*Sold* Fish Cottage*

Fish Cottage Est. July 2012. Sold December 2014

So we closed on our cottage today. We kept it a little quiet in case the deal fell through, but today we signed the papers. This adorable cottage has a nice new owner who is so excited for a new beginning. I'm very happy for him and I'm sure he will absolutely love it! We had mixed emotions (which is good), but... It couldn't have been any cuter.

Maybe it would have been better if we lived on the lake full-time? We learned so much in the couple of years we owned it. We learned that you really have to love your neighbors. ;) You need to love the lake more than the cottage itself. We loved the cottage more than the weedy part of the lake. I love other local lakes a tad more. I grew up on Lake Fenton and it's just a whole different lake. You better be super handy, and be ready to deal with boats/docks/lawn maintenance, etc.; or be willing to pay to have someone else handle them. We learned that we really need a bigger place, so we can all stay there. It can be expensive heating it, especially if you have baseboard heat. Do you want to feel committed to one place, or do you want to go other places too. Do you like to travel and play golf? Does your daughter live across the country? As much as we enjoyed it being a 35 minute drive and not having to fight traffic, it didn't 100% feel like we were getting away. The whole thing was a bit stressful for one of us (me not so much).

I don't mention these things to sound negative; I just want to remember.

We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to buy this cute cottage, but we are a little relieved to have a simpler life. I'm sure come next Summer we will be sad that we don't have a place on the lake, or any of our lake toys. Did I also mention that we sold/gave away all things Aqua? Oh well, it's all good and we learned some valuable lessons. I just pray we aren't paralyzed next time we decide on our next adventure!

Dear Fish Cottage,

Thank you for the many memories we made with family and friends.  I'm sure next Summer we will ask ourselves why on earth we gave you away. We are excited to see what God has in store for us next; and we trust that when He closes one door, He opens another.

With Grateful Hearts,

A & L

How to treat the flu?

[caption id="attachment_1562" align="alignnone" width="660"] Lincoln and Steve in the Park Bench Drama at Kensington Community Church where the guy (Linc) has an encounter with God Himself. When the business man is frustrated with his life, God tells him to give everything up (including his family) and trust and follow Him. Linc did an amazing job![/caption]

My poor husband has the flu. Yesterday was a rare day because he had to call in sick to work. I can count on one hand the days that's happened since I've known him. Over the weekend he didn't feel well and I have to admit that I wasn't quite as compassionate as I (in hindsight) should have been. Like a lot of guys, I know the second he has the slightest sniffle. He loves to act (see above photo or watch it here) and a lot of times I have a hard time knowing when he is acting and when he isn't. Have you ever heard the story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf?" Anyway, yesterday morning I could tell it was the real deal.

I had to leave him to go to work and when I got home he was still pretty miserable. A friend of his suggested he have a "Hot Toddy." When I heard him say that I immediately thought of my Aunt DeNaze (my dad's aunt). She was known for her home remedies for just about anything. I quickly called her daughter (Cuz DeNaze, almost 91) to get her mom's recipe. I talk with her every few months since she lives in Florida. I think I've written about her on a previous post, but she's still "cool" at her age! I was happy she answered the phone. I have to tell you that I get a little worried every time she doesn't pick up right away, since she lives alone. I know there is a plan in place between her friends, who call each other every morning to make sure they make it through the night (Isn't that so cute?), but I'm always a little nervous.

Sorry to digress. The reason I told you about Cuz De is that so often I have the need to call my parents for help. I need my dad for questions around the house. My dad could do anything! I've needed my mom's real estate mind lately and it's frustrating that I can't just pick up the phone to call her.

I thought I better hurry up and call my almost 91 year-old cousin before it's too late. There was something about hearing her tell me how to take care of my sick husband that Google cannot quite match. Although I could have quickly clicked on my computer to get the answers, it was so much better listening to her squeaky voice and familiar laugh while she shared her mother's secrets.

Aunt DeNaze's Hot Toddy 

Boil about a half of a cup of water. Add a shot of whisky and a couple of teaspoons of honey and maybe some lemon. If you want you can add your whiskey to a cup of tea. Have your patient sip on it. Put a warm shirt on their chest. It's very important to keep them warm, but not too hot. 

Moral of the story? Cherish your loved ones and hold on to each and every conversation. Take the time to listen to them share their secrets... and their wisdom. Ask them questions. Don't be in a hurry. Life is short. Be intentional. Love each other. Take care of each other. Be compassionate. Have eye contact. Call your loved ones. Get off your computer.

