| What's Happening Now August 2009 |
| Another Historic Moment: August 6, 2009 Senate confirms Judge Sonia Sotomayor as first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice |
| Aug. 5: I (Jan) had a good talk with Judy PS today---wished her a belated birthday and all. She's back now from her trip. She took her grandsons on a skateboard-site journey, the trip of a lifetime for those boys. Don't you know she's a marvelous grandmother? She's still having shots for the nerve pain originating in the back of her head and traveling down her neck. It's not known what caused it, or whether it will disappear as suddenly as it appeared. She's a trooper, and maintains her cheery mood no matter what. She had gotten several e-mail greetings and a few phone calls, too. She loved them all! |
Aug. 9 from Morris re his jury service:
Hi, JanBee: Free at Last! Free at Last! Thank God Almighty I'm Free at Last! The judge
told us Thursday to make a decision by Friday afternoon or she would have us come in
Saturday and today, if necessary. My "hold-out" juror, Ms.
KnowseverythingabouteverythingandisALWAYSright finally agreed with the rest of us,
and we got it done Friday afternoon. Six weeks of doing what I swore I would never do
again; get up early, dress up, fight commuter traffic to downtown, mix and mingle with
strangers, sit for long stretches and listen to egomaniacs insult one-another in the
name of "justice" and deal with 11 other people judging the merits of the testimony.
Not fun!
Spent the day with Elaine, and had a wonderful time. Had a sweet email from JudyPS
and LindaSK in re: birthdays. Have not heard from Jeanne. You may not know that we
were friends as "little kids" back in Marshall, TX, well before Belton days.
I am trying to catch-up on all my lost sleep (impossible) and all the chores around the
house. Since Elaine is working, she cannot go to Ouray, CO, for Oktoberfest this year.
So, I'll buy a vehicle and go to La Veta by myself, when the trees start to turn and snow
hits the peaks. Did not go the deacons meeting today (spent it with Elaine) so did not
pray for Jane and Harrell or add JudyPS. Next month I'll catch-up.
Later, Geezer
Hi, JanBee: Free at Last! Free at Last! Thank God Almighty I'm Free at Last! The judge
told us Thursday to make a decision by Friday afternoon or she would have us come in
Saturday and today, if necessary. My "hold-out" juror, Ms.
KnowseverythingabouteverythingandisALWAYSright finally agreed with the rest of us,
and we got it done Friday afternoon. Six weeks of doing what I swore I would never do
again; get up early, dress up, fight commuter traffic to downtown, mix and mingle with
strangers, sit for long stretches and listen to egomaniacs insult one-another in the
name of "justice" and deal with 11 other people judging the merits of the testimony.
Not fun!
Spent the day with Elaine, and had a wonderful time. Had a sweet email from JudyPS
and LindaSK in re: birthdays. Have not heard from Jeanne. You may not know that we
were friends as "little kids" back in Marshall, TX, well before Belton days.
I am trying to catch-up on all my lost sleep (impossible) and all the chores around the
house. Since Elaine is working, she cannot go to Ouray, CO, for Oktoberfest this year.
So, I'll buy a vehicle and go to La Veta by myself, when the trees start to turn and snow
hits the peaks. Did not go the deacons meeting today (spent it with Elaine) so did not
pray for Jane and Harrell or add JudyPS. Next month I'll catch-up.
Later, Geezer
| Linda Middleton W. is recovering from spinal surgery. She writes, "I’m still a bit sore and swollen, so I don’t know how much improvement I have yet. I don’t feel the tingling in my left forearm but I still have pain between my wrist and the gap between index and middle fingers. Since it has been only a week today, I expect more improvement. At least I have less pain and stiffness overall – hooray!! For the first few days I felt like Frankenstein & couldn’t move ANYTHING without pain." Linda is in good company with her back problems, as I know of several classmates who may end up with spinal surgery one of these days. If you'd like to contact Linda, send a message to me at fridalives@msn.com and I'll pass it on. |
| Right: Kaden's first week at home |
August 7, 2009, from Lynn and Judy:
We were blessed with our first great-grandchild on 6/11/09. He was named
Kaden Levi, but he is my "Little Rascal". Our granddaughter Lindsey is "my
Toot." The mother and both are doing great. We just wanted all to know that
we have a great-grandchild.
Lynn & Judy
We were blessed with our first great-grandchild on 6/11/09. He was named
Kaden Levi, but he is my "Little Rascal". Our granddaughter Lindsey is "my
Toot." The mother and both are doing great. We just wanted all to know that
we have a great-grandchild.
