The only Facebook group I belong to is "Friends of Lincoln High School" where everybody posts pics from the past. Today I found my High School Key that I had mounted on gold back in the day. The back is inscribed: Jan. 1960 (I graduated at 16). I took it to my friend's studio where she took two pics. This one is in front of Sophia Loren. I'm pointing to my pic in the "Landmark" year book which I dusted off after reconnecting with friends last year. I wish I had my cheerleader jacket.

In the second pic I'm standing next to a picture of actress Claudia Cardinale. After I got home I scanned a pic of me from 1960 ... the Neil Diamond era near his house. I didn't color it sepia, it's just old (giggle). The photo was taken by Ralph who I married 55 years ago today. He's passed now but stopped by today to say hi and chat. It's so cool when you can talk to spirits. Hey Ralfie ... don't forget to visit the girls. ... If only I had a cell phone back then ... I would have taken endless photos.

Happy Birthday Neil. Enjoy your day. I remember our teen days fondly in Manhattan and Brighton Beach. Neil spent his last two years of High School at Lincoln High where I attended school. He lived a few doors down from my family on West End Avenue. I met him through his friend Normie Schultz who I dated briefly. I remember hanging out in Neil's basement, having talks with his mother Rose about Neil becoming successful, and singing with him and our friends. Today Neil deals with Parkinson's Disease. Sending positive energy.

Facebook ...

Lannie Tromer posted on my wall ... I have the exact same memory. I too met him through a friend (Marjorie Ray, I think) and Marilyn too. In any case, we also spent time at his house but I remember being in his small bedroom, him sitting on the bed singing and playing his guitar. I have no idea who else was there. Maybe you, Ellie? I remember the store his parents owned called Diamond's. They sold socks, underwear, etc. It was right next to Zei Mar restaurant. I always loved his music and still do. So sad to hear today's news and just hoping the future will be kind to him. His music will always be with us.

I replied ... Hi Lannie, I have the same Brighton Beach memories and one of Niel's dad a tall slim handsome man who owned the store. I remember Marjorie Ray, Carol Daniels, and others. I also remember hanging out in Neil's basement, not his bedroom, but I might have been there too singing as he played guitar. So happy to share these memories with you. Let's not forget, Neil has not passed over. He is two years older than us, also an Aquarian having a birthday Wednesday January 24, when he turns 77. At that age most people have a least one medical problem. Access Hollywood aired a recent trip Neil took to Coney Island, eating a hot dog at Nathan's and discussing how Brooklyn has always been part of him. Am I the only one of our gang who never moved away? Maybe the pic of the view from my apartment (see below) is part of the reasons.