Birthday Collages

I love Facebook for it's ability to wish someone a happy birthday through pictures. Here are a couple recent works for Kelly and Bud. Happy 50th Birthday, Class of 1980!

Our Hardest Working Classmate

Melanie has worked for Indiana University for over twenty years. On more than one occasion, I tagged along as she made the rounds on campus and couldn't help but notice how this amazing woman is treated like a rock star everywhere she goes. What is most remarkable about Melanie is, she is humble and never misses an opportunity to thank the members of her team and show her appreciation. An inspiring public speaker, Melanie is as valued to IU as their basketball team (there is Melanie with members of the team on August 17th.) Below, Melanie is in the spotlight, rallying incoming IU freshman. (Click on the image for a larger view.)
Melanie charms members of the basketball team, "backstage" at Assembly Hall.

Too Short a Visit With My Friend

Any amount of time with Sue is a gift. I have a really strong feeling that as years pass, we will find more time for each other.
Fall 1979
Summer 2012

Club 50 Inductee #14, Jim!

Jimmy says "Getting old....it ain't for the faint of heart..." Problem is old man, you never get old! Pictured here with his beautiful bride, Kimmy and their adorable grand baby.

Fun & Old Mt. Holly Photographs

1962 Mt. Holly lodge

What Has Thom Burke Been Up To?

As usual, the more I blog, the more I need a Captain Thom Burke break. In my most recent search I've found some wonderful Navy photography.

While the USS Ronald Reagan is dry docked in Washington State for repairs, I hope Thom has been able to enjoy some family plus R&R between his duties.

Here is a new & touching video Thom speaking during a burial at sea ceremony.



This is a neat video from last September when the Reagan was visited by the band "Birds of Prey." Thom gives a speech at the beginning.

2006 Flashback-Bev Visits Indianapolis

Bev and I are childhood friend who grew up in the Olive Branch region of Springfield Township. Both families had horses. I remember riding my horse to her house to play cards or just play. I moved to the city and left horses behind. Bev and her family embraced horse life. On the couple recent occasions that I've been invited to dinner at her home, I've also been more than happy enough to put the horses in at night.

While excavating my hard drive, I found list series of photos from 2006 when Bev and her daughter came to Indianapolis for a horse show.

Life is a Beach for the Knights

I've posted on classmate Marianne and her husband, Bill previously. I was out in Internet-land looking for classmate 50th birthday photographs when I stumbled on this charming photo series from a recent sandsculpting event that the Knights participated in. This is another case of finding your passion and riding the joy of pursuing it. Click on the title above for a link to Marianne and Bill's website.

Club 50 Inductee #13, Patti!

Fellow blogger and M22 superstar, Patti, turned a very young 50 in April. My favorite M22 spot is Elberta Beach; has been since a learned to walk. When I see an M22 here in Indianapolis, I smile, so you can imagine when I spotted Patti's M22 t-shirt. Patti has a true talent and green thumb. I'm so happy to hear when people embrace and run with their passion. Happy Birthday, Patti, you are a lucky thirteen!

Click here for Patti's blog "My Urban Farmscape!

Club 50 Inductee #12, Cheryl!

Cheryl's family and friends threw her a 50th birthday surprise party recently and didn't hold back one detail. For starters there was a live band and fireworks! Cheryl, you never ever age...you look fantastic!

Class of 1982 30th Reunion, Highland State Rec Area, June 30th

The Sad Passing of a Great Guy

Our dear classmate Lane Amell, lost his brave battle to cancer in early May. I have a lot of great memories of Lane, primarily, he was always smiling. Lane and Marty were close friends. It's hard to believe we lost them both so young. Something tells me that they are just as close today. Lane leaves behind three children and one grandchild.

Club 50 Inductee #11, Becky!

One of my favorite memories from our 30th reunion was getting to sit and visit with Becky at the Broadstreet Station the night before the reunion. IMHO, Becky has not changed a bit from even elementary school and has a wonderful spirit. Becky celebrated her 50th on April twenty-three.

Club 50 Inductee #10 Is Me!

I was so touched that my birthday guests all drove from Michigan to celebrate my 50th on March 24th. The Jackies and I toured Main Street shops and galleries before the party. We had an incredible meal at The Loft at Traders Point Creamery, followed by some cocktails and blues at The Slippery Noodle. The next morning we met for breakfast at Eagle Creek Coffee Company and the girls did some shopping.

My college Jackie, traveled the farthest, and my high school Jacqui.

Richard and Kelly

Bob and Lauren

Our wonderful table next to the wine and cheese cave-The Loft at Traders Point Creamery, Zionsville

The gang outside The Loft

The girls whooping it up at The Slippery Noodle blues bar, Indianapolis

Club 50 Has Passed the Half Way Point

Kelly's Senior Trip Archive

Spring Break 1980. The Holiday Inn, Surfside, Daytona Beach. Rumor was HHS was never invited back. You'll see no misbehavior below. Kelly, Tammy, Cheryl, Misty, Curt, Denise, Sandy, Stacy, and Joann had a nice time...some even took in Disney World (although you can tell a few were very tired.)