I hit the jackpot 21 years ago when I met my wife, Donna. She was a musical theater singer/dancer on a national tour, performing Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Barbara Eden.

We fell in love at the after-parties. I always joked that every teenaged boy, raised in the 60's t.v. generation, including me, had an "I Dream of Jeannie" crush. Nevertheless, this gentleman ended up falling for the jeannie's brunette castmate.

Here's a news clip promo photo, circa 1998, of the show. My wife is on the far left end, front row (to Barbara's far right). Also, from those musical theatre dating days is a photo of my wife (center) in patriotic attire. A current photo of Donna and a recent family photo are also included.

She's a wonderful mother and she supports my pinball hobby. Now, if only she could learn how to conjure up a Capcom King Pin for our gameroom by crossing her arms and blinking. I guess that I'll have to await the remake.
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I was previously married for 6 years in my early thirties, with a great daughter from my 1st marriage. Thus, I have a married daughter from my 1st marriage and 2 high-schoolers at home.

I'm 60, so I'm among the older dads at the kids' events. My wife helps me retain a youthful outlook, for which I am grateful.

Barbara Eden was extremely gracious. In 1998, she was a youthful 67.

She autographed a "Jeannie II" doll for my eldest. Jeannie II was the evil older sister, much like Serena (Samantha's evil cousin on Bewitched).

In 1998, Barbara wasn't the youthful jeannie in the bottle we remember from the t.v. series. Still, there was no denying that she retained the magic. She garnered standing ovations throughout that theatrical tour.

I credit Barbara with my good fortune to have married the love of my life.

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