A party for Jess

Jess will be leaving us for the greener pastures of Michigan for his new job. So on Friday we toasted him farewell at the Feldmans.

By the time he arrived (it was a heavy evening of partying for him because his work friends gave him a sendoff), we had all signed the posterboard card with heartfelt messages. Sandy, who gives new meaning to the term "graphic artist," added a map of Michigan that looked phallic but which she claims was not. And the steak-eating, tennis-playing T-Boners also used some colorful language.

Grillmaster Doug cooked up lots of burgers and hot dogs, and we sprawled out in the kitchen and living room watching the Brewer game.

After dinner we played ping pong in the basement. Brian won a close best-of-five, Hans schooled me, and Doug and Shappy discussed the legality of various serves.

I love house parties. Carol said she felt a bit partied out (partly due to the string of milestone birthdays in the last year). But I love hanging out with all my favorite people in one place. Particularly if that place is the home of somebody in the tennis gang.

A few years ago, after a few of us had been at a bar, Doug decided we should do a late-night pop-in at Jess' place. He was undeterred by the fact that Jess hadn't picked up his phone — several times.

When Jess opened the door, he was wearing a navy blue robe and rubbing his eyes. But you know what he said?

"I think I have some wine."

Because that is the kind of person he is — always making you feel at home, whether you're an uninvited guest or his partner on the court. Jess, we'll miss you. But we wish you the best. And because I hate goodbyes, let's just say, "See you around."