Comment from Pam (respa)

Excellent

Very nice artwork and presentation, Debi. I love baseball! I know John does, too. We also live in NJ. You did a good interview to get all of this information. I know he writes a lot about food, but I didn't know he was a chef. I like your concluding verse about "hitting some right out of the park," as we honor John on his birthday.

Happy Birthday, John!

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Thanks so much, Pam. You are so sweet. And yes, I love baseball too, and football, so it was fun to write. I usually don't like drab settings, and prefer more colorful, but this picture really intrigued me, so had to use it.
Thanks for all your kind words, dear friend.

reply by Pam (respa) on 17-Dec-2023

I thought it was a great picture, and you are welcome for the review, Debi.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

John is great and I absolutely love him and his posts! Happy Birthday, John! What an impressive and fitting tribute for him here, Debi! You've added still more interest (for me) to this lovely man. Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Thanks so much, Debbie. You are so sweet. I love baseball and football, so it was fun to write. I usually don't like drab settings, and prefer more colorful, but this picture really intrigued me, so had to use it.
Thanks for all your kind words, dear friend.

Comment from BethShelby

Exceptional

I really enjoyed reading your poem for John. He is one whose work I enjoy reading. If it isn't about baseball is is usually about the food and the descriptions make my mouth water. Your poem gives us some new fact like the names of other family members. I knew his sons are chefs. I love Italian food so it is too New Jersey is a long way from Tennessee. I will enjoy the video I see you have included.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Thanks so much, Beth. You are so sweet. I love baseball and football, so it was fun to write. I usually don't like drab settings, and prefer more colorful, but this picture really intrigued me, so had to use it.
Thanks for all your kind words, dear friend.
And I truly appreciate the six stars. Wow, on a Saturday. I am impressed. Thank you so much!!

Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell

Excellent

You really did a great biography within this fine birthday tribute. You covered a great many activities. John is for sure a sport activist and fan. I've been wondering how you are doing. I think of you often! xoxo Verna

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Thanks so much, Verna. You are so sweet. I love baseball and football, so it was fun to write. I usually don't like drab settings, and prefer more colorful, but this picture really intrigued me, so had to use it.
Thanks for all your kind words, dear friend

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

Your thoughtfulness for friends, never ends
I suspect the Debbie mentioned is his wife, not being you , and I presume John is From Philly since you mentioned the Mummers parade

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Hey there, Tom, my dear friend who feels more like a big brother!!!
You are absolutely right, that he has a much better model of a Debbie. LOL
And no, not from Philly. In the first stanza it says, New Jersey's home, but that might come off as having a different meaning. Thanks, I may have to look at a different way to phrase that. And as always, I do appreciate your very kind and sweet comments. You are the best!!

reply by Tom Horonzy on 16-Dec-2023

When I speak of
Philly it
Could
Include
Jersey
From
Trento
To
Camden
All outskirt neighborhoods
Of
The
City where the Mummers
Parade

reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Ahh, I learned something new to today. Awesome!!😎

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

Very nice tribute. Good work.
The Platters' song came out before I learned about the radio, but I heard this one played a lot as an 'Oldie, but Goodie'. It was a good one, for sure.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 17-Dec-2023

Thanks so much, Wayne. John wanted that song because they played that at his wedding. You are so appreciated. I love baseball too, and football, so it was fun to write. I usually don't like drab settings, and prefer more colorful, but this picture really intrigued me, so had to use it.
Thanks for all your kind words, dear friend.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

I missed this one, and I'm so glad I caught it! We now know a lot more about John apart from his mouth-watering recipes. He's an all round amazing man, who loves his family and writes about them all the time. I enjoyed reading about him, Debi, well done, another fabulous poem about one of our amazing writer friends. Love and hugs, my friend. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2023

Hello Sweetie. How are you doing? I have been so worried about you. I have been praying for you and hope it is getting better. Are you out of the hospital? You have been thru so much this Fall, so please take care of yourself.

Also sorry it took so long for me to respond to this one. I started with the more recent ones because it take forever to go back pages each time. But I do appreciate the kind comments for John?s poem and we all know John is one of the nicest guys ever, so I just knew he?d understand. So thanks again, my dear friend. Lotsa Love, Debi

Comment from Jumbo J

Excellent

What a truly beautiful Birthday poem for one of life's true gentlemen Debi.

Enjoyed reading this poem and how you did your usual magic weaving of true life's meaning and journey's whilst composed in perfect rhyme and melody.

A dear and cherished friend, who just happens to be a very talented story-teller... yes, not to mention his magic ability to make his readers salivate when supplying his culinary expertise.

Happy Birthday John!

Beautiful post Debi!

With our thoughts we create...
gratitude for the friendships created.

Warm regards,
James.

******Stars!!!!!!

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Dec-2023

James, you are always such an awesome and kind reviewer and friend. Thank you for your kind words. I am so sorry this is so late, but I appreciate you so very much, my very dear friend. Love, Debi

Comment from Austin Yu

Excellent

I like how you introduce your poem with John's entire family, and who they are. His passion is baseball, but still saves time apart from his hobby to take care of the kids and do chores all around his home. Your choice of rhythm was excellent as well.

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Dec-2023

Austin, you are always such an awesome and kind reviewer and friend. Thank you for your kind words. I am so sorry this is so late, but I appreciate you so very much, my very dear friend.

reply by Austin Yu on 20-Dec-2023

Of course! Keep on writing these amazing poems :)

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

I always loved that song - Take me out to the ball game. As kids we used to go to Wednesday night Basesball at Norwood Oval, in Adelaide, loved it. Another lovely birthday poem Debi, and I found out more about another writer on FanStory.
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2023

Valda, Sorry it took so long for me to respond to this one. I started with the more recent ones because it takes forever to go back pages each time. But I do appreciate the kind comments for John?s poem and we all know John is one of the nicest guys ever, so I just knew he?d understand. So thanks again, my dear friend. Love, Debi