On June 22 John B’s wife, Nancy, threw a surprise birthday party for him at their home. It was a great party with catered Mediterranean food, live music and a uniquely designed cake that Nancy ordered for the 70-year-old guitarist and former classmate.

“SURPRISE!” Nancy, John and Cheryl (John accidentally locked the back gate)

Nancy & John

Elaine, Cheryl & Janice – Class of ’61

Walt, John & Burt – Class of ’61

 John’s awesome birthday cake

On this special day Nancy presented John with a Martin D-28 LTD edition “Elvis Presley” guitar #143 of 175 (many of us were born in 1943). What a lucky guy!

John in his studio with his birthday present from Nancy

Here’s a little history about the D-28 guitar: Elvis’ original  guitar was made in 1955 and a custom leather embosser made the leather jacket just for Elvis. In 2009 the Martin Guitar Co., in honor of Elvis Presley, made 175 LTDs with leather jackets and about 500 without. Lucky John played his new guitar for his lucky birthday guests. He also played his other favorite flat-top guitar, a Gibson SJ200 (in the ’60s musicians referred to them as the J200). Elvis and Rick Nelson both owned several J200s. John’s LTD J200 was built in 2009.

A little tidbit of info about our classmate– For over 20 years John made his living playing bass for several bands (including his own) in the Los Angeles area and Las Vegas. He now has his own recording studio and a collection of classic guitars, two basses and a fiddle. Besides playing his guitars John also volunteers his time as a DJ for various charity events– including our own class reunions.

To see more party photos click here

Yesterday I joined former classmates, Shane P. and Joanne Srack-Mead for lunch at The Veranda restaurant in Fallbrook, California. It was a beautiful, relaxed setting, the food was delicious and the company, delightful. We all ended up ordering exactly the same thing– spinach salad with an assortment of fresh berries. For dessert Shane and I each enjoyed a refreshing and nostalgic root beer float, while Joanne opted for the more decadent cobbler-caramel layer cake.The night before, the three of us dined at Aiyara Thai Cuisine in Temecula (Thai food just happens to be my favorite, along with Japanese sushi). I ordered the green curry, which I love, and for dessert we all split a couple of coconut creme brulees. I’m getting hungry just writing about the food. Tonight I’ll have to settle for a hot dog and mocha freeze at Costco with Uncle David.

The Veranda restaurant at the Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, CA

View from the veranda at The Veranda

L-R: Joanne, Cheryl and Shane

We’re thinking about having an AHS ’61 ladies luncheon in August, somewhere in the San Diego North County area, probably at The Veranda– sort. of a mini-reunion. I’ll be sending out an email soon to see if any of you are interested in doing this.

Our classmate, Jeff Eby, and his wife just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  It was great seeing them at Gary Miley’s (class of ’62) party on Saturday. By-the-way, their cake was delicious!

Jeff is considering hosting a pickleball tournament for our class, which means that you’d better learn how to play this fun sport.

Congratulations!