I’m not exactly sure how many years ago it was that Dootze gave me the name, Frootz...? All I recall was that it occurred in Legend’s probably on a Wednesday evening after another one of our frantic, Frank-the-crank, non-winning, but fabulous sails around Robin’s Island. Moose was there and he and Dootze decided I should be called Frootz...Moose, Dootze, and Frootz. The name stuck and I’ve worn it proudly ever since. Reading these great blogs brings back a flood of memories all of which recall wonderful times spend together. Sailing the waters of the Peconic, shooting pool at Bonnie’s, all the Fischer’s parties, the OCYC parties, ping pong in the Harrington pool house, weekend night’s at the Cinnamon Tree, closing time at the Broken Down Valise, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Yankee Stadium, the Nightmare... the Sea Dream, and many many more. I guess my most vivid memory is the time we spend on Elbow Cay for the week of Michael’s and Bindu’s wedding. Sailing around the blue Bahama waters, racing the golf carts home from town... And thanks to Jake’s expert driving, scary but true, we usually won. The wedding reception and Dootze and Frootz toast to Michael (Moose) and Bindu. Then, of course, having to sleep on the boat which was way too hot. Dootze and I decided the hammock area of the front deck would be most comfortable however, it was still way too hot. Without a breath of air, we took the oscillating fan out onto the deck, figured out a way to run an extension cord, and finally slept to the breeze of the fan in the open mid-night air. Only to be woken up by the predictable 3AM rains and the 5AM crowing of the rooster next door. A quick morning swim and we were ready to go again... What a week. The flight home was pretty funny too and Missy had to deal with our detained visit coming back through customs. Not our fault... The pilots were a bit off schedule. Anyway, that was a wonderful time spent together as were all our yearly gatherings.... Times I will sorely miss. Joanne too absolutely adored Dootze. She thought the world of him and immediately picked out all his impeccable qualities. She would always tell me what a gentleman Dootze is and how his relaxed, calm, and secure nature was very reassuring to her... Especially while sailing. On Monday afternoon we spent hours reminiscing.... Dootze, we miss you dearly. -Frank Strakosch fstrakosch@yahoo.com