Okay ladies, I have a claim to fame and I know some other women from my home town do too.

Michael Phelps, the golden swimmer (soon to break the 7 golds won by Mark Spitz) once lived right down the street from me, and my oldest son went through 8 years of school with him.

The young man has even been in my home.

The guys lost touch when they went to different high schools, but then again, my youngest son was a freshman this year in the very same school from which Michael just graduated.

Michael has no clue what a fan he has in me. I feel like a stalker when I lunge for the newspaper with yet another picture and article about him. I am taking great pleasure in this. Can you tell?

Can't wait until the Olympics next summer. I will watch and gawk at him just like I did with Mark Spitz when I was a teen. Oh my!

Please tell me you know who I am talking about!

that's nothing! I almost shook hands with President Kennedy one time. And would have too if those nasty SS men had not wrestled me to the ground!

just joshn' Dotsie. Yes, I know who he is and this has to make it even more special for you and your family! I too will be watching him and cheering him to victory!

Dots, Phelps, as he is known to the brotherhood, my son's tribe of friends, has spent a few evenings at my house too. Occassionally I'll return home from somewhere to find the tribe in residence....20 boys and a handful of girls, eating us out of house and home. It is wonderful to have this great kid as a part of our community, and he is a wonderful person as well as a great swimmer. He is kind and unassuming, and tries to be a mentor and role model for younger kids.

I have no idea who you're talking about, but darn it all, it's nice to hear about a young man who is doing something great with his life and talents! Keep feeding those good kids -- they are worth the investment!