

29th - Wendy (Coon) Smagasz:  My best “girl” friend from high school.  She was always there for me - driving me home when I couldn’t drive, listening to my babble when even I couldn’t understand it, and always offering a hot meal at her house whenever.  She even forgave me when I started seeing her (older) sister, and we still walked together during graduation, even though I was on crutches with a broken ankle after someone slide into me during a baseball game.  Wendy, her husband, Kevin and their daughter (now attending our old high school) live in Spring Arbor, MI.  

5th - Krystal (Nee) Anniston:  My former partner in the longest relationship I ever had (not counting Mason), and that was back in the 1980’s - man, did she put up with some crap - but it was 5 pretty good years.   I was young and foolish; now I’m just older and, well, fatter.  Suspect she ended up back in Pensacola, FL.

6th - Nathan LaFave:  My drunk-ass 37 year old brother who still lives with his (my) mother when he’s not in jail.  I mention this because I’ve always felt like I deserted him when I ran off to join the Navy at 18.  My dad had been gone for a year or two by then, so Nate (who was 11 then) never really had a father figure after I left… then he watched a steady stream of siblings disappear at a rate of one per year.  I don’t talk to him much anymore because the guilt consumes me; that and he only calls when he’s drunk or needs money.  He does have two wonderful daughters, Stephanie and Josie.  I’m pretty sure he’s spending his birthday in a Michigan correctional facility this year.

9th - Chrissie Coleman:  My Niece on my daughter, Jessie’s, side (does she get a “side”?) - very smart, beautiful (inside and out), well-grounded college student up in Virginia.  She lost her younger sister last Easter, an event that has taken a toll on the entire family.  Chrissie has a gift for sensitivity and the best smile imaginable - she continues to be a wonderful influence on Jess. 

11th - Jesus Santiago:  My Puerto Rican friend from college, also a former lightweight oarsman.  I always admired him for breaking the traditional role among his P.R. peers by joining crew.  In the process, we all gained some great friends through our relationship with Jesus (pronounced “Hey!  Seuss!”).  The last time I saw him was a few years ago on a Navy trip to P.R. - he owns a gym and has a wonderful family - I think his English had slipped a bit, though!

13th - Dan LaFave:  My first cousin from my Dad’s twin brother, Uncle Bob.  Bobino met his 2nd wife, Anne, while stationed in Germany with the USAF.  Aunt Anne and my Mom were (and still are) very close when we were growing up, and Danny was like a younger brother.  Alas, our visits seem few and far between these days due to the geographic distance, but we did manage a nice famly vacation last year down in South Carolina.   Dan is the proud father of new son, Christian.  He, Connie and Christian live in Texas - they recently relocated from San Antonio.  

18th - Charles “Chaz” LaFave:  I have 20 years on my youngest brother, who grew up with my dad and his 2nd wife on the West Coast.  He had a real James Dean thing going on when he was younger, sporting a leather jacket with a hand-painted target on the back below the word “AIM”.  Later, he studied embalming while working for an undertaker (not the wrestler).  He and his wife both proudly displayed black fingernail polish at their wedding.  Last I heard, he was living in Little Rock, Arkansas, and working for the government.

20th - Danny Sullivan:  My ex-wife, Susan’s, older brother (one of three).  We remain good friends.  In fact, I think he’s helping to take care of my dog, Buddy.  Or, at least, they occasionally drink beer together.  Danny lives in Middleburg, FL, and is raising his 4 beautiful daughters (his son is grown and has joined the Army) - all of them are close to Jessie Rae.

25th - (Nathan) Jerome King:  Navy Lieutenant Commander, prior enlisted Sailor, now attached to the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN in Norfolk, VA.  We met as coworkers in Navy Recruiting in about 2002, and quickly developed a good friendship.  Since we both have family in the Southeast, we manage to get together every so often in Montgomery, AL, or Atlanta, GA.

