Time off and play while writing papers.

For over 10 consecutive thanksgivings, Mary and I spent two weeks or so at Genie's house in Bethesda, DC, working on the latest manuscripts coming up for publication. During those times we would also have get-togethers with the numerous friends and diving volunteers in the area. One memorable surprise party was for my birthday in 1994. At party time our son John and his wife appeared, having been flown in from California for just that occassion. Also present were Dr. & Mrs Britt Kirwan, President of The University of Maryland, and Dr. and Mrs. Art Popper, Chair of the Department of Zoology.

Surprise! John B. & John	Surprise! John and Beth
Mary, Dr. Kirwan, Genie Mrs. Kirwan, John	Mrs Popper, Dr. Popper, John
John, Mary, Genie John, Beth	Mrs. Phillips, Craig Phillips Illustrator Mary, John

The stylized fish picture on the right, drawn by Craig Phillips, depicts Trichonotus halstead, a new species named and being writing up by Genie and Mary at the time of the party. We called it "Golden Dragon".

Ben and Ginny Kendall, active volunteers, drove down from Philadelphia for the festivities, bringing along the SCUBA pinata.

To be continued.