Lynn & Judy
Aug. 13, Judy E writes:
Have you seen my new
baby? We get her from
Houston on the 22nd--a
really precious Ragdoll
kitty. We're bouncing
names around. Poor
Cosette didn't get a vote,
but I think she'll adapt after
a while. (2 years)"
Have you seen my new
baby? We get her from
Houston on the 22nd--a
really precious Ragdoll
kitty. We're bouncing
names around. Poor
Cosette didn't get a vote,
but I think she'll adapt after
a while. (2 years)"
Aug. 14 from Morris: Hi, JanBee: Just put the Big Event in
my calendar for next year, and will come from Lancaster (if
still here) or La Veta, hopefully in a 1956 Ford! Still tired from
the trial ordeal, but "catching-up" as best I can. Glad the
party was a great success! You are so correct in that we
should honor our loved ones while they are alive, and able
to enjoy the party. I have been to too many funerals lately
where memories are shared "too late". Geezer
my calendar for next year, and will come from Lancaster (if
still here) or La Veta, hopefully in a 1956 Ford! Still tired from
the trial ordeal, but "catching-up" as best I can. Glad the
party was a great success! You are so correct in that we
should honor our loved ones while they are alive, and able
to enjoy the party. I have been to too many funerals lately
where memories are shared "too late". Geezer
Aug. 14 from Janean: Jan, the party looks marvelous! And pricey,
pricey, too! ;) But as you say, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Didn't
know you were renting another location, too! Wow! And the food looks
delicious! What a wonderful thing to do for Len. And the power point
show...I'm sure it was fabulous, as well! Glad things went so well...and
btw, 90 degrees...we would die for...a total cold front! luv, j
pricey, too! ;) But as you say, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Didn't
know you were renting another location, too! Wow! And the food looks
delicious! What a wonderful thing to do for Len. And the power point
show...I'm sure it was fabulous, as well! Glad things went so well...and
btw, 90 degrees...we would die for...a total cold front! luv, j
Aug. 19 from Morris: Hi, JanBee: # 21288
here. What a nice picture of Dorothy, David,
and Marie! I look forward to seeing them
(and everybody else) next June. And how
nice to read Mrs. Johnson's note. I think
that she and Ms. Carraway were at the top
of my "favorite teachers" list, which is
crowded, as we had so many! Mrs. Harvey
taught me how to type, and here I am a
thousand years later using my "2 finger"
typing skills on the laptop. Love to all!
Geezer PS: The 2 1956 Fords I had my eye
on have been sold (boo!) but there are
more out there, and I have 10 months to
find the "right" one.
here. What a nice picture of Dorothy, David,
and Marie! I look forward to seeing them
(and everybody else) next June. And how
nice to read Mrs. Johnson's note. I think
that she and Ms. Carraway were at the top
of my "favorite teachers" list, which is
crowded, as we had so many! Mrs. Harvey
taught me how to type, and here I am a
thousand years later using my "2 finger"
typing skills on the laptop. Love to all!
Geezer PS: The 2 1956 Fords I had my eye
on have been sold (boo!) but there are
more out there, and I have 10 months to
find the "right" one.
Aug. 19 from Judy E: Your party looked first class! How about your
giving one for my 70th? ;-) I know that will create many happy
memories for Len. We just went to a 50th wedding anniversary down
in Rockport--most fun I've ever had! Wish I could get that band for our
reunion. I'll have to pass along that your desires for tennis, golf, mah
jong, etc. tournaments were met mostly with a yawn among the lunch
group. You'll have to think up something else (which you're good at!).
giving one for my 70th? ;-) I know that will create many happy
memories for Len. We just went to a 50th wedding anniversary down
in Rockport--most fun I've ever had! Wish I could get that band for our
reunion. I'll have to pass along that your desires for tennis, golf, mah
jong, etc. tournaments were met mostly with a yawn among the lunch
group. You'll have to think up something else (which you're good at!).
| Aug. 15 from Dorothy and David H: We live at the Grand Reserve Senior Apartments, and every year they have a Senior Prom for the residents. They have a big band and dancing and food, and they crown a King and Queen. Marie was one of the hostesses at the Prom in her capacity as Director of Marketing for Cornerstone Gardens, co-sponsors of the event. Dorothy (Jan's note: Lookin' good, Y'all!) |
2009: Judy PH says she tries to stay out of
the way of cameras, but someone caught her.
Thanks for sending, Judy; you look great!
the way of cameras, but someone caught her.
Thanks for sending, Judy; you look great!