*Anyone with a November (or later) birthday who wouldn’t mind me posting the date with a few comments, please send me a note via this site or my personal email.  Happy Birthday to all!!!

6th - Ryan “Rhino” Price:  The son of my good friends from college, Tim & Karen.  Ryan knows me as ”The Godfather”, although I can’t really say that’s led to any good blessings for him over the years.  He’s a new college freshman this year up at Davidson in North Carolina.  Expect big things from him - he aced both the ACT and SAT; President george even sent him a letter!  The Price’s reside in Marietta, GA.

7th - Gerard (Rod) “G’Rod” Schloth:  Another great friend from college (his two brothers and sister were there with us as well), who went on to get a law degree and has been married longer than anyone I know, except his parents.  Rod and I have survived some glorious times together, including a somewhat memorable night in Pensacola when Rod was in town for a big court case - alas, the next day was a bit painful - ouch!  He now practices real estate law, enjoying more quality family time with Denise, Ryan and Sarah.  They still live in Jacksonville, FL, on the same street as his parents and all of his siblings.

9th - Ashleigh Riis:  Married to the aforementioned “Youngblood” Riis.  As far as wives and mother’s go, Ash is a real trooper who can hang until the wee hours and still manage to have breakfast going early the next morning on those wonderful vacation trips to Point Clear, Alabama.  The Riis’s and their two beautiful daughters, Mary Ann and Kat(herine), still reside in Mobile, AL.

13th - Sue (Kelly) Worth:  My best “girl” buddy from college, who brought all of that New York culture, enthusiasm and attitude down to FLA with her back in the early ’80’s.  We remained close friends until Mason and I disastrously ruined her wedding by getting sloshed in the church with her husband, Will’s, 7 or 8 brothers.  Just kidding, we’re still close.  Sue, Will (another naval aviator - introduced by none other than Jimmy O) and their 3 great little athletes live in Tamp, FL.  

16th - James (Jimmy O) Sullivan “Douchbag” O’Keefe:  The Guest Writer - remember? - so you know he’s funny.  I still owe him for that Ford Granada we destroyed in college (notice I said, “we”).  He saw the light many years ago and transitioned from a diminishing career as a naval aviator into the U.S. Coast Guard, administering “Lifesaving for Dummies” in Alaska, Virgina, Alabama, Mississippi and, of course, New Orleans, LA.  He now flies a desk in Washington, DC, as the Homeland Security Advisor to ….who the hell knows?  He promises more material soon (I’m dying here, man!)  He coaches soccer for his two dynamic daughters, Meagan and Katie, and is married to another college alum, Dr. Jeannie (Nee) Glossa.

20th - John & Colleen Frenn:  My favorite uncle (the one with all the coin) and his only daughter share a birthday.  John has been a lifelong health buff and Green Bay Packers fan.  He attended college (way back when) out in Santa Cruz, California, a long way from Michigan’s U.P., and has enjoyed a career in hospital management that’s includes at least one sports-filled extended family vacation a year.  He expects to retire next Summer to a life of skiing and beachside cocktail surfing.  He and his family reside in Hollis New Hamshire, voted one of the 10 best small cities in the U.S.

24th - (Mary) Elizabeth Funk Hooper LaFave Johnson:  My former spouse and now) great friend, who is effectively raising our 7 year old daughter, Elizabeth Jane, in the thriving metropolis that is Montgomery, AL.  Elizabeth is a voracious reader and avid dressage (an equestrian pursuit) rider who has proven to be an agreeable “partner” in the art of childrearing.  Her husband, Mike, is a great guy who continues to have a positive impact on our daughter.

24th - (Lois) Jane Sullivan:  My former mother-in-law, long-time great friend and my 13 year old daughter’s top advisor and confidante on all matters social, cultural and historical.  She raised 5 great kids while her husband was serving in the Navy (often abroad), and she continues to be the matriarch of the family.  Jane, her adult children, and their families, all live between Jax Beach and Middleburg, FL.

