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March 2009 - The “Fun In The Sun” gathering that almost didn’t happen turned out to be a success in spite of a few untimely
delays. Skip’s attempts to organize a gathering were interrupted by
medical situations. Had Sterling begged off from gathering at his place
due to inconveniences that slowed him down. Then, Rainy joined the heart
disorder clan and was admitted to the hospital with some kind of
fibrillation. Are we getting old, or what? Regardless, a spur of the
moment date was set and a lively group congregated on a Sunday in March at
O'Leary's Tiki Bar on the docks in Sarasota (the same place we took over
in ’07 following a circus train breakfast brunch and a cruise that wrapped
up a spectacular “FIS” blow-out weekend at Skip and Cherie’s). This year,
the excuse was to celebrate Nancy McClellan’s birthday. I ask, how come
Nancy is still 50 when the rest of us are 70+?
This year’s “FIS”gathering was blessed with gorgeous weather and a good
turnout. A great time was enjoyed by all. It was a wonderful opportunity
to soak up suds and get caught up with each other. When departing, we all
went over to the docks to encouraged Skip to buy a 50 foot trawler he
seemed to be drooling over… Skip wasn’t moved!
This year’s gathering lasted only about 4 hours, but it was so cool to
get together with people we spent great years with back in the 50’s. They
were the best of times. We were so fortunate to go to Deering, and to live
in Portland. It was “Happy Days” in real life. Whether you were “The Fonz”,
Ralph, Joanie, or Pinky Tuscadero, it’s always interesting to visit the
future which is kind of what it boils down to when you meet people you
haven’t spent time with for 50+ years. See you all next year!
Classmate Greg Vogel
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