Here’s a story we received from a friend this last week. With his permission, we are sharing it here.

“I am 51 years old, and until last summer it had been 25 years or so that I hadn't had the opportunity to surf. Life happened. I live in Arizona now, but grew up on the Jersey shore, you can figure out the rest. I still miss my Maui Duke Kahannamuko 9'4" longboard. I went to a California Company 7'1". Much faster, plus I only weighed 123 lbs. Throughout my life's work, I've found the time and desire to return to the ocean. It was always a healer for me when things didn't make much sense.

My experience last year, like the old cliché, was like riding a bike. First wave, first ride...I was re-hooked. I spoke often of surfing during the years and promised my daughter Alex that one day I would take her surfing. Finally this past weekend we went to San Diego where my middle son lives. It took two days of flat conditions to get a somewhat decent ride, but a ride nonetheless.

You see we lost Alex in an auto accident on 3/28/06. She was 21. But I kept my promise, and a small plastic Ziploc baggie of her ashes tucked inside the wetsuit, next to my heart. When we rode together, she was with me. As a final action, my wife, my son and I took out the pouch, opened it, poured the ashes into our three palms, and let her drift away into eternity. I only regret not seeing the smile on her face. But somehow I know it's there. I support your mission statement 100 percent. Thank you for listening. Scotty.”

You won't see our gear at the Academy Awards. But you may see our stuff on one of the greats.

• http://aiken.augusta.com/stories/020605/spo_3287063.shtml
• http://www.deepthrottle.com/Photo/04_clev_photo_08.shtml
• http://webarchive.unionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=45962
• http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2005/02/19/racing/more/news06.txt

Check out the new Riley chair from La-Z-Boy. It's comfortable yet sophisticated looking. And what Old Guy out there couldn't use a new headquarters for his derriere?

http://www.la-z-boy.com/ourfurniture/product.aspx?pid=54

Of course, you can always go old school...

http://www.la-z-boy.com/ourfurniture/product.aspx?pid=46

Apparently other people are catching on that Old Guys Rule... Take a peek at these websites...

• http://209.15.46.229/sportsbeat/news/58.shtml
• http://ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/golf/article_1052075.php
• http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060407/news_2s7mastrail.html

Spring is here and hibernation is over, even for the burliest Old Guys. With record high temps around the country, it's time to get your grill on. For a refresher course on grilling and barbecuing, check out www.weber.com/bbq/pub/recipe/grilling101/basics.aspx, from Weber grills.

So what are you going to grill up first? Feel free to share your barbecue and grilling tips in our comments section.

Here's a site we love. Surfline.com. It gives you real-time surf reports from around the globe. Plus you get to see various surf locations via the site's online cameras. It's enough to make you jump for joy, or weep at the thought of what you're missing. As the site says, it's the best way to "know before you go." Make sure you get out there and show the young guns how it's done.