1980

When my car's odometer rolled past the 100,000 mile mark last month, I was probably fiddling with my Sirius radio, dialing my mobile phone or staring a laser beam of contempt in the direction of a far less competent driver. After weeks of anticipation I failed to witness the actual event after falling prey to the distractions of everyday life. No matter. I still savored the achievement of the milestone with mixed emotions.Yes, it's been a good ride...but just how many miles are left?

Our 50th birthdays will bring us together. I expect to spend more time with Dartmouth friends in 2008 than in a typical reunion year.

Here's an appealing idea: Spend your birthday in paradise with some of your closest friends, as Jim Wilson recently did. By day Jim manages investments for New York-based Carl Marks & Co., where heworks side-by-side with partner and classmate Rob Ruocco. For Jims 50th the Wilsons invited a group that included Rob, Bob Garry, Frank Leddy, Winston Hutchins, Bill Finnegan, Andy Graham and their spouses to relax at the aptly named Little Dix Bay resort on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Did the boys re-create some of the magic of that unforgettable 1977 freshman lacrosse team? Lets hope not.

Where will Lanny Vickery be on his 50th birthday? If there's any accuracy to the due date, which is currently the same as his birthday, Lanny will be assisting his wife with the birth of their second child. In a freakish defiance of time, Lanny actually seems to be' getting younger every year.

I had a great time catching up with Chuck Blades over dinner during his recent visit to New York City, joined by New York regulars Hans Morris, Rick Gemberling, Craig Lambdin and Rob Ruocco. Chuck lives with his wife and three children in Cedar Rapids, lowa, where he practices law. Chuck will return to the New York area later this year to attend the wedding of Robby Lawrence, who is engaged to marry Chucks first cousin. The couple rediscovered each other nearly 30 years after Chucks cousin first met Robby while visiting Chuck at Dartmouth. I can't say I saw that one coming.

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