Comment from Paul Manton

Excellent

Thanks, Debi, for this tribute to a baseball aficianado! In the UK we have regular American Football late night tv, but baseball never arrived. But I realize that this game is deeply embedded in the American psyche - and is a key player in US family life, with all those 'Little Leagues' we see in American films.
If I understand John 1954 correctly, he is still a pre-70y.o. youngster among all of us crinklies and crumblies. Happy Birthday, John. May you have many more baseball days!
Paul

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2023

Hi Paul, yes, John and I are only two months apart so looks like we have one more year before the next decade hits. I have been trying to get a hold of you cause I have a few questions about your birthday poem. Could you get a hold of me as soon as possible? Thanks my dear friend.

reply by Paul Manton on 23-Dec-2023

Just come out of hospital today. chest infection knocked out heart, lungs and kidney function. Ambulance from church - close call!

Paul

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I think I've been a fan of John's for a number of years now, I think we have to be classified as seniors by now. But thank you for the preparation in which you gather information to give us a great insight to these marvellous, beautifully written dear Debi, another great poem for a much loved member, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2023

Hi Roy, 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

reply by royowen on 22-Dec-2023

Of course

Comment from jmdg1954

Exceptional

Awe... Debi it's such an honor to be a birthday poem recipient! You seem to do these so effortlessly yet with such detail. Hallmark couldn't hold a candle to the words and rhymes you provide because yours stem from the heart. And your tireless energy, where do you get it from? Send some my way, please!

Thank you for bringing Mango and Bert back alive as I'm writing a Christmas story featuring them. They're both ecstatic about that too.

Thank you. I told you I'm honored by your poem, but the real honor is knowing you and being able to call you my friend.

Sending this hug to Minnesota...
John

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

John, thank you for this wonderful response to your poem. Happy birthday and you have made my night. The Mango and Bert post I was referring to was as I searched for more info about you in your portfolio,I found one about a sick friend.
The code I sent you probably won?t work but if you will send me your email, I will send you something to send your kids and it will take them right to it.
Thank you again and I appreciate you so very much. Debi

Comment from Richard's Opus

Excellent

I'm a big fan of the National Pastime, and as such, I would have loved to have had such a special poem delivered to me. A glowing birthday tribute from a talented writer. I hope the recipient appreciated getting it. You hit this poem out of the park. Congratulations to you and to the Birthday Boy.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Richard.,a would be happy to write you a poem for your birthday, of any theme at all. Please let me know when it is and I will get in touch when the date gets closer. I do this for all the awesome friends I have made who so graciously review me, since I am not able to review back too often.
Becomes overwhelming and for health purposes. Thanks for the find comments and I look forward to hearing back from you regarding your birthday.

reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023

So Sorry I wrote this
With my apple pencil
and didn?t proofread. I hope you will send me your birthdate as I would love to write you a poem for your birthday

reply by Richard's Opus on 15-Dec-2023

Hi, Debi- My birthday is April 13. That's also the birthday of Thomas Jefferson and Ricky Schroder. That would be so kind to receive a poem from your talented hand.

reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023

I just added you to the calendar.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Yes! What a great poem for John! He's such a blessing here and we do appreciate all his reviews. It's amazing he can do that considering he's still working and doing so much cooking. I didn't know he played banjo! How cool! Happy Birthday, John!!

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2023

Hi Helen, 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

reply by lyenochka on 22-Dec-2023

NO need to apologize! I do the same thing. It's hard to keep trying to write while reviewing and then replying! Since we're in touch, you don't have to reply to mine. You always make me feel appreciated outside of FS!

Comment from Douglas Goff

Excellent

New Jersey where o Lu the strong survive. Happy Birthday, John. It is a pleasure to know you.

Thanks for nailing another one out of the park, Debi. This is a kind service you provide.
D

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2023

Hi there Douglas, 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

Comment from Navada

Excellent

What a fantastic tribute! I got such a strong, clear sense of John as a person through your discussion of his talents, abilities and interests. Thanks so much for sharing this.

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 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2023

Hi Navada, 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

reply by Navada on 22-Dec-2023

All good! :)

Comment from karenina

Excellent

John is a gem! Look at you posting birthday celebration poems when you have to be at the hospital tomorrow!

That's some serious dedication, Debi.

I always learn so much about the birthday honoree...

And in verse and rhyme, you make it look effortless!

A fine poem for a great guy!

Happy Birthday, John!

Karenina

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 Comment Written 14-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2023

Now I can go to bed. Your approval is enough for me, LOL. At least for tonight. I will try to reach out to you tomorrow and let you know how it is going. In the mean time feel free to write, especially to let me know if you receive anything. Thanks Sweetie!!

reply by karenina on 14-Dec-2023

All has been quiet from you... I assumed you were busy prepping for tomorrow, and did not want to bother you...

Thoughts and prayers!

The Lord never gives us more than we can handle!

Get some rest, you!