I don't think it's nice to throw things at people but some times it happens. I was basking in the pathetic glory of my first featured blog yesterday when *pow* I got hit with a ball. It was called a friendship ball. I live in dread of these things (go away meme go away). I am not at all literate when it comes to the technical part of blogging. No cute photos or helpful links in my blog. I have not expanded my network on AR the way I plan to in the future so no large group of associates to tap into when *thwack* you get hit with a request like this.

I tried to ignore it but she won't let me. So I got to thinking about this whole friendship thing. Who are my friends? I realized I am very blessed. Here on AR I am surrounded by friends. There may not be great quantity but the quality can't be beat.

I have several old friends here on the Rain.

Jason Sardi (I'd add a link but I don't know how). I don't even know where to begin, or where to end come to think of it. I have known Jason, affectionately known to many as Sardipants, for a ridiculous amount of time like 10 years. He has always been a strange and twisted individual. No wonder he's so close to my heart. I have watched him grow as a person, a business man and now as a writer. Jason opens his heart easily and closes it regretfully and only under severe provocation. If you don't know him, go read his blog and you will. He's about as real as they come.

Scott Geary (still can't figure that link thing out).  Aka Scooter, Long Stroke, The whale. My best friend, my lover, my brother in arms.  I haven't know Scott quite as long as I've known Sardi but since I live with him I know a lot about him that I don't about Sardi. This is a good thing. Scott is one of the most caring people I know. Although he's been in the mortgage industry forever and a day, a little known fact is that he holds a degree in Social Work. Scott is passionate about everything he does whether it's helping someone buy a house, his golf game or getting to the bottom of that Dewars bottle. My life is better for him and would be very bleak indeed without him.

Then I have some new friends that I have made through the Rain.

Sandra Cummings (how the hell do I add a link???) Since I haven't known her that long I don't have a nickname for her. I will say *ouch* she's the one who threw the damn ball at me. Through some convoluted emailing I think I have to post this or go clean her house. Here I am. At a time in my life when I thought I didn't need new friends, along came Sandra. She is opinionated, funny and brave enough to spend the night at my house. I am so pleased that I know her, even if her husband is nuts.

Dan Cummings (will someone please freaking help me get this link thing?) Another old friend, Bill Engleman, has a saying "crazier than a sh*t house rat" . I think that sums Dano up. 4am lawn mowing for heaven's sake! He does have excellent taste in women (see above) though and his wry, dry sense of humor is not to be missed. Also, when I grow up I want to run as well as Dan. He totally kicks my ass.

I'd write about Jennifer Bukaty but Sandra already hit her with a ball and Jen posted a beautiful blog that I'd link to if I could only figure out how to!!!!!!!!!