| Our Favorite English Teacher, Rosemary Johnson, Writes Even though you have not heard from me in a long time, I am still alive. I wrote a little about myself and tried to get it into the computer, but had no success. I have enjoyed all of your emails. It is hard for me to imagine that so many of the last class that I taught at Belton are now grandparents and great grandparents. I was really planning and hoping that I could attend the 50 year reunion of the class. It is sad for me to tell you that I will be attending the graduation of my oldest granddaughter from the School of Nursing of Ohio State University on June 13th. I retired with 34 years of working in the field of education, and I have been retired since December of 1995. I am still very active and stay busy with activities and responsibilities at our church, am active in the Austin Retired Teacher's Organization, Reading Circle and still walk many miles each week. We did much traveling for many years, but not much lately. My husband"s health is not the best. We also have a granddaughter who will be a senior in McNeil High School in Round Rock and a grandson who will be a freshman at the same school. These two children are our son's children and the girl in Ohio is our daughter's child. Thank you again for always including me in your emails. With fond memories, Rosemary Johnson |
| Yee-ha! We have our first commitment to attend the 50th Reunion from Skip and Pam! Aug. 14: Skip and I are coming from Florida to the 50th Reunion. We will probably fly the airplane there. Skip leaves again for Alaska the end of the month. He is going moose hunting. He will be back Sept. 16th. After that everything closes down in Alaska. We are both still working in Skip's law practice. Everything is going well. We look forward to seeing you next year at the reunion. |
| 50th Reunion ! We plan on being there. I wish good health for all and look forward to seeing everyone. I have not grown old-looking in 50 years, so I hope I can recognize those who have. See You 6/12/10, Lynn |
| Aug. 24 from Morris: Hi, JanBee: I enjoyed seeing Dr. Walt and Carol's pictures and brief captions. Mom and Dad and I drove CA 1 southbound from San Francisco to Santa Monica in 1959. I have driven the same route 6 times northbound and 3 times southbound, from 1985 to 2002. My son was stationed at the Presidio of Monterey in 1994-95, and I took him a car (via Los Angeles, to see my friend Sharon) in October 1994 via CA 1. You may also remember that I did not attend our 2000 reunion, as I was in Morro Bay, CA, on CA 1, visiting my friend Catalina (for the 3d time). If I could afford it, my retirement home would be in Pacific Grove, a western suburb of Monterey, just off CA 1. My 770 sq ft condo at La Veta that I paid $ 58,000.00 for in 2005 would cost me (for the same square footage) over $ 350,000.00 in Pacific Grove, unless I found a repo/foreclosure. But, the cost of living in Monterey County is too much for me! As you know, my "prayer partners" and myself here at FBC Lancaster have been praying for Jane and Harrell, and I will add JudyPS at our next meeting, on 09.13. I presided over our Bible Study opening assembly on 08.09, and one of the ladies in that group mentioned that her daughter-in-law was dangerously close to being paralyzed because of a very serious problem with the vertabrae (sp?) in her neck. We began a series of prayer for her that day! Yesterday, she reported that the daughter-in-law had gone to the doctor in preparation for surgery, and the new x-rays indicated that she was "healed", that is, everyting was in place. I claim that same authority for Jane, Harrell, and JudyPS, and will continue to pray for a "total healing" for all 3 of them. I wish I had the "gift" of healing, so that I could "lay hands" on them and proclaim "be healed!" as you see some tv preachers do. Not my gift! But, prayers are answered all the time IF we are earnest, fervent, and effectual. Later, Geezer |
| Aug. 25 from Nancy D: Hi Jan, How great that you gave that wonderful party for Len! What a fun celebration and I'm sure your slideshow was the best. Please pass along my commiseration to Linda M. I'm so sorry to hear that she had to have (back) surgery and hope the aches and pains get better really soon. We emailed back and forth some months ago so I think I may have her email somewhere and will try to find it to communicate with her directly. Thanks! Nancy |
| Aug. 27: hi jan just a quick note asking for prayers . my husband brad is having knee replacement surgery on monday. my daughter is having a complicated surgery on friday. prayers for me also as i have to work at our business and help take care of sick people. love to all, sue |
Aug. 27 from Morris:
Hi, JanBee: you will recall that last week I spoke of
Mrs. McLallen, our speech and drama
teacher. Today, I learned that she passed away on
May 3rd, at (I assume) age 77. A 1955 graduate of
MH-BC (Dad's first class), she married Dan
McLallen. After teaching us, she also taught at
Hereford and Plainview, Denver, and Tyndall, SD.
Dan was at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth
for many years, and they resided in Bedford, NE of
Ft. Worth. I saw her last at the Baptist General
Convention of Texas at Ft. Worth in the mid-"90s.
She was as tall as a man and had a man's voice, and
(being half-deaf like me) talked loudly. It is
interesting to me how we can recall someone we
have not thought of in years, then find out they are
no longer living. So, one less former teacher we
might hear from for the 50th! Geezer
Hi, JanBee: you will recall that last week I spoke of
Mrs. McLallen, our speech and drama
teacher. Today, I learned that she passed away on
May 3rd, at (I assume) age 77. A 1955 graduate of
MH-BC (Dad's first class), she married Dan
McLallen. After teaching us, she also taught at
Hereford and Plainview, Denver, and Tyndall, SD.
Dan was at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth
for many years, and they resided in Bedford, NE of
Ft. Worth. I saw her last at the Baptist General
Convention of Texas at Ft. Worth in the mid-"90s.
She was as tall as a man and had a man's voice, and
(being half-deaf like me) talked loudly. It is
interesting to me how we can recall someone we
have not thought of in years, then find out they are
no longer living. So, one less former teacher we
might hear from for the 50th! Geezer
Wed., Aug. 26, 2009 Sen. Ted Kennedy died last night of brain cancer. He was only 77. |
Wed., Aug. 26, 2009 Condolences to Dewey, whose mother-in-law died after a long illness. |