We were part of the “sell-out” crowd for the opening night performance of “No Crime Like the Present” by the Ludlow Village Players. The play is a comedy with some corny characters presented by locals. I don’t remember a musician playing a role as fun as Randy Edwards does as Max. His trumpet playing character gives the whole performance a unique feel, at least with the performances I have seen by the LVPs. The final performances are this weekend. There was a raffle at the beginning of the second act with two prizes, a gift certificate from Doc’s in Port Townsend and golf for two at the Port Ludlow Golf Club. BJ won the Doc’s certificate the benefits of which I am hopeful she will share with me.

Last week held what might be called “alumnus day” for me. A friend from the 1960 class of Hudson High School in Ohio called to catch up on the times and friends of our lives. (I am in the class of 1962.)

His name is Mike Donley and he has spent a lot of his life here in the Pacific Northwest and has many friends one of whom is JoAnn Bussa.

By reputation she is full of energy and is the consummate volunteer. I don’t know her but I felt that saying something nice about her would not be too offensive despite it being in this column!

Mike and I had a delightful breakfast at the Chimacum Café reminding each other of our occasionally misguided youth and telling lies about the last fifty plus years.

On the very same day I had lunch with fellow Wabash College alumnus Stephen Sklar of Edward Jones who paid me for some Rotary roses. (Have you ordered yours yet?) Stephen’s Wabash experience was roughly forty-five years after mine so his memories have not been tainted with as much enhancement as mine.

However, we can both relate to the vivid tales of the intense rivalry between the all male Wabash and the coed DePauw University, alma mater of BJ Luce and Terry Umbreit. Terry claims the Wabash men came to DePauw and uniformly stole the good-looking smart women. BJ would agree.

Readers of last week’s column will remember that BJ and I went to Bellingham for two important activities: get some maintenance on the Porsche and celebrate our anniversary. After buying gifts and having a nice lunch at Bellewood Farms restaurant and distillery we headed for The Twin Sisters Creamery in Fernwood. (For you UW football fans you probably already know that Fernwood is the home of Jake Locker.)

I spent a long time talking with the owner of the creamery hearing about the challenges overcome by this young couple as they work to build a successful business. It was inspiring.

On our return trip we had to wait for the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry. It was time for lunch so we headed to Callen’s restaurant located across the street from the ferry landing. It was a surprise and a real treat. Apparently there are even Port Townsend locals who take the ferry over for the sole purpose of having a meal. So, that is your restaurant destination tip of the week.    

The men’s version of March Madness hasn’t provided many upsets until this past weekend when the games got close and real entertaining. As a Duke fan it was comforting to see rival North Carolina lose badly to Auburn but saddening to see Duke lose to Michigan State. The Final Four” has Virginia, Michigan State, Texas Tech and Auburn competing for the championship.

Reminder: the Port Ludlow Yacht club training day is this coming Saturday at the Beach Club. Contact Theresa Muir for your late reservation! She can be reached at 360-344-8254 of rearcom1@plyc.us.

I offer a thought to ponder provided by John Kennedy. “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.”

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week!