The pressure is on, the column is due, and I can't think of a thing even mildly humorous, witty or interesting with which to open. I have to get this done. Suddenly, a soft mist begins to form at the outside of my vision, and I begin to experience severe dja vu ...
I'm on the third floor of New Hamp. Three exams today I'm not ready. I need to get fired up. Into Bill White's room I go, for a blast of the Boss and some serious air guitar with Whizzer and Jon Thompson. Now I'm ready to ace those tests . . .
This month's news comes from L.L. Bean calender girl Cheryl Bascomb.
"Glen and Xiamara Grube stayed with me and husband Dave Van Wie '79 for Bob Hill's '80 wedding in September. I was thrilled about the wedding, as I had introduced the bride and groom almost two years earlier. Also at the wedding were Nash Ogden and wife Danielle. Glen played great sax with the wedding band.
"My husband and I are the proud parents of a daughter, Rosa Phillips Van Wie, born July 11. I went into labor during the rain delay of the All Star game, but managed to see the game through. Not much of a game, though.
Kelsea and Zachary in Boston. Hope is thrilled at the prospect of not being pregnant for a while.
"Alicia Bixby and Keith Hampton had a boy, Ryan Christopher, in late June.
Leslie Fleming is now working in graphic arts at The North Face with classmate Sally McCoy. I saw Sally at the '79-'81 Reunion looking youthful and chipper. Even had a working lunch with her in late May when she came to L.L Bean.
Mary Thomson Renner has purchased a baby clothing company called Blimpies. Those of us with babies should look for her 100 percent cotton stuff in boutiques and various catalogues."
Uh-oh, Cheryl's done and it's back to me. Still nothing comes, and not even the exceptionally cheerful lyrics of "Nebraska" can get me started. So I guess all I can do is thank Cheryl from the bottom of my heart for her godsend letter and break out my South side Johnny collection for next month's column.
42 Kings Road, Canton, MA 02021