T M B...

I'm not quite sure how to begin here, except to say that I think Thom may have added an "h" to his name right about the same time I added an "n".

And ALSO, that I think he's probably about the very best friend I've ever had.

For sure!

We met during our Freshman year of college at Cal State University Fullerton, though the Disney thing was probably one of the things that cemented us.

Or it could have been at least a thousand other things too. You can scroll (way) down to at least see 100 of the possiblities...

Anyway, when you're friends with someone for like 40 years its sometimes hard to keep the timeline straight so I'll just do the best I can to put some of these pictures in the order they came in with whatever memory I have left. I'm sure Thom will correct me if I'm wrong...

Please keep in mind this was WAY before the time of instantaneous photo ops. Because if otherwise, what follows could have been really frightening!

On The Circle Line the first time he came to visit me in New York (1974)

On some balcony in Newport Beach just as soon as I got back... (1974)

A Music Center afternoon (1975)

Out with the family after a performance of "Promises, Promises" (1975)

Another "Promises, Promises" afterparty - I must have taken the picture.. (1975)

Agent Day (1975)

Disney Easter Parade (1975)

Pardon Me Boys *cough* at Knotts Berry Farm (1976)

Thom with Tao (1976)

At a get-together with the NY Telephone Industrial cast (1977)

Rockerfellar Center (1977)

Rock Center Too (1977)

On the fire escape at my old "Hell's Kitchen" apartment (1977)

A picnic in Sheep's Meadow NYC (1977)

Somewhere more exotic... Like maybe Hawaii? Or Laguna..(?)

Told you my memory's failing me!

I wonder who wrote this?

Because I just found it...

I just love this picture! (from whenever it was..)

So what is it that seals the deal and makes two people be able to remain friends with each other forever? Because even after we'd lost touch for such a long time, we still WERE.

Catalina - One of the best times ever! (1987)

And then, STILL again, even after a lifetime later.

Dinner before "Wicked." (2007)

There is something just SO great about having someone who knows you, and has known you forever, through the very best and worst of it, and still sort of likes you. And even after all these many years later all you have to say is just say one little word (or a couple) and that person still completely gets it! So here goes:

The Hundred (or so) Reasons

1. New Sights and Bright Lights
2. Hello.. Western Airlines?
3. Some more champagne?
   
4. SIR, would you please put your cigarette out? You could blow up the whole plane!
5. Are you the couple who just got married?
6. I wonder if the bus terminal is anywhere near the Hilton.
7. Cab driver take us there please. "cough, choke, gag" And could you also open your window?
8. Only twenty-two dollars?
9. I'm sorry but we're closed.
10. Right this way Mr. Blackmore. May I suggest the prime rib?
11. Maybe a pot pie out of the machine?
12. Room 1717.
13. The Bristol.. with all it's charm.
14. Going back, we'll probably be all alone on the plane. haha
15. Debbie, Jean... and John Goodwin
16. Bette at Universal Amphitheatre
17. The yapanese yen..
18. Shiela Levine
19. Alcoves
20. Foam mattresses
21. Letters on cassette
22. "I gotta get this to the post office before it closes!"
23. Bonds
24. Rona...
25. Hop on the bus Gus, no need to discuss much...
26. Just drop off the key Lee, and get yourself free.
27. Sparkle and Song All Summer Long
28. Get those knees up Jannet!
29. My calves hurt!
30. I'll love you till the cows come home. Then I'll go back to loving cows again.
31. And so vhere ar your troubles now? Gone? I told you so!
32. Jen! I can't feel my legs! Tony!
33. No, No Nanette
34. But Oh when she dances.
35. Are you tired of going to the same old bathroom?
36. Red hat. Blond wig. Sunglasses. Yellow shopping bag. Don't make a mistake.
37. I made a mistake...
38. Let's see. Bed. Sleep. Touch. Struggle. But not too hard...
39. Vegas in a Vega
40. Sparkly jacket that just shouts homemade!
41. Liza.. with a Z
42. Rhinos...
43. Dinners prior to all those red eye flights
44. Melissa Manchester
45. David's of Hawaii
46. puka shells
47. The Longacre Home for "wayward" Women
48. Lost in Harlem
49. The Cottage and Chicken Little
50. Stephen Peck's pizza joint
51. joints in general
52. Polly's Pie Palace
53. Promises, Promises
54. Gittel and Jerry
55. Katie and Hubbel
56. Horace and Clarabelle
57. "I know I'm different but from now on I'm going to try and be the same.."
58. Eunice? There's a person named Eunice?
59. Don't you know the meaning of propriety?
60. Use your charm...
61. JH Hunsaker
62. The hostess did not shower for the occassion...
63. sixty-nine... sixty-nine!
64. I'm not the Butler Neely!
65. You're not the breadwinner either!

*And yes, I know that there's not quite 100 up there yet. But that's what the comments section is for because I'm sure you'll be able to help me fill the quota with absolutely no problem Thom. We can call this a "work in progress..."

And then, can we do it all over again one more time? Except this time maybe facing AWAY from the mirror?..

For any of you who felt alienated by any of that up there, well, all I can say is that if you were meant to understand it, there would be a completely different set of initials up there in the title bar. Right?

Anyway... ain't he a doll!

May you have a most perfectly perfect 59th Thom!

We isn't that old yet!