1950

On February 16 Randi and I attended a memorial reception held by Faye in memory of Marshall "Duke" Dooliftle, who died on January 21 in Vero Beach, Florida. Despite its somber background, the occasion was buoyed by happy memories of Duke expressed by members of his family and by several of his golfing buddies. Aside from the Nev Chamberlains 'sos in attendance were Gordie Hood Joan and Bob Mcllwain and Eva and Joe Sardella. Speaking of the Sardellas, when Eva and Randi wish to hold a private conversation in public they can chat away in their native Norwegian without fear of being understood. Joe reports that he and Eva were back in Norway again last August partly to escape the Florida heat and partly to visit Eva's friends and family. Joe reports that although the low dollar and very high prices were a drag on American tourism, they will return this year. We've enjoyed a couple of delightful evening meals with Joan and Bob Mauk this winter. Joel and Gail Leavitt, ever on the go, have viewed (but not hit) icebergs, listened to, seen and, I suspect, smelled seals and penguins in Antarctica. They also visited Easter Island, the home of those massive and mysterious stones, presumably religious icons, described by Thor Heyedahl in his fascinating book, AkuAku. Joel, first prizewinner for interesting and off-the-wall e-mails, has surpassed himself with the best one yet. His production of hot air balloon rallies in Gstaad, Switzerland, and elsewhere, accompanied by a haunting piano melody, is nothing if not spectacular. I've saved it as a permanent document. Other '505 in town this season are the Fauvers, Grants, Freys and Finks. Also in town is Charlie Davidson's widow, Lessie. The newly reorganized Dartmouth Club of the Treasure Coast will have welcomed President and Mrs. Wright to Vero Beach in March by the time you read this.

1835 North Garden Grove Circle,Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com