A FEW CHRISTMAS MEMORIES 2007

A few photos from Ballinger and the Moragne household. Travis and Kelly Rider visited Grandmommy overnight. Travis made that night memorable by waking up at 1:30 in the morning throwing up!

Christmas Eve at the Bethel Community Church Candlelight Service, and Christmas Day at Peggy (Virden) and Bobby Sharp's home. Lots of good food, presents, babies, teenagers, dogs, and even horses. Let's not forget the grandmothers, who were in abundance that day. Peggy has six children and all but one of them were there. I lost track of how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren in attendance. Her brother Robert Virden and his wife Bonnie were also there with their family. The White Elephant gift exchange was a riot -- no one really wanted Santa's bloomers!

The highlight had to have been Christmas Eve at the small Bethel Church, where Peggy and Bobby's grandson Tyce Green sang the solo, "O Holy Night". As we exited the church with candles in hand, the haunting sounds of "Silent Night" played on a trumpet drifted over the surrounding countryside. It was played by June (Harris) Koch's grandson.

This is the Jerry (Jake) Baker family Christmas Day. That's classmate Nancy (Thompson) Baker peeking out from behind her daughter-in-law. Their three children, Phyllis Lynn, Russ, and Melissa were there with four of their grandchildren and three of their great-grandchildren. Their younger son Rodger is in Bahrain this Christmas, however, he called Christmas Day and got to speak to his parents and siblings.

To see or even speak with our loved ones on this wonderful holiday is always such a blessing. If any of you would like to share your favorite Christmas photos or stories with us, just send them to me and I'll do my best to post them here.

This last photo I took early this morning from my back door. It was very cloudy and cold -- below freezing, when I spotted these adorable Inca Doves huddled together on a branch. I said to myself, "They have learned the secret of staying warm.... Love One Another!!"

My love to all of you!
Marilyn

GREETINGS

"I took these this morning, looks like Lenna and I will have a white Christmas. Please tell everyone hello and Merry Christmas for me. I am doing well and I wish good health to all."
Sincerely,
Gene Routh

A FEW NEWS NOTES:

"Kay and I went to Houston Friday for her son's graduation from Physician Assistant's school. He received a Masters Degree and will work for an orthopedic surgeon in that area. He was a Special Forces medic and retired after 22 years in the army. I closed my medical office in Brownwood in October after 38 years of full time private practice and now work in Coleman on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ONLY with the other two physicians in Coleman. Hopefully I will start enjoying semi-retirement soon if I ever catch up."
James

"Merry Christmas to everyone. How blessed we are to have Christ in our lives!! To June and Chris-our prayers will be with you and how thankful we are you are okay. About the house-my bad! That is the house on Broadway. The one Darrell's uncle lived in was on the hill on 6th Street, I think. They are similar, but (it) was not a boarding house. Aren't we glad Marilyn does this for us? Thanks, girl, and how glad we are you are doing so well."

Love you all,
Dottie (Bishop)

On Nydah's recovery, June (Harris) Koch wrote: "Talked to her a few days ago and she is home and doing well. Sounds like she really had a rough time of it. I think she must have had a reaction to some of the pain meds..."

"I'm in Lafayette, LA. I will have Christmas with my Mom, daughter, and wife. Mom is in a retirement home. Lost my Dad January 1, 2007. I had to put my Aunt in the Nursing Home last month. So this has been a rough year."
Neil Broussard

I had a really nice visit with Jerry and Shirley Eoff, and Jerry's sister Bobbie at the Beefmaster last night. They gave me lots of information about the bridge I photographed. The one in City Park. Nancy's husband Jake also gave me information. It seems the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) was busy in this park during the Depression years, building many structures. A few are still standing, as is this bridge. I was told there was once a long shuffleboard table with benches alongside adjacent to this bridge. Apparently, the water and years of dirt washing under the bridge in the draw have covered these up. Shirley (Fry) Eoff told me that there had been a caretaker's cottage across the road from the bridge, and that her grandfather was caretaker of the park for years.

There is also a long concrete table still standing in a rather secluded part of the park that was called The Nook. This area is to the left at the bottom of the steep hill going into the park. Bobbie Eoff said she had her wedding rehearsal dinner in this nook. Nearby there still stands a spooky stone building, now filled with nothing but graffiti. Jerry said this used to be the water works building when Ballinger's water supply came from this area. (Surely not Elm Creek?)

I leave you tonight with a little snapshot of a house on the Bronte Highway. The lights are really unusually pretty in Ballinger. We may be a small town, but we're mighty big on decorations!

