Friends list

This is gutsy, listing friends, but it's not what you think. This is not a "top ten" list, it's just an alphabetical list of friends that I am thinking about as Christmas nears, and the wishes I have for them this holiday season (this is much cheaper than actually buying them something.}

Al B. A very good friend, that I met while Jason was playing JV football at Bullock Creek. Al coached several years with me in the MAYFL, and goes camping with us quite often, we try and take in a few events of some sort when we can, but we haven't had a chance to do much lately.
For Christmas I hope you have lots of quality time with your grandchildren and the Red Wings win another Stanley, Cup so maybe we can enjoy a game or two together during the finals. I'll bring the popcorn.

Andy B. I met Andy when my band played at the Oscoda Air Force Base's NCO Club. Andy sat in on a few songs and ended up becoming an unofficial member of the band, who would play bass with us whenever he was able to attend a gig. I haven't seen him in years, but we keep in touch via e-mail. Andy for Christmas I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family, and that we can get together and jam sometime soon.

Bill K. I met Bill through the band and still get together now and then, Bill has a wonderful family and is one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure to play music with. For Christmas I hope you have continued blessings from God, and that your family remains close as they grow up. (Both geographically, and Spiritually.)

Carl F. Another friend I met in a band, Carl now lives in Memphis Tenn. and I hope to get down there and visit him sometime so we can check out some of the blues clubs. For Christmas I hope you and your family have time to spend together and that you have success and stability in your job.

Dave B. Actually my cousin, but also one of my good friends while growing up. Dave and I went to see "Planet of the Apes" at the drive in and I was able to watch as he came back from the concession stand and got into the wrong car, that was a hoot. For Christmas I wish you and your son peace and serenity, and blessings from God.

Dave E. A friend from work. Dave and I got off on the wrong foot, and neither of us liked working with the other until we just had a face to face and now I consider Dave to be one of my best friends and a very nice man. Dave, for Christmas I hope you and Kathy get that place in Florida and retire in leisure.

Dave T. Okay, this is a bit odd, but I met Dave by accidentally e-mailing to the wrong e-mail address. We talked baseball over the course of several days, (or weeks) before we discovered I was talking about the Tigers and he was talking about the Cubs. I have never met Dave, but we keep in touch via e-mail, and I consider him a good friend even though I wouldn't know him if we met on the street. Maybe this will be the year I make it out west to see your new location. For Christmas I hope for a Cubs vs. Tigers World Series, don't laugh, it could happen.

Dick N. A very good friend from work, that attended the same high school as I did. For Christmas I hope for an early retirement so you can catch up on Cindy's honey-do list.

Don Disco. What can I say, Don's the big old lovable guy you want in your corner if there's any trouble. He has a volatile temper, but that's what makes him fun to tease. Don for Christmas I hope you have lots of time with your daughter and that the doctor gets you on the right medication.

Dwight M. Dwight is another guy from work, and one that I have the most in common with, as far as age and life experiences, tastes in music and the goal of retiring and remaining fat and lazy, (at least that's my goal.) Dwight for Christmas I hope we can both get that early retirement.

Greg F. One of the most fun guys to work with. Greg is a big sports nut and we can discuss almost any sport as long as it's football, or baseball. Greg, for Christmas how about a Detroit Tigers American League Championship, and a .500 season for Michigan Football, (Doubtful with Coach Rod.)

Jamey H. A friend from work who is off with a knee injury. Jamey is a fun loving guy who I miss working with, but I know he's better off not being subjected to the BS that goes on at the MPC. Jamey, for Christmas I hope Rita gets that early retirement so she can be there to make sure you do what you're supposed to do while she's working, on second thought maybe not. Merry Christmas anyway.

Jef P. Jef is my brother, but also my best friend, that is why he's on this list. Jef is an excellent guitarist and writer who happens to be the biggest Tigers fan I know. Jef, for Christmas I hope for a Tigers World Series victory and that you and Sandy can get tickets for the deciding game.

Jeff W. Another friend from work who is big on sports and trivia, especially sports trivia. Jeff, for Christmas how about some quality time with your daughter and a sports almanac with all the sports info you would ever need.

Jim R. Jim is my former Pastor, fishing & golfing buddy, and the kind of man who will drop everything if someone needs a hand at anything. Jim has a great sense of humor and we got along very well. Jim, for Christmas I hope you and Nancy get to spend lots of time with your grand daughter and family, and that God's blessings continue to come your way, also a new rod and reel would be appreciated I'm sure.

John B. John and I worked together in several different buildings and shifts over the years and we always managed to have fun regardless of who the supervisor was. John has a very unique way of looking at the world and together the two of us came up with solutions to solve most of the problems facing modern society, unfortunately we didn't write anything down and I don't remember them now. John, for Christmas I hope you and your family have lots of time together and that the boys (grandsons) don't destroy anything.

John B. (a different John B.) John is another guy from work who is fun to work with and also enjoys trivia. John, for Christmas I hope you have lots of good powder for skiing, and that you have enough sick time to get you through the season.

Paul D. A former co-worker who retired in '02 and took another full time job. Paul I hope this retirement thing works out well for you, and for Christmas I hope you and Kris have continued joy in the new year.

Rob H. A special friend who I met in a band way back in the early 80's, and he remains one of my favorite guitarists to this day. Rob and I have been through a lot together over the years, and he is my best friend ever. Rob and his family have joined us on camping trips and we have attended concerts and hockey games with the wives on several occasions. Rob, for Christmas I hope you and Lana have a peaceful holiday and a wonderful new year, and a winning lotto ticket to boot.

Roland S. What can I say, he is "Verbal Redirection Man!" And the Crossword King, a very intelligent person who has a great sense of humor, I bow in the presence of his greatness, did I mention he's humble too? Roland is one of the best people to work with at the MPC, and he's a lot of fun no matter what the situation is. Roland, for Christmas I hope you have the time to spend with your family to catch up on things you missed out on while doing all that Overtime, seriously I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a great new year.

Tim S. Is a friend from Church and also from Bullock Creek sports, my first three children and his three children all graduated together. Tim is another of those guys who will drop everything to lend a hand, and he puts the needs of others before his own needs. Tim, for Christmas I hope you and Val have a chance to gather everyone together and can enjoy a special family Christmas, and that the Blessings of Our Lord are yours to partake of.