William Kennedy at 80

Many happy returns, Bill! Just back from a little noon-time celebration for William Kennedy’s 80th birthday in the house he built here at the University at Albany, namely the New York State Writers Institute. Food, wine, cake, postprandial film-quizzes, (administered to Bill by Don Faulkner) and talk (the shoes Jack Nicholson wore in Iron Weed and handed to Bill after the last shot before splitting to make his favorite sports event in the city, core to our banter) excellent as always (“Best restaurant in town,” Bill quipped). I must say that my years here (sixteen already – longest I lived in any one place ever) were given an extra dimension by Bill and Dana’s presence & friendship. Be well, & keep writing!