My patient needs me so I better run... and hurry up and get ready for Christmas before I catch the bug, too! ;)

Angie xoxo

Thanksgiving 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

The house is quiet. My husband is sound asleep and I'm about to start the Thanksgiving preparation. The Holy Spirit brought me down to my office to stop and pause... to remember.

It's too easy for me to focus on the yesterdays, the if only's and the whys? I remember so many holidays where my mom would be more concerned about who wasn't there instead of who was there. My second to the oldest sister had moved to California and it totally broke my mom's heart. It's a long, complicated story, but I remember my mom having this underlying stress that seemed to consume her because of it; she wasn't able to fully enjoy the holiday. She was on edge and could seriously cry at the drop of a hat. She had a hard time not taking it out on those of us present, especially my dad. I'd by lying if I didn't admit that I became a little bitter toward my sister for what felt like abandoning our family. I wonder if she has any idea how much it affected the rest of us.

It is so ironic that what seems like just a few years later, our family has shrunk. The crazy, busy holidays are just a memory. My daughter is in California and she isn't going to be here. Instead she will be home for Christmas. The only family member outside of my immediate family (Linc and John) will be the same sister (and her friend) who I mentioned above. Although it will be such a small gathering today, I want to fully enjoy those who are present.

I'm so Grateful that although Meghan won't be here, I know to the depth of my soul that we have an amazing relationship. I know she didn't move to CA to run away from me and she has reminded me of that a zillion times. God has given me so much and I don't take any of it for granted. I could list the many gifts He has given me but He knows what's in my heart.

Wherever you are today, I pray you have nothing but laughter and Peace in your house. Forgive anyone you need to forgive, and try to be Mary instead of Martha! ;)

So much love,

Angie

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_HLIOnfJNs&w=560&h=315]

A Poem About Pride

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny…
because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment…
because you “deserve better than this.”
I cheat you of knowledge…
because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing…
because you are too full of you to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness…
because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.
I cheat you of vision…
because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship…
because nobody’s going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love…
because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven…
because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.
I cheat you of God’s glory…
because I convinced you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.
Untrue.
I’m looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry…
If you stick with me you’ll never know.

by Beth Moore

My Prayer Request

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr9YVD05x8M]

"The Proof Of Your Love"

If I sing but don't have love
I waste my breath with every song
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise
If I speak with a silver tongue
Convince a crowd but don't have love
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say

So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

If I give
To a needy soul but don't have love then who is poor?
It seems all the poverty is found in me

So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
Oh, let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

When it's all said and done
When we sing our final song
Only love remains
Only love remains

Let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love

Katie's Homecoming

This past weekend was super exciting for my sister and her family. My niece, Katie was chosen to be on the Queen's Court for Homecoming at her high school. I drove down to North Carolina with my older sister, Patricia to be a part of it. Katie was so sweet to ask her little brother to be her escort. This girl is amazing! Her brother has had so much (unwanted) attention lately, so she has taken a back seat. To say life has been hard on her is an understatement. Watching her handle him with so much love and grace brings me to tears. I could go on and on here, but I mainly just want to share that my sister's house was full of smiles all around and it was such a treat be able to share this time with them.

[caption id="attachment_1535" align="alignnone" width="682"] The Lamb Family[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1536" align="alignnone" width="682"] Katie was nominated to be on the Queen's court and she asked her brother to be her escort.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1537" align="alignnone" width="890"] Katie & Zack[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1538" align="alignnone" width="890"] Zack is in the Pit and if you knew all he's been through lately you'd think this is as amazing as I do![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1539" align="alignnone" width="682"] I was so impressed by his ability to do this with absolutely no assistance. :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1540" align="alignnone" width="890"] A proud mother and her daughter! xo[/caption]

The Eight of Us

Last weekend we were lucky to be invited up north to our friends' cottage on Lake Leelanau. I've known all of these friends for over thirty years and we keep making more memories. We had a blast, especially having a dance party with some our old favorite hits. Don't ask me why I love this song so much and made us listen to it over and over again?! I wish they'd let me post the video... ;)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p02DgHeGdyI&w=420&h=315]
"Brand New Key" by Melanie

I dare you to try to listen to it just once... :)

Mom Four Years Later

Sometimes it feels like yesterday when Mom passed away, and other times it seems like she's been gone forever. Four years ago this afternoon I got the call from Patricia that she passed away. Right now it feels like I just heard the news for the very first time.