'Til next time....
Marilyn

ANONYMOUS POEM

The following was sent to me by June Curry. I wish I knew the author of the poem, but decided it was so worth reading I will post it anyway. Marilyn

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away.

This is the poem:

Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friend's face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.

"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner, yet miles away,
"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
...............Anonymous

"Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Don't be afraid to express yourself.
Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time, it might be too late.
Seize the day. Never have regrets.
And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped."

Thank you, June, for sharing these poignant sentiments. Merry Christmas, everyone!

IN AND AROUND BALLINGER

You know, I fully intended to write something for this blog from December 13th until Christmas. I was thinking "Twelve Days of Christmas" at the time. Then I remembered that those twelve days are really from Christmas Day (when Christ was supposedly born) until January 5th -- the length of time it would have taken the Wise Men to make the journey to Bethlehem.

I don't know where my mind was.. I was thinking "gifts". My gift to all of you for the Christmas season. Pretty conceited of me when I think about it. The photographs (with some exceptions -- like the Hill House) that I find pleasing and that create nostalgic memories of this area for me, may not do the same for you. That's why I really would like your input. What do you remember that might still be here? What would you enjoy seeing and hearing about from the past?

Yesterday I got a call from my trusty on-the-spot reporter, Nancy Baker (who works for free, I might add), that she and hubby Jake had spotted "50 wild turkeys!" in City Park (she's been known to exaggerate a little at times). I grabbed my camera and rushed to what I thought would be my "turkey shoot".. I'm thinking, "These are escapees from Thanksgiving perhaps looking for a place to hide until after Christmas." After searching the City Park and the streets all along the bluff, I was disappointed that the only creatures I saw were the geese at the duck pond and a few goats that ignored me when they discovered I didn't have any food for them when I approached their pen.

On my little tour of that side of Broadway, I discovered the little gem of a footbridge pictured below. It looks so ancient, however, I don't remember seeing it during the 50s. Of course, I wasn't that interested in rock structures of any kind back then. I got enough talk about "rocks" at home, as my dad owned the local sand and gravel business.

Do any of you remember this bridge? Know where it is located? Did you ever walk across it? I must admit, it is so old I wasn't too sure it would be safe to walk across now.

Happy Holidays from Ballinger.........
Marilyn

CLASSMATE SUFFERS HOUSE FIRE

I received this at 6:00 pm from June Curry. I thought we all would want to send her good wishes. It could have been a very tragic story, but thank goodness everyone got out okay.

"As of last night Chris and I will be residing at the Clarion Hotel courtesy of State Farm Insurance for at least the next four weeks. This hotel is located at the corner of Aspen and the Broken Arrow Expressway in Broken Arrow. We also have our pets with us with the hotel's blessing and a slight surcharge.

After spending four miserable ice laden days without power and heat in our house, the power finally returned at 12:30 pm yesterday. We immediately showered, starting washing clothes and made a trip to the grocery store to restock all the food lost in the frig and freezer without power for so long. At about 8:00 that night we had a fire in the fireplace and were sitting watching TV when we both noticed smoke coming from the bottom and around the fireplace screen. Chris went out to the front porch and came back shouting for me to call the fire department and to get out of the house--that we were on fire (which we very much were). I grabbed my wallet, my dog and my cell phone and ran for the car, dialing 911 at the same time. He ran upstairs for his cat and his wallet and cell phone and came running out to move the car away from the house. Then he tried to fight the flames with our little fire extinguisher, bless his heart. Within 4 minutes of my call to the emergency center, three fire trucks were at our front curb and shortly after were fighting a raging fire which rather badly damaged our townhouse but could have totally destroyed it had they not gotten the fire under control very quickly. We have a restoration company already on the scene who has taken our belongings to their warehouse for cleaning and restoration (even steam cleaning our clothes and delivering of Chris's uniforms to our hotel today). State Farm is totally fantastic--have already been out to the house and have written us a generous expense voucher. They have arranged for us to live here at the Clarion for at least the next four weeks at their expense.

So, God has beautifully taken care of our needs, expressed and unexpressed, during yet another crisis. You cannot reach us at our home phone but must call either the Clarion Hotel or my cell phone. If possible, please call on the Hotel line to save my anytime minutes.

Our kitty had disappeared this morning, and half the hotel management and maids have been joining us in a search for her. I just got a call from Chris in our room saying she just appeared at her litter box as he walked back into the room. We had literally torn the place up inside and outside searching for her--I have no idea where she has been or if one of the maids found her and returned to the room when we were gone--we're just grateful to have her back--she is Chris's absolute love. SIDNEY IS FOUND!!!"

THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Was there ever any doubt in your mind that the American cowboy is still alive and well? This sign appeared a couple of weeks ago in front of the San Angelo Feed Yard between Miles and San Angelo. A little over a week later it was gone! One cowboy hired, I guess. To be politically correct, it probably should have read "One Cowboy/Cowgirl".

Shortly after that picture was taken, June Hash Curry was in Ballinger for the funeral of her beloved mother-in-law Kathleen. She and I had a wonderful, though brief, visit at the new Heritage Funeral Home. She told me that the two beautiful round stained glass windows on the building were made by her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and J.B. Terry. The weather was in the 80s for a couple of days and the night we visited, it was still warm outdoors. I looked out the window into the parking lot and commented on a cute miniature dachshund walking with a man across the lot. June said that they better be careful... that a four-foot long rattlesnake had been killed in that lot that very afternoon!

Texas!! 80 degree weather, snowfall, and rattlesnakes in the parking lot -- all within a two week period in December. Nothing dull about it for sure.

The blog about the Broadway Hill House has stirred a few more memories. This one came from Barbara Sharpes Brooks:

"The house in the picture belonged to a woman named Jewel Cooper. She ran the house as a room and board place. My mother worked for her in the kitchen for a while as did Ruth Jarrett. She rented to single men only, I think, and always had a table full at lunch. I've sat on that front porch a many a time. This was in the early 50s. I remember I thought it was a huge old house at the time. I don't remember the garage apartment though. In its time it was a really grand house. I also worked at Keel drug for a short time and then at the drive-in at the y, can't remember the name of the place. (Editor: Was this the Dairy Barn?) Gail Kirk and I were working together one night and it was time to slide the awning back. Welllllll, the rope we were pulling got caught on a tray that was in a car window and spilled everything in the lap of the driver! I took off and poor Gail was blamed for the whole thing. I was scared to death and Gail laughed it off. Just a little trivia..."

Charles Fikes had this to say:

"I have really enjoyed the blog for our class. I am learning things about good old Ballinger that I didn't know. Sue Herring is right, Chock and Jeep did live in that house. Am looking forward to more input on the blog."

I don't know how many of you paid attention to the weather news this week, but parts of the Midwest had horrendous ice storms that left many folks without power for days. Our own classmate June Curry was one of them. She sent this to me yesterday:

"We finally got power (we're total electric at 12:30 pm today). We could not go to a hotel or motel as all were immediately booked--no vacancies anywhere. No one had any wood for fireplaces to sell, and we only had enough for two fires as we had not ordered expecting to move at any time. We had no power from early Monday morning (pre-dawn) until after noon today. May I NEVER take warmth for granted again. It was 27 degrees here last night and almost that cold each night with little or no warming up in the daytime. We wanted to kiss on both cheeks the Public Service people who poured in here by the hundreds. I have never before been so grateful for a HOT shower and shampoo as I was today. Wow. What an ordeal! Glad to have it back!"

I leave you today -- this Second Day of Christmas with another little scene from the Concho River Light Tour. Sorry I don't have a shot of the "turtle doves". Last winter I had a live pair of them that ate from the bird feeders in my back yard. Wish I had photographed them! They were magnificent.

Let me know what/who you'd like to hear about or see photos of. I thought I would try to keep this up for the entire "Twelve Days of Christmas".
Marilyn

THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Recently we had a "real snowstorm" as you can see in the photo. Yes, that's Glenn Smith waving at the camera. I forwarded this picture to a few friends here in Ballinger, and received two surprising responses. One of them was from Dot Schroeder who said it looked like her deceased brother! But most surprising was the following statement from Nancy Thompson Baker: "Looks like a ghost on your film, looks like Santa Claus.....on purpose?"

"Look right beside Glenn where the BIG snowflake is.... the tree trunk makes the ghost's arms, the beard is heavy snow in between Glenn and the car... Santa Claus? The limb above the heart looks like Santa's hat.... concentrate on the heart and use imagination. I've never seen a snowflake as big as that 'heart' one! I'm sure it's Santa!!!"

Does anyone else see this "ghost" in the above photo?? I finally did, and it spooked me.

The recent blog on the "hill house" sparked a few responses, but only added to my confusion. Who rented the garage apartment to Wesley Stokes.... and fed him his meals?

Here they are:

From Jerry Eoff: "You are doing a good thing with the blog spot. Keep it going. I never knew of this about Wesley. Wonder what else slid by over my head?"

From Susan Herring Stahl: "Just caught up with the blog...I think I remember that Jeep and Chock Jackson lived in the house on the hill during our high school days. Maybe we could learn more about the Wesley Stokes mystery from Jeep."

