Scottsdale

John and Lynne are the best of friends. We go waaaay back.... BC...before children. And the nice thing is that they are not only our friends, but also Ryan and Katie's. (You're one deep dude, John.)

You never know what is going to happen when we get together, but typically we get into a project, plumbing or tree work or moving or computers or HSA's or time shares. Lynne is a non card carrying Philadelphia lawyer. The girl is a walking database of details. Want to fly to Bora Bora for $29 round trip? She can search it out. Want to know the tax code rules on medical deductions? Call Lynne. Plus she's "torchin" hot. (No, no, no... too far)

John's office looks like a wall street brokerage sweat shop. Three screens, 2 laptops, fax machines, 3 phones, television on with financial news streaming in real time (and 3 stuffed animals named Bid, Ask and Call... go figure). He is the macro economic market trend research guru and Lynne is the micro economic options trader. On any given day they are swimming with the sharks and, God bless em, coming out with all their apendages ... usually. Things have been quirky lately... for everyone.

John is one of those guys who can do anything. Give him a technical manual and a computer and he will figure it out. He has flown everything from float planes to C130's to Lear Jets to Glass Cockpit 767's all over this planet. And nobody gets more involved with the technology than he does. He knows every hydraulic, electrical, mechanical system of every plane he's ever flown. And with his Loadmaster experience in the Air Force he can fit 10 pounds of big ucks (private joke) in a 5 pound bag in his sleep. My kinda guy.

We walked in the door to hugs and smiles and the first thing I notied was how great they looked. John was sporting a pony tail. Lynne was running around at 100 miles and hour. Good to be back. One night we walked way up on a bluff to watch an incredible sunset. Another night we sat around a camp fire out back and laughed until our sides hurt. Priceless. Nuggets of happiness.

We hated to leave, but, like crawfish, company begins to stink after a day or so (right Ron and Nancy?), even the best of company. So friends, thanks ever so much for your generous hospitality, the comfy bed, the delicious food and, most of all, for your friendship.

See you in Maine.