1941

'Round the girdled earth they roam—and Jim Eckels can attest to that famous musical phrase as he and Ellen traverse the globe since his retirement from mortgage banking. He also played host to visitors to Salt Lake City, where the recent Winter Olympics were held.Jim reported 17 remarkable days with excellent weather, no complaints, only one cancelled event and a financial success for the entire operation. However at the time of our conversation (April 15), his area was experiencing 80 mph winds with telephone poles falling like ten pins and with snows to follow.

Meanwhile on the Massachusetts coast Gil Stokes in Marion was having freak temperatures for a few days, with 86 degrees in Boston. What a mixed-up weather pattern from west to east. Gil has more personal problems to cope with, having had open-heart surgery and now being declared legally blind. He keeps a positive attitude with help from books on tape and his supportive wife, Lillian. He also looks back with pride on his career in teaching with 39 years at Tabor Academy.

Another man with a cheerful attitude is George Canfield in Madison, Connecticut. He's had a stroke, heart problem and uses a pacemaker, but he still enjoys life with his wife of 20 years, Mitzi. George, who was president of TriKap at Dartmouth, is pleased that the College administration gives his old house high marks for meeting their difficult standards.

A telephone call to Sparrowbush, New York, found Don Hagen enjoying good health on his 125-acre family farm. The former DFTD editor and sometime curmudgeon seems to have mellowed after a long career with Ma Bell. Perhaps his seven children and 14 grandchildren have brought Don and Jane a special peace and happiness.

Another assist from Ma Bell or her offpring Verizon brought me in contact with Hizzoner Cam Farmer, a district judge in Muskegon, Michigan. Cam actually retired in 1992 but occasionally is recalled to preside at criminal or civil cases. He keeps limber on the golf course and he and Kim are frequent travelers, now heading for Alaska and a cruise through the Inner Passage.

5975 Camelot Drive North, Sarasota, FL 34233;jachensr@aol.com