From Dorothy Bishop Rogers: "Yes, this picture was a blast from the past! My first husband's great aunt and uncle, Robert Lee, lived here and we visited often. As for Gene Keel, he was my first boss. In the summer after 8th grade, I went to work for Gene at the drugstore. I worked there several summers. I think Danny Baker and Ter also worked there one summer. Nice work, Marilyn, you have no idea how much we all look forward to your blog!"

Ter Cothran told a funny story on himself about his brief stint as an employee of Gene Keel. Maybe someday we can coax him into writing about it on the blog. Had something to do with a box of candy and Tommye Lou Curry.

Irene Piel Batts was also a long-time Keel Drug employee. Which reminds me. Her husband David is in the Community Hospital in San Angelo. I need to wrap this up for now, as I am going with a friend to visit him.

Stay tuned for more tales of the "wild west". Rattlesnakes and cowboys instead of football players!

Marilyn

BROADWAY HILL HOUSE

I feel certain all of you recognize this house, located on Broadway across from the Presbyterian Church. The second photo is of the old garage apartment on the property.

I've always been fascinated by this house, but every time I see it I remember a story from high school. I think it was in our Sophomore year that a 14-year old Freshman football player from Talpa moved into the garage apartment. His name was Wesley Stokes, and he was supposed to be the answer to the football team's prayers. It seems a local businessman -- and perhaps more than one, rented this garage apartment and moved Wesley from Talpa into his new home just in time for football season. I was very curious. How could a 14-year old boy take care of himself? Who would cook for him? I was told there had been an arrangement with the owner of the house that meals would be provided to him as part of the deal.

Gee! How lucky can you get? A private apartment with no parents overlooking your every move! Someone would cook for you and not expect you to wash the dishes afterwards. I was in awe, and did not understand how this came about. When I asked questions about it, I was told in hushed tones that this was not to be widely discussed.

Recently a friend of mine was reading a book many here in Ballinger have been discussing. Gene Keel (of Keel Drug) is written about in the book as a member of a Masonic orphanage football team. The book is titled, "Twelve Mighty Orphans" and is written by Jim Dent. The following excerpt peaked my interest, and reminded me of the time Wesley Stokes was recruited to play for the Bearcats:

“In some respects, Texas was still a raw and rowdy frontier in the 1930s, and the high school kids in shoulder pads and leather helmets furthered that tough image. Stadiums started filling up right after the end of the Big War. West Texans would soon go gaga over football…”

“In the Oil Belt, the roughnecks, speculators, wildcatters, and toolpushers had money to wager and an insatiable appetite for winning. Recruiters combed the countryside searching out the best football talent. So hungry were the little towns for a state championship that football fans went to any length to lure a top prospect into their school district. One of the most popular tricks was hiring away any father with talented football-playing sons. A roughneck making a couple of bucks a day in Mineral Wells would gladly take five bucks to pack up and move his family to Breckenridge. That is, if he brought along his sons…”

And sometimes, as was the case in Ballinger in the 1950s, they just moved the football-playing son!

Marilyn

'TIS THE SEASON

The holidays are upon us and the lights are spectacular! If some of you haven't been to Ballinger at this time of year, you may not have seen the beautiful lights on the Runnels County Courthouse. A sorority in town has been doing this for several years. Irene Piel Batts' daughter Amy is on the committee of young women (and some of their husbands) that actually climbs to the roof of the courthouse and lowers each individual strand of lights every year. This year the weather was very warm as they were installing them, but the weather does not always cooperate in Texas and sometimes Irene worries when Amy is climbing around up there in cold rain or worse.

Driving down the hill on Broadway, the view almost takes one's breath away. I wanted to capture that photo, too, but strung across the front of the courthouse lawn is a huge sign that says, "Welcome Hunters". Somehow that did not seem in the spirit of things.

The bottom two photos are from the San Angelo "Tour of Lights" along the Concho River. Santa Claus fishing on the Concho... he even catches a huge fish. Then there is Santa Claus arriving in a small airplane near the Santa Fe Depot. I know children must be delighted to take this two and a half mile tour of over a million Christmas lights on display. There is even a living nativity, complete with llamas (camels?) and sheep. I know this "big kid" really loved every minute of it.

Good news to report. Last Monday, Pat Smith Mullins, Glenn Smith, and I helped Peggy Virden Sharp celebrate with lunch the excellent report she got on her latest checkup. She got a clean bill of health, and the doctor even took her off three medications she had been taking. The heart valve repair has been successful, her heart rhythm is regular now, and the only thing to slow her down is the wait for the bones in her rib cage to heal.

