What a valuable group John. I want to share this with my husband (who has also says he prefers female company) and say, “See! Look how enlivening!” I’m so glad good men are finding one another in this world.
Oof. Can't imagine hiking out on a fractured ankle, but how convenient that you had someone there who knew how to make that possible. Reminds me of the time a brother, helping a friend with a sheetrock project, had a ladder collapse out from under him. He broke his elbow and his nose. The friend was an ophthalmologist, so not quite as helpful but still with medical understanding and connections. When they arrived at the ER, my brother asked if they'd offer a discount if he already knew what was wrong with him.
My favorite line here: "Some say we're a beer drinking group pretending to be a hiking group, but really we're a support group pretending to be a beer drinking group pretending to be a hiking group." So great that you're attending to these connections in later life, to help keep yourselves alive.
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend Paul. This was lovely to read, as you note, the rarity of true male friendships makes them all the more special when they do happen. I'm glad you have such a great group.
Hi John, Your post to me is a masterpiece. Factual. Humorous. Inspiring. Reverent. Respectful. And more.
Your twisted/broken ankle incident from a couple years back had me on the edge of my seat…your right foot slipping off the edge was no small matter! Losing your fellow SOB strikes me as losing a family member.
Owing to worn out knees and awaiting low energy radiation Tx for same has stilled my past love of hiking. “Pen pals” on Substack I consider a treasure. And like you I very much prefer my connections with women writers. Bird watching to learn more about our regular seasonal visitors I also favor. Thanks for good company, John. All the best.
Oh John, my condolences on your loss of your friend, Paul. Thank you for sharing the SOBs with us - I remember reading this story when you first shared it.
What a valuable group John. I want to share this with my husband (who has also says he prefers female company) and say, “See! Look how enlivening!” I’m so glad good men are finding one another in this world.
Oof. Can't imagine hiking out on a fractured ankle, but how convenient that you had someone there who knew how to make that possible. Reminds me of the time a brother, helping a friend with a sheetrock project, had a ladder collapse out from under him. He broke his elbow and his nose. The friend was an ophthalmologist, so not quite as helpful but still with medical understanding and connections. When they arrived at the ER, my brother asked if they'd offer a discount if he already knew what was wrong with him.
My favorite line here: "Some say we're a beer drinking group pretending to be a hiking group, but really we're a support group pretending to be a beer drinking group pretending to be a hiking group." So great that you're attending to these connections in later life, to help keep yourselves alive.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend Paul. This was lovely to read, as you note, the rarity of true male friendships makes them all the more special when they do happen. I'm glad you have such a great group.
Thank you so much, Mary Beth.
Hi John, Your post to me is a masterpiece. Factual. Humorous. Inspiring. Reverent. Respectful. And more.
Your twisted/broken ankle incident from a couple years back had me on the edge of my seat…your right foot slipping off the edge was no small matter! Losing your fellow SOB strikes me as losing a family member.
Owing to worn out knees and awaiting low energy radiation Tx for same has stilled my past love of hiking. “Pen pals” on Substack I consider a treasure. And like you I very much prefer my connections with women writers. Bird watching to learn more about our regular seasonal visitors I also favor. Thanks for good company, John. All the best.
Thanks, Gary, and yes to all you wrote.
Oh John, my condolences on your loss of your friend, Paul. Thank you for sharing the SOBs with us - I remember reading this story when you first shared it.
Thank you, Michelle. 💜
Thank you, Kim. It was very special to be with them to celebrate our friend.
Thank you, Tamra 💜