Last week my wife, Alison, and I attended a gala dinner at the Conrad (beautiful hotel in the Wall Street area) where a dear friend was being honored. Attending with us was another couple, also dear, dear freiends. The honoree, Tom, and I have known each other longer than any other friends. I was the only guest at his 2nd birthday party. Our other friend, John, moved into our neighborhood a few months later, and we three have been close dear friends ever since. I introduced John to his wife, and John introduced me to Alison. We each were the other's best man. My two friends and I have all stayed married to the same woman, and our wives also have become equally close friends. I grew up in their houses as much as they did in mine. We had wonderful parents who cared for us and loved us as if we were all their children. Maybe that's the secret to our long and happy marriages, and the strength, depth and longevity of our friendships. Jeff Crowther.

Tough to equal Jefferson's entry, but I have two new friends. Both went to high school with me 50 years ago, but just now have become friends. One is in Key West and the other in California, so I guess they sort of qualify for Erik's concept. :)

Erik, now I'm intrigued. Where exactly did you grow up?

This is a beautiful use of a sometimes intrusive technology. Wonderful.

I maintain relations with folks throughout the metro area. All kinds exists in all areas. More than location,I find the values of the family, upbringing religion, culture and background come into play. Location comes into play more in terms of what exists around you. Growing up in a Queens garden department development just inside the border from Nassau that covered some 12 square blocks meant little need to cross the street and the same ability to run around barefoot and as I as a teen visiting my stepmom's parents in Southold, Long Island.

Today is my birthday, and I'm having lunch with my childhood friend, Tom. We've known each other since the fall of 1968 when his family relocated to what was then called North Tarrytown, NY (now called Sleepy Hollow, NY-- name was changed in 1996). Lots of inside jokes from a long time ago. We keep each other honest...