I was very pleased to get a response from Gene Routh. I had inquired about his foot, and began to worry when I did not get a reply. Nearly two weeks ago, he wrote me the following email:

"Sorry I haven't answered before now. I have been going to Physical Therapy twice a week trying to loosen the ankle up and regain some strength. Seems to be helping, but recovery is a lot slower than I had hoped. I suppose I'm just impatient for things to be back to normal. I'm still so sorry I didn't get to come for the 50th reunion, but that's the breaks (no pun intended) I guess." "...Please tell all that you see hello and Merry Christmas for me. I hope to see everyone at the next school reunion." ...Gene

Nydah Ellet successfully underwent total knee replacement surgery December 3rd in Ohio. I've been getting updates on her progress this week. Two days after surgery, they had her get out of bed three times. She was on a lot of pain medication at first, but was finally able to relay some information. She had blood clots in both lower legs, so she's on anticoagulants now and this is slowing her physical therapy down some. She will go to a rehabilitation hospital shortly, depending on the blood clots. She "prepped" herself well before this surgery, and the dancing she has done has helped a lot with her therapy so far.

The Sunday before her surgery was Nydah's birthday, and she also sang in a Christmas cantata with the Kent State choir. This is one active, talented lady. I know she will be back on her feet soon and showing those young dance students she takes lessons with how to stay young.

Rosalyn Urbantke Hoelscher called me this week to inquire about the heart attack I had. We talked a good while, and she was to go for a checkup the following day. She was a little concerned about a weight gain. I'm hoping no news is good news. If you remember, Rosalyn was in the hospital during the 50th Reunion with heart problems -- much to her dismay. She also was hospitalized since then with more problems. She told me that she was grateful for every morning she wakes up and there is not a paramedic or nurse staring her in the face. Here's wishing you the best of health for the upcoming holidays, Rosalyn.

Rosalyn asked me questions about how a heart attack feels. I realized a lot of folks who have had cardiac problems... even bypass surgeries, have never had a heart attack. I felt a steady crushing pain in my chest that would not let up when I tried to get in a comfortable position. I thought it might be a really bad case of indigestion or heartburn, so I took Tums. When it continued longer than five minutes, I took two regular 325 mg. aspirin. That didn't help the pain, either, and I began to feel numbness and tingling in both arms -- especially from the elbows down. When I began to experience a blurry tunnel vision of sorts, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. I could not drive myself to the hospital -- only four blocks away! While I waited for Nancy to arrive and whisk me off to the hospital, I remembered hearing somewhere that you should force yourself to cough deeply if you suspected a heart attack. I kept doing that on the way to the hospital.

I don't mean this to be a dreary, depressing tale, but rather a really uplifting story of overcoming some of the effects of ill health and hopefully, passing on information that might assist you in saving your own life or the life of someone you love.

My own health is very, very good. I don't go in for my first checkup (and a stress test) until December 17th. However, except for more shortness of breath than usual (I think the medication causes it), I am able to do most of what I've always done in the past. My house now has Christmas decorations up, even though I decided to go with the tiny Gatlinburg pine Christmas tree this year rather than a big one. The two little munchkins that will be here for one night on their way to Aunt Carrie's in Amarillo are so little anyway, it will be eye level for them. The homemade Kahlua is curing in the jar, and I've gone so far as to get the gingerbread man (and woman) cookie cutters out. I'm really in the mood for the holidays.

The story of Mary giving birth reminds me that this time of year is pregnant with possibilities. Think how creative we all get when we decorate our homes and yards.. and presents. I don't know about you, but my mind is filled with many, many ideas I want to see come to fruition! I want to make gifts, candies, cookies... I think of all the things I wish to tell the people I love when I send them letters or emails or Christmas cards. I am filled to overflowing with the spirit of the season. May all this joy and wonder be a part of all your lives, too. Let me hear about it.

If you wish to send a comment, just double click on the "Comments" at the bottom of this message. If you'd rather, you may send me an email and I will post it for you. I'll have more photos and news to share again shortly!

Marilyn

COME FLY WITH ME

"Mom? What happened? Did you hang up and say to yourself, 'I think I'll take a little helicopter ride?'" "Something like that", I replied with a big grin. It was my older son Craig on the ICU portable telephone. We had had a long, happy telephone conversation the night before when he was on his way home from working at a new job he really enjoys. He had finally convinced the ICU nurses that it was not he who talked to me when I first came out of surgery, but it was his younger brother Matthew. Now it was his turn.

It was dark in my ICU room, and I had tubes and wires hooked up all over me. But I had a lot to smile about. The cardiologist had been to see me and to tell me that I was going to be all right. I was a success story. This was in the wee hours of the morning, Friday, November 16th. Dr. Harvey told me there did not appear to be any damage to my heart muscle, my other arteries were clear, and the two stents that he placed in the blocked artery that had caused my heart attack would keep that artery open from now on. He said I would be going home on Saturday, and that I could drive my car on Monday! Such wonderful news to someone who, only a few hours before, was in danger of dying.