I think of her every single day when I look down at my hands... her hands. I think of her when I walk through our living room, where I have her beautiful cream and sugar china dishes on a tray. I think of her when I entertain and get a little freaked out in the process. I think of her when I want to take a road trip and make meatloaf. I think of her when someone says that I sound like Grandma. I think of her so much more, in the little things. She had so many good qualities that she passed on to me and I miss her so much, especially today. I'd give anything to get just one more hug; and tell her I love her; and thank her for loving me with reckless abandon! Yep, I'm a fifty-something-daughter who wants her mom. ;)

Always,
Annie

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxd-7dTsUfQ&w=420&h=315]

Thankful for C & D

I am so overdue for a Thankful Thursday post. I can't even remember the last time I wrote one here. Today could not have passed by without acknowledging what God did in my life this week...

On Sunday I watched my favorite Bible study author, Beth Moore's Simulcast. I highly recommend it and you can find it here. Anyway, at one point Beth talked about meeting total strangers and seeing the Radiance of Jesus Christ in the way they look. She said she can see that it's obvious that they are believers. Her whole message was incredible and exactly what I needed to hear. When I finished listening to her message I hopped on FB for a minute. I saw a message from one of my newest friends on there. It was from Cindy, my ex-boyfriend in high school's wife. She told me she could see a "presence" in my pictures and she just wanted to tell me. Isn't that just so sweet?! I couldn't believe it. Did she watch the same message and felt the need to respond to it by writing me that message? Anyway, I don't have time to explain the whole story here, but we exchanged several emails back and forth and it was by far the biggest God-wink I've seen in a very long time. Something in me wanted to share the post I wrote on my blog back in March with her. I am so touched by the way she (and her husband!) responded to it. In a strange way, I felt a type of healing that I didn't even realize I needed. It is hard to fully describe. Although my heart was broken all of those years ago, I just know in the depth of my soul that God works ALL things out for the good and He definitely had His hand in my life then... and again this week.

I don't know why God loves me so much to give me a gift like He did this week. I am so Grateful.

xx

"I'm so sorry"

"leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God." ~Matthew 5:24

Even though I don't like it, I really believe this verse to be true.

Last night The Holy Spirit took over and helped me be "reconciled" with a loved one. I cannot tell you how much it has been bothering me to be in conflict with a family member. We are family forever! It had been several months since I hurt her feelings... and in turn my feelings were crushed.  I won't go into all of the ugly details, but I'm happy because all is good now; and I feel free to be the woman God wants me to be. It was impossible to call myself a Christian (and sit in church on Sunday singing worship music) and avoid people and have the kinds of feelings I've had for her.  I know everyone isn't going to like me and I'd be lying if I told you I didn't care, but I have to obey God. There were a few healing tears and hugs.  She didn't say she was sorry or shed a tear, but I feel so much better! She appreciated me reaching out.

If you are reading this and anyone comes to mind, I hope you go to them and do the hard thing. You will feel so much better! It will be totally worth it... I promise! I pray you get the courage to do it today!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxiqslWvgTI&w=420&h=315]

Not just a lunch date

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-j7CFfDvHc&w=420&h=315]

This afternoon we took our friend, Linda out for lunch to celebrate her birthday. Next year she will be 65!  If she lives to be 80 she will only have 15 years left. We all know how time flies! Wow! We were talking about church.  None of the four of us have been going lately. It hit me that I really don't even have a good excuse for why I've been avoiding it. I haven't wanted to waste my Sunday? How pathetic is that?  We were talking about the Catholic church and my Annulment after my divorce. I hadn't thought about it for so long. I was telling them my thoughts about why I think it's a joke, but how healing it was for me to go through the process.

Healing.

This evening, as I reflect on our conversation I realize I need God in my life. If I'm going to leave a legacy, I can't waste another moment; I must Glorify God and not myself... any more. You know the funny thing? These friends aren't a part of my small group and we don't even go to the same church. I'm pretty sure positive it was God who orchestrated our time together for His purpose.

I decided to change my blog back to "By Faith... Angie." Honestly, I haven't been very pleasant to be around lately and I'm pretty sure it's because I've been living life my way instead of God's way.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control..." ~Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Happy to be getting back on track,

xx

August Wrap Up

Before I can jump into September, I need to fully digest August. I think we packed so much fun in because of last Winter here in Michigan. With record snowfall and very cold temperatures, we knew we had better enjoy each day and make some last-minute memories! Winter is right around the corner.

Here are some of our highlights:

It was fun planning our niece, Samantha's shower and decorating pretzels with Monica.

M. came home to be a bridesmaid in her friends' (Danielle and Joe) wedding.

The four of us spent an afternoon out at the cottage, taking a cruise on the pontoon, followed by dinner at The Firehouse in Fenton.