25th - Tim “The Dog” Price:  Another alum, crew champ, former college room-mate and avid cyclist, he once resembled Tarzan, but now sports the Kojac look to great effect.  After serving a couple of tours in the Navy as a P-3 Orion Navigator, he attended Life College in the Atlanta, GA area, earning his doctorate in the Chiropractic Sciences.  He recently admitted to being the infamous “turd floater”, originating a scandalous trend that kept college administration buzzing for years.  He and his family reside in Marietta, GA.

31st (Halloween)- Schloth Anniversary:  Rod and Denise celebrate their 23rd year (?) of wedded bless - worthy of an honorable mention!  

                   

*Anyone with an October (or later) birthday who wouldn’t mind me posting the date with a few comments, please send me a note via this site or my personal email.  Happy Birthday to all!!!

10th - Kaitlin Rose Carter:  My favorite (only) sister’s oldest daughter, turning 20.  She’s not quite turning of age, but considering she works in a restaurant/bar, I’m not sure it’ll have much new relevance next year.  HB, Kait!  Lives in Alpena, Michigan, renowned for the famous Owl Burger.

11th - Jenny Lyon:  8 year old daughter of my college buddy (and former naval aviator), Mike Lyon, and his wife, Leigh, who has a strong navy connection as well.  Now, some might say that Jenny has a bit of an ominous birth date, but I say we should celebrate our greatest asset - our children!  Mike nows flies for Delta (and, as a result, flies troops to theatre), and they live in Peachtree City, GA. 

19th - Scott Hinckley:  One of my oldest college friends (and former “unofficial” room-mate); Also a former elite oarsman, Navy SEAL; and aquaman.  Recently announced his intent to get married - for the first time.  Lives in the Bay area (California) teaching, coaching and enjoying the great outdoors!  

19th - Holden Feahr:  Son (13) of my best friend from high school, T-Bone (Tom).  Not likely to follow in our foot steps, thank God - by driving 100 mph at night with the headlights offs, stealing 8-tracks, and/or destroying a different car every other week (not too mention the things we consumed) - so his folks did something right.  Tom, BTW, is a retired Michigan State Trooper.  They live in Ionia, MI, famous for their great prisons.

21st - Denise Schloth:  Great friend and wife of another dear, old JU pal, G’Rod.  And they’ve been married 21 (?) years this Halloween.  She wins a MILF award - I’ve noticed how her 19 Y/O son’s friends give her the “stare” when she’s out running!  Oh yeah, she’s still 27.  They live in Jacksonville, FL, famous for redneck outlaws.

22nd - Captain Bill Carney:  Another dear, old JU elite (from NYC), better known as “Do Me” (those who didn’t get it just called him “dome”).  He thought he would be dead by 30, but he was dead wrong.  We had a memorable Xmas vacation in a NYC burrough one year, circa ‘82!  We all had our favorite rock band - Bill’s was The Doors.  He now lives in New Orleans, LA - famous for their high-water pants - with his wife, Kathleen.  

27th - Sam Pedisich (originally Pedisic’) :   Sam Bone - what can be said about Sam that isn’t already known?  Another of the JU oarsmen clan (lightweight national champion); Former Navy SEAL, exceptional tattoo’ist, excellent writer (all of my books come from “The Library of Sam”) , father of two, husband of Erin Sebelius, master craftsman, crew coach at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC, hippy haven and retiree central.

28th - Jeannie (Simons) Hanley:  Her brother, Gary (”Stretch”), was my first Navy OIC (Officer-in-Charge).  So, Jeannie and I go back quite a few years.  She later became my favorite bartendress, and my daughters remain very fond of her.   She is now the mother of two beautiful kids and lives in Dana Point, California.  Oh, and she really is still 29.