As I relayed to Craig the events that took place after our conversation the night before, he laughed out loud when I told him how beautiful the lights of San Angelo appeared from the helicopter. He said he knew I must have been in a bad way if I thought that! But they really were beautiful that night. By that time, the morphine and nitroglycerin had done a good job and I was pain free. It seemed logical that I should be flying around in the sky -- close to God -- and accompanied by the three "angels" of the helicopter crew. I felt very safe, protected, and I knew it was not my time to go. There are just too many things I have yet to accomplish. Too many places I want to go... grandchildren I want to watch achieve their dreams... and too much I still haven't shared with the people I love.

My daughter Carajean, who was a Physician's Assistant at one time, showed up from Amarillo about the time I was being moved out of ICU. It was not enough for her to talk to me by telephone. Her medical training increased her worries I'm afraid. She had to be there up front and personal to be assured that I am, indeed, going to recover fully, and probably be healthier than ever.

My cardiologist said to keep doing whatever I'm doing (i.e., not smoking, healthy eating, exercise, meditation). That this blockage more than likely was caused by the years of heavy smoking I did not give up until 1999. I had a "near-death experience" that year when I was extremely ill and hospitalized with the flu. This time I think of what I went through as a "near-life experience"!

Nancy was my best friend all over again when she dropped everything to come to my house and rush me to the ER. She and Glenn Smith were with me throughout that long night. She made all the necessary telephone calls for me and they both were smiling and comforting me at each move. Somehow the two of them beat the helicopter to Shannon Hospital! It seemed so surreal to me... and to have them there with me made it seem like just another adventure on my life's journey.

It was indeed a very Happy Thanksgiving this year. I enjoyed every minute of the meal preparation, and the food never tasted so good! After well wishes and a visit on the web camera with my children and grandchildren, I slept better that night than many a night. Life is good..... and Good Stuff Happens!

...Marilyn Moragne

P.S.

Everyone in my emergency care asked me the same question that night. "Did you take aspirin?" I definitely did, about five minutes after the pain started. That and deep coughing helped me hang on, I'm sure. Visit the American Heart Association website and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a heart attack and what to do until help arrives.

Happy Thanksgiving from Dottie

Hi everyone..

The following was sent to me tonight. I wanted to share it since it appears I have "dropped the ball" lately. I really haven't, and will write about it shortly. I "took a little trip" on a MedVac helicopter last week! Stay tuned.

Happy Turkey!

Marilyn

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AND ALL!! Wow, aren't we blessed! We are expecting our first really cold spell, and I am sooooooo glad. Does anyone else out there suffer from the freaking sweat running off your nose all the time???

Hey, does anyone remember Kirk Brunson's old Hudson? He sat on a five gallon can, and all the rest of the car was wiped out. We would load as many as 20 (if my mind hasn't completely left me) and head to the drive-in movie for $1.00 Carload night. He also had an older car that lost a rear wheel as we all made the drag one night. Kind of a funny feeling when we saw the left rear wheel pass us on the main drag. Oh, well... these memories just flash by occasionally.

Love you all and wish I could have seen you!

Dottie(Bishop)

VALLEY CREEK ~ NOT ELM CREEK

The following was sent to me today by Jimmie Stubblefield. It's amazing to me how our memories differ from person to person. Of course, if one were actually involved in such an event (streaming down a flooded creek with little or no clothes on!), I believe one would tend to remember.....

"It was Valley Creek--not Elm Creek--there were six of us--we spent many wonderful hours roaming the creek from my house to the city lake--we did some things most people never knew about."

.....Jimmie S.

Hmmmmm Now where was it Rodney dropped off several of us girls to take a late-night swim while he patiently waited a half mile up the road? Was that One-Mile or Four-Mile Crossing?

GOODBYE, BARBARA

BARBARA FERGUSON ROLLWITZ 

Publication Date: November 10, 2007

BALLINGER - Barbara "Ma" Rollwitz, 68, of Ballinger, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, 2007, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family when the Lord called her home. 

Barbara was born Feb. 19, 1939, to S.L. and Thelma Lett Ferguson in Ballinger and married Eugene Bernard Rollwitz on Jan. 12, 1957. 

