Besides the fact that she is from Georgia, the nickname Peaches is perfect for her. Her skin is flawless, perfectly colored, just like a peach. Her southern drawl and sweet personality take you in, and you feel lucky to be a part of her world.

Fiercely loyal, fun to be around, wonderful sense of humor, (I am talking knee-slapping funny), quick witted, intelligent, honest, generous, adventurous---these are just a few of the hundred adjectives that describe our dear friend.

One of my favorite memories of her is her standing on a hay bale (looking fabulous in a Hooters Girls costume) at one of my Halloween parties and asking the crowd if they "want any weeengs?" (wings) The plate was devoured in a few seconds.

As one poet put it: "Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life"--and this describes Peaches perfectly.

Peaches and I take weekly walks out in the state park, and they are some of my favorite hours of the week. There is nothing that we can't discuss with startling openness, and I know that I can count on her to willingly listen to anything that I am grappling with and she will give me straight-forward advice, as well as a good dose of humor. I can trust her implicitly, with confidentiality and to provide thoughtful words of wisdom. These are what I consider trademarks of a true lifelong friend.

She is off on another adventure in about a year from now, and even though I am happy for her, I am going to miss her terribly. In the short time that she has been here in Benicia, we have had a ton of good times.

Happy Birthday, my wonderful friend, and I hope your upcoming year in Benicia brings you extraordinary memories, the best of times and the knowledge that you are adored by many. I would wish for everyone to have such a friend as you.