John Ostrander was "born on third base" in the friendly and engaging community of Ann Arbor. The beneficiary of a loving and supportive family, excellent public skools, and summer trips to the grand American west. Academically, Johnny-O made great progress in social life, friends and exploration - even being (appropriately) accused of thinking that LSE stood for "Let's See Europe". Moving to Portland Oregon in 1987, he met his lifelong loving companion and muse, and raised two children, who frequently can be found on trails of the Columbia Gorge, the Cascades or along an Oregon beach. JO hopes readers enjoy his writing (and appreciate James' fantastic artwork). Thank you.