On the scope for October:  Rhino, G’Rod, Ash Riis, Sue Worth, Jimmy O’Douchbag, Tina Sullivan, Colleen & John Frenn, Elizabeth, (Lois) Jane Sullivan and TP - Dog.

*Anyone who has a September (or later) birthday, and wouldn’t mind me publishing it, please pass it on (either via this site or my personal email)!

2nd - Jeremy LaFave (aka “Remy”); first son of my father’s only living sibling, Mitzi; lives in South Florida.

3rd - Kim Fricke; My brother, Doug’s, first wife, lives in San Diego; also a former teacher at Western High School in Parma, MI.

4th - Rick LaFave (aka “Brillo”); my brother (child #4), been in the family since 1965; entrep….$#!T, I can’t spell that….he owns his own business (GreatMusic.com) selling musical instruments around the globe; lives in Heath Springs, SC, with his wife, Jen.

4th - Debbie (Probst) Smith (aka “Little Debbie Cupcake”); the mother of my oldest daughter (Sarah); also a JU alum, now a high school principal; lives in Jacksonville, FL. 

6th - Claire Sullivan; my first cousin on my dad’s side; married with two daughters eerily close in age to my youngest two; lives in Santa Clarita, CA.

7th - Clayton Smith; my daughter, Sarah’s, half-brother.

8th - Sheila King; great friend from the West Coast since 1995; her and her husband (retired Navy surgeon, Kerry) stay busy raising 3 young kids (a set of twins) in a beautiful coastal community North of San Diego.  She is still 24 years old. 

11th - Elizabeth Jane LaFave (aka “EJ”, “Lizzy J”, “Beth”); daughter #3, new 2nd grader (last year she was booted from 2 schools AND advanced one grade); lives in Montgomery, AL.

11th - Elan Pedisich (who needs an aka when “elan” means “joy of life”?!); Son of SamBone (JU grad, former SEAL, elite oarsman) and Erin (nee Sebelius); lives in Ashville, NC.

13th - Jami (Cravey) Sizer (aka “Jami Lyn”); great artist, musical guru and San Diego friend of many years; raised 4 sons and still stays in great shape; sister to Shelley (and John - retired Navy pilot) Van Brabant, my neighbors in East County; lives in coastal community North of San Diego.

14th - Evan Frenn (aka “ski king”); 1st cousin on my mom’s side; rising college sophmore; lives and attends college in Manchester, NH area; hangs out on the slopes in Vermont.

16th - Elvis Arrowood (no aka needed); 1st college room-mate and close friend to this day; former Navy pilot, currently with United Airlines; he and his wife, Rebecca, are raising 4 youngs kids (with triplets) in Lake Arrowhead, CA.

18th - Jeff Potter (aka “MVP”); Best friend from high school and we still manage to get together almost every year; he and his wife, Brenda (also a WHS grad), have raised 2 kids and they live in Union City, TN (West of Memphis).

22nd - James “Youngblood” Riis (yes, that’s his middle name); JU grad, former elite oarsman, Mardi Gras King and world-class sailor (among other things); he and his wife, Ashleigh, are raising their 2 beautiful daughters in Mobile, AL.  Sorry I’ll miss the annual Labor Day festivities, Jimbo!

22nd - Debbie Jo (DJ) Grell (Roberts); Another JU grad and oarswoman who, by some uncanny twist of nature, shares a birthday with her alter-ego (above).  DJ is the proud mother of a teenage girl; she and her family live in Virgiai Beach, VA.

24th - Cindy (Sullivan) Coleman; my former sister-in-law (still family); proud mother of two daughters; recently relocated from Williamsburg, VA, to Middleburg, FL.

25th - Masernan (Wigley) Boster (aka “Massie”); my former teenage neighbor from Pensacola, FL (circa 1988), now the mother of two young sons; lives in Ohio just over the border from West Virginia.

On the scope for September:  Kiara, Kait, Scott H, Holden, Denise S, Do Me, SamBone and Jeannie S.