We had a great weekend of surf this just past. Oftentimes, when you're not ridin', you're reflectin'. I think of Don often between sets, miss him a ton, and soon a set wave comes along with his name on it. He called them "Loomers" at Flies..."Loomers, glistening on the horizon" he used to say. I'm pretty sure he knows that as long as I'm out there, there will be some for him.
I just found out today, oddly enough on his birthday, that Dutzie had passed away. My friend, Peggy Lynch Artz, called me in Maryland to let me know she found out, and I was in shock. Don will always hold such a special place in my heart as my first boyfriend. He was such a special guy. We all had such fun for many years out in Long Island together, and I see many names of old dear friends on the blog list sharing their fondest wishes. About 14 years ago, my children, Marisa and Tyler, then 11 and 8, and I went out to visit Mike and Dee Brady in Mattituck. I was thrilled that Don and Robby were both out there that summer sailing, and they came to see me and meet my kids. We had a BLAST together - the three of us - reminiscing about old times with our great crowd of buds (Moose, Danny, Peggy, Ceal, Mike O'Regan, the McGonagles, John Lauinger and Monica, Barbara Granneman, and so many more. I remember those blissful August days with all of us in a parade of boats crossing over Peconic Bay to the Locks and over to Fly Beach. The girls would hang out and watch the guys surf. I fondly remember hanging out as a pack at the evening Baseball Games and on Monica's Mom's lawn. I remember G&T's on the deck at our house... and trips to DQ, the Mattituck Lanes, and so much more. Here's to you, George, and to all of us who are celebrating your beautiful memory and your birthday today. Not one 8/2 has gone by that I haven't remembered as your day. I hope you are surfing in heaven, Dutzey. Much love to you and yours, Kathy Clancy Jefferson (Clance)
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