My Uncle Jeb Sturmer's abode is the most home-like place I've ever ventured into and he's always entertaining; a lively extrovert. A bit rough around the edges with a bitterness wrapped in humorous barbs; yet possessing a warmth and love of life that always shines through. I discovered him many years ago and have cherished him ever since. He is probably the man I am closest to. I can talk with him about anything with ease. Even if he knows nothing about a subject he can at least put his own spin on it and that's the mark of true genius. He is divorced from his first wife; a woman named Erin who bore him three sons. When I knew her she was motherly yet dull. She is quite self-absorbed and declines to see us or even answer our letters. My mother's about through with her and I feel the same way. Jeb now lives with a Cuban/Dutch woman named Gretchen and she is the most delightful creature, warm and tender with a sparkling wit that perfectly complements Jeb's. Gretchen has three children of her own from a previous marriage. My favorite of the three, her daughter Britta, is currently away working for the U.S. Navy.

Whenever I arrive at Jeb's house the place is always bustling with activity that just feels like vacation. I've grown accustomed to thinking of his house as public property, like a hotel of sorts, where any kind soul can wander and find himself in good company. Indeed, his whole downstairs comes equipped with a bar, video game system and Foosball table. Jeb has an outdoor swimming pool with a cartoon fish mural he painted himself. He's quite resourceful you know. Besides Jeb, Gretchen and lovely Britta there's Gretchen's other daughter Signe and her son Beck; both smart and pretty wild.