This picture was taken at Armour’s wedding to Tanya, June 12th, a short week ago.

Armour’s buddies (two couldn’t make it) came in for his big day – and it was great to see them – all are responsible, caring, terrific men I’m proud to know.

Armour had two men speak for him that day – Dad, and Todd Carpenter.  During his toast to the couple, Todd mentioned how the bonds of that close group of guys in high school (the Posse) had formed him into the man he is today.  He made those of us who know him, cry.  It was a tribute to true friendship.

At the end, he said that Dad had a lot to do with that transformation too – during the weekly poker games at the Craig house with a bunch of teenaged boys.  Goes to show that the smallest things have influence.

“We learned a lot of Life Lessons around that poker table, Mr. Craig, “ he said.

So here’s to great friends traveling long distances for one of their own, poker, and my dad, Jim Craig. 

Thanks to all the wonderful men in my life who are father figures to me – among them Pete Conway, Bill Prohs, Bill Silkman, Rusty Sachs, Loren Mallory, John Oleson, Morris Thomason, Bill Marty, Bro. Jim Henry, Bunny Beeson and Pete Ballantine.

But mostly, props have to go to my dad.  He’s a mentor to so many, including me.

Great times with two special families…and finally making good on an idea hatched back in January.

(You know you’re busy when it takes five months to get together.)

We cooked up a couple of ginormous lobsters, John grilled some steak for the non-lobster eaters (we had two…due to allergies, pour souls), and the kids loved it.

I did not. I love the eatin’ hate the killin’.

We had a four-legged guest, too. Dosie was less than enthused.

Sweet girl…

Sweet girls…

…and terrific friends. Proof that your house doesn’t have to be neat and perfect to host a gathering…just open.

Our friend, Gloria, is a wonderful mother.  I don’t think she realizes what a compliment this is. 

She and Mike have brought up two absolutely delightful girls – and it makes us happy to just be around them. 

We drove to Orlando to ESPN’s Wide World of Sports to watch the tail end of their older daughter’s field hockey game.  It was terrific to watch her play, and I felt such pride that our young women these days can get out there and play tough…and show their strength. 

The Reunion:

The Focused Young Athlete:

The Friends – Post-Game:

As Helen Lawrenson said, “If a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted – there is practically nothing she can’t do.”

You go, Girl.

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