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family and a cherished friend to those who knew her. She was known simply as "Ma" by many. She served as the cafeteria manager for Ballinger Independent School District for over 20 years where she was well-loved and respected by the students she served. She took special pride in being a Little League scorekeeper when her kids were growing up and was honored for all her years of service. She had a kind and generous heart and often put the needs of others before her own needs. She always had a warm smile on her face and loving words to go with it. In her last years, she enjoyed making fleece blankets for family and friends and donated many of her blankets to charity. During the final months of her life, she became an honorary member of FIT San Angelo and made many new and special friends. The greatest joys of her life were her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. 

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. 

She is survived by her husband, Eugene Rollwitz of Ballinger; her two daughters, Ronda Ramos of Ballinger and her husband Pasqual, and Della Cowan of Fort Worth; and a son, Jeffrey Rollwitz and his wife, Kim, of Wall; six grandchildren, Michelle Barrow, Jessica Ramos, Tabitha Linebarger, Tiffany Lytle, Mason Rollwitz and Jake Rollwitz; three great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson. Also surviving are a sister, Queba James of Ballinger; and two brothers, Gary Ferguson and wife, Fay, of Horseshoe Bay, and Glen Ferguson and wife, Gail, of Mabank. 

Her family would like to extend special thanks to all of the loved ones and friends for their love and support. We would especially like to thank Dr. Rahman and his staff for the tender, loving care they showed Ma during her 10-year battle with cancer, Hospice of Ballinger, and dear sister, Queba, for the care during her last days. 

Visitation for family and friends will be 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Lange Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, in Old Runnels Cemetery. 

TEXAS GRILL COMMENT

Here's another great image of the Texas Grill at its present location. Notice the superimposed Noyes statue. This was taken by Glenn Smith. (Thanks, Glenn!)

The following comment by Jerry Eoff is too good to hide in the comments box, so I am printing it here to make certain we all get his great history lesson!

"You're correct on the old location of the Grill. It was on the Hutchins side of the Texas and Daugherty's Drug was on the Railroad side. They were both actually within the theater building and of course went with the fire in or about 1962. I bought many a dime comic book through the drugstore window rack and sat through many coffee break conversations between Dad and R. D. Travis when their cars were the only ones parked on the street at night while work was being done.

I would guess that whoever questioned your memory on the location didn't know that the building that now has the Texas sign was the Palace theater back in those days and the Texas was across the street in the now vacant space. After a year or so in Dallas I had just come to appreciate that the Texas was actually a fairly nice theater on a small scale."

ELM CREEK DAM - II

Here's another view of the Elm Creek Dam at the Ballinger City Park. Now you can visualize the "drop" Neil and friends made as their boat went over and they were dumped into the water below. I hope the water wasn't as rough then as it is in this photo. (The Colorado River crested at 7.5 feet this day!) That dead tree would have been a painful barrier to get past, too.

Now I want to take a photograph of the "hill" going down into the park. That hill holds memories, too. I had to learn to park a standard shift car on that hill. I'm sure Coach Gosney suffered through a few scary moments during those lessons. Also, when we had snow and ice -- which wasn't that often, I remember Bob Burton, Kirk Brunson, and others connecting an old car hood to the back of their car and pulling guys down the hill on the ice! It really is a wonder no one ever got injured.

Do you remember, too?

Marilyn

More Elm Creek Escapades

June (Hash) Curry sent the following comment. It is so funny, I had to post it up front. Jimmie S., if you read this, we'd like to know if you were one of those who were streaking down the creek!

"When Grady was alive he could tell some hairy stories about his group of friends and their escapades on Elm Creek. I think some of those were achieved without the benefit of clothes in any form at breakneck speed down that flooding creek. He, Dwayne and Bobby Patton, and I think sometimes Jimmie Stubblefield and Freddie Tyree had adventures on this creek on Sunday afternoons (I could be mistaken about Jimmie, though, as he was a really good child)."

Grady used to put me and our children in stitches with these stories.

June

More Elm Creek Escapades

The flooding at Elm Creek must have jogged some memories. This is from Neil Broussard:


"Do you remember how when it rained the water would create a wave as it flowed across the low water crossing? Well, someone found an old boat and we all got in it and floated across the low water bridge. Then we would pull it upstream and do it again. We got bored with that and decided to float to the Park, as it was flooded. The water was going over the Dam and had about a three to four foot drop. We decided to go over the dam. That ended the fun as we lost the boat and we were all dumped into the water. Sometimes I wonder how we survived some of the stunts."

ELM CREEK DAM

Recognize this? I don't know how many of you know, but we had a record rainfall in Runnels County this past spring and summer. This photo of the dam at Ballinger City Park will give you an idea of the flooding we experienced. At one point the park was closed due to the water spilling over into the park.