I've come to accept quality time vs quantity time with M. when she comes home. She has so many places to go and people to see; seriously! Unfortunately she didn't even have time to see any of her extended family.  We celebrated Lincoln and J's birthdays with a nice seafood dinner in Birmingham, followed by the infamous attempt at taking the perfect photo for this year's Christmas card. Wouldn't you know that J. just happened to have to wear his glasses that night (eye issue) and M. happened to be wearing her sunglasses in most of the pictures. No, I'm not being negative here,  just making an observation. ;)

Taking a road trip with J. down to Cincinatti for the Western Southern Tennis Tournament was definitely a highlight. We watched the Bryan identical twins play Jack Sock and another guy, while sitting in the best seats in the house (front row on the right corner!).  I especially loved watching Ferrer and learning about his work ethic. J. taught me all about these guys and really got me interested in following them. We also saw some of the best female tennis players of today. Both J. and I love the sport of tennis and the level of class of the fans. We decided this might have to be an annual event!

Harbor Springs is one of our favorite spots in Michigan. We took J. up there to stay at the Baylis Birchwood House. We had a blast! My golf game finally came together and I played my all-time best round: 45 + 40 = 85. To say I was excited is an understatement. I had the cart to myself, so there were no distractions. I tried to remember all J. taught me about coming back slow and low; straight back (not like a baseball swing); accelerating to 100% speed when I hit the ball; my hands go out to right field;  and follow through. There were photos and a whole lot of bragging going on! We played a lot of golf and ate a lot of good food and enjoyed our time together.

On our way home from up north we attended my Godmother and her husband's 50th Wedding Anniversary Party. We were able to see a lot of my Aunt Winnie's family. It was nice to see everyone when it wasn't a funeral. We enjoyed celebrating  Jane and Jerry!  My take-aways came from their son, Bob's speech, where he shared what his parents taught them about Passion, Partnership and Playfulness in marriage. What a legacy!

We celebrated the long Labor Day Weekend in Arizona. The Sanctuary is the place  to go and get totally pampered in luxury if you can handle the heat (109 degrees in the afternoon) of Summer.  We've been there at least four times, but this time Linc was determined to climb Camelback Mountain. We woke up super early on Friday morning to get an early start. I may write a whole blog post about the trip up there if I get a few moments later.  It was not easy, but I was so proud that Linc made it to the top! There were photos and a whole lot of bragging going on! We spent most of the time IN the pool at the Spa because it was the only way to stay cool. If you know me, I only get in if it's HOT.  My favorite outing was when we took a tour of Taliesin West, which was Frank Lloyd Wright's Winter Home and School from 1937-1959. Linc and I love his "Organic Architecture." It really made us want to build a home! We ate a lot of great food and enjoyed our time together and focused on a few things in our marriage that needed tending. It didn't bother me that Linc accidentally jumped in the pool with his phone in his pocket. There was a sense of freedom knowing I had him to myself, so it actually felt like a gift. We each read a whole "real" book with pages and everything! I tried taking some photos but forgot most of what I have learned about manual mode in photography. For some reason I opted for auto so I could get a few snapshots and just enjoy the moment.

J. went to visit his sister in Santa Monica. I absolutely loved that they had a weekend together by themselves. I wish I could express how much it means to me to have them be friends. M. surprised him with a concert at the Hollywood Bowl to see John Williams and hear all of his music. They took a picnic and had a great evening. I'm so proud of the way M.  is such a good hostess and makes sure people have the best time!

Well, that about wraps up August in our household. We really haven't spent a lot of time here, but I have a sneaky suspicion that we'll be "nesting" sooner than later!

We.

Are.

So.

Blessed!

xx

August Favorite Photos

[caption id="attachment_1420" align="alignnone" width="640"] Beautiful Flowers at Sanctuary[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1421" align="alignnone" width="640"] The praying monk on Camelback Mountain. Yes, we climbed to the top! Our view from the pool.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1422" align="alignnone" width="640"] Morning photo shoot[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1423" align="alignnone" width="640"] Where we relaxed IN the pool most of our time. It was 108 degrees.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1424" align="alignnone" width="640"] A brief lunch with pregnant Jenny. I think the baby was the size of a "pomegranate" that week.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1425" align="alignnone" width="640"] Impossible NOT to believe in God when I see these flowers.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1427" align="alignnone" width="640"] John and Linc. Good looking guys![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1428" align="alignnone" width="640"] I wish this one wasn't blurry![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1429" align="alignnone" width="640"] View from the balcony by Elements (Excellent restaurant!).[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1430" align="alignnone" width="640"] I love that cactus![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1431" align="alignnone" width="640"] My two favorite kids![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1432" align="alignnone" width="640"] Love the lavender flowers here![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1433" align="alignnone" width="640"] I love this one, too! I wish somebody wasn't wearing her sunglasses! ;)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1435" align="alignnone" width="640"] John A.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1436" align="alignnone" width="640"] I love the coffee set-up there![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1437" align="alignnone" width="640"] I love the colors in these flowers![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1438" align="alignnone" width="640"] My favorite photo of the day![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1439" align="alignnone" width="640"] This isn't the greatest photo, but we are obsessed with the smell of these products! I stuffed as many as I could fit in my bag to bring home![/caption]

 

Quality One on One Time with Randy's Family

Yesterday my nephew and niece (Randy & Lizz) and their family came out to the cottage to spend the day with me. Lizz had texted me a couple of weeks earlier to set it up. The day before they were coming I looked at the weather forecast and it looked like it was going to be rainy. I warned them ahead of time so they wouldn't make the 2+ hour drive from Grand Rapids if it wasn't going to be nice. They obviously didn't realize how small (800 sq. feet) the cottage is and I was worried there would be nothing for them to do if we were cramped inside. Lizz said they were definitely coming and she kept telling me not to stress-out and that they had no expectations.

We had the best time with them! Their kids are so cute and so well behaved! I loved observing them as parents. Randy took each of the kids separately on a kayak ride. He is such a sweet dad and reminded me so much of his dad, my brother Dave. His quiet way with them and his constant interaction was such a joy to experience. Lizz couldn't have been more complimentary of our cottage. I loved how she made herself at home and jumped right in. They loved that it was just "us."

I feel like I got to know their kids a lot better. Lillian is 10 years old and is so mature. She is quite the athlete and such a sweetheart. Trey is 4 years old and is adorable. Their youngest, Eveline is almost 3 years old. I will always remember her age because I drove Dave and Pattie over to their house right after she was born. It was important to Dave that he go see her. He slept all the way over there; rallied for the visit; and slept all the way home, while trying to get comfortable. He passed away shortly after that final visit.

Linc came after work and we all went for a boat ride to go get the famous pizza rolls and of course "superman" ice cream for the three of them. Oh yeah, "Grandma Pattie" came over and joined us. I hadn't seen her in forever and it was nice catching up. She seemed to be doing pretty well.

I am learning that I most enjoy our tiny little cottage when we have small groups out there. I'm able to spend quality time with them. I didn't need to worry about them being bored. We had lunch; played the bean-bag game outside; the kids swam in the little beach area; Randy took the kids kayaking; we watched some of the movie, "Frozen" (and loved hearing the kids sing along!); played Jenga; went on a boat ride after the rain stopped; and just talked and caught up.

[caption id="attachment_1405" align="alignnone" width="467"] Lizz & Lilly[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1411" align="alignnone" width="560"] Randy & Lilly[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1406" align="alignnone" width="467"] Lilly[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1407" align="alignnone" width="560"] Randy & Trey on the kayak.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1408" align="alignnone" width="560"] Eveline[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1409" align="alignnone" width="467"] Eveline & Trey[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1410" align="alignnone" width="560"] Eveline & Trey[/caption]

I had the best Wednesday I have had in a very long time!

My first and dearest friend, Jan.

Last weekend I was so Blessed to get to spend the weekend with my very first friend. I've known Jan since 1967 when I crossed East Street to introduce myself to our new neighbors. Since then our friendship has been one of the best gifts I have ever received. And she is one of the very few people who call me Angela.

We were friends until 6th grade when my family moved to Lake Fenton. We kept in touch and caught back up in high school when we moved back to Fenton. We took night classes together at Mott Community College where she was studying Nursing and I was in the Dental Hygiene program. We lived together across from Mott Children's Health Center and Hurley Hospital. She lived downstairs and I lived upstairs in a very scary part of town. It was typical to hear gun shots in the evening. I still can't believe we lived there! Jan was also a bridesmaid in my first wedding and she lived through my first love and marriage.

She the kind of friend I don't have to see often, but when I do we pick right back up where we left off. This past weekend we stayed at her condo at Trout Creek in Harbor Springs. We talked and talked and talked and laughed and laughed and laughed. We also shed a few tears; you know, the good kind. We both know what a gift we have and we do not take it for granted.  It is so comforting to have a friend with a very good memory. She reminded me of some very important details that I have somehow forgotten along the way. Jan knows the real me and she loves me. The way she loves and accepts people is like no other.

On Saturday evening we were in Petosky just in time to watch the sunset and I quickly grabbed my camera out of the trunk. We had a silly photo shoot and laughed some more. There was a couple in a car nearby who was watching us and got a kick out of a couple of fifty-somethings having the time of our life.

It is my honor and privilege to introduce you to my very special friend, Jan. aka... Jan Philreeski. 47 years later.