This reminds me of a talk I was listening to this morning regarding the Tao Te Ching. I was reminded that within each flood therein lies a drought. Within each storm, there is a calm. Nothing lasts forever. Something to remember when we are going through difficult times. Or even when times are very good. Another reason to be grateful.

I hate to be the bearer of sad news, but I heard last night that our former classmate Barbara Ferguson Rollwitz finally lost her battle with cancer. I was hopeful when I saw her a few days after our class reunion. I stopped by to deliver her handbook and remarked on how good she looked. She seemed in good spirits and even answered the door herself. There will be a graveside funeral service for her this Sunday at the Old Runnels Cemetery.

Better news... Nancy Thompson Baker's husband Jake came through his "shocking" experience really well yesterday and was back at work at the County Jail this morning. He literally had the paddles put to him to shock his heart back into a normal rhythm.

Irene Piel Batts' husband David came home from the hospital this morning after being confined there for 10 days with a fractured pelvic bone. He will be recovering at home for several weeks. He really wanted to take that little red button home with him that he used to call the nurses. However, Irene assured them that they had a cow bell at home awaiting his use!

Peggy Virden Sharp has really enjoyed her daughter Tammy visiting her this week from Houston. After a trip to her cardiologist, she was given the go-ahead to drive her car next week. She is amazing in her recovery! You cannot keep some of these Texas women down for long!

I heard from Merry Lou and Buddy Wilkins that they are still guest hosts at the San Angelo State Park. At least they will be until this next Wednesday when they will go to spend Thanksgiving with their children. Then they will join the other "snowbirds" to spend three winter months in Mission, Texas. Due to the threatened rising price of diesel fuel, they say they will probably spend most of 2008 in Texas.

I'd like to hear from some of our other RVers out there. I've wondered how the rising fuel costs are affecting your lifestyle. If you end up having to stay put somewhere, doesn't that mean you will no longer be considered footloose and fancy-free? Does that mean you will have to do mundane things again ~~ like mow the plot around your semi-permanent RV? Does that put you at the mercy of the park owners who might wish to raise the lot rents? Let us hear about it... the good, the bad, the ugly!

I'm still waiting on all that talent I recognized when I was working on our handbook!

'Til next time,
Marilyn

IN MY BACK YARD

I’m no biologist, no specialist in animal behavior, nor am I an expert in any realm. However, through the years I have become a quite good observer -- an observer of both human and animal behaviors. As I get older, the similarities and differences of these behaviors become more obvious. Perhaps because I have more experience at observation or because I have puzzled so long about humanity’s difficulties and our inability to overcome them, I have begun to turn to nature for possible solutions. I know I’m not the first to do that.

Recently, two situations in my modest backyard have captured my attention with what I think is “unnatural” behavior in the animal kingdom.

Very early one morning, just about daybreak, I was looking out my kitchen window waiting on the coffee to brew. To my surprise, I spotted a small skunk headed for the fig tree between my and my neighbor’s yard. As it made its way, I saw a movement under the tree. It was a half-grown tiger stripe kitten. Uh oh, I thought. There’s going to be a fight and probably a pretty stinky one at that. The leaves are large on this fig tree and they grow almost to the ground, so it was difficult to see what actually happened. I saw a lot of rustling leaves and an occasional glimpse of a little black and white head. Before long, the kitten jumped out, shook itself, and started towards the alley. I assumed the skunk must have unleashed its ultimate weapon. I quietly eased open the back door to sniff the air and nope, no odor. Shortly, the little skunk came out and made a beeline for my neighbor’s house. It scooted into a hole that gives access to the crawlspace beneath the house.

When I related this story to a friend, she immediately pointed out the negative aspects of the event. She was fearful that the skunk might be rabid – after all, it was out and about at daylight (which is a myth, I discovered while researching the behavior of skunks), and if we didn’t have it caught and killed, we would soon have a bunch of rabid kittens all over the neighborhood.

This shocked me, as I had only been seeing the meeting of these two dissimilar creatures as a positive happening. I figured that these little animals were drawn to the water dishes I keep in my back yard for the birds – a valuable resource during this hot, dry summer. As the kitten and the skunk were both in need of a cool drink, they decided to put aside their differences and share the water. Then they went their separate ways.

I thought, “Why can’t man do the same?” We are all in need of the earth’s resources, and there are enough of them to go around if we could only put aside our differences and share. Too often people jump on the negative bandwagon. Fearful that there will not be enough, they would rather fight than share; kill the ones who threaten them or their supply. Look what it’s doing to our world.

Naive? Maybe. Simplistic? Certainly. But it worked in my back yard.

Marilyn
Summer 2006

TEXAS GRILL

We all remember the Texas Grill. Of course, it wasn't on this particular corner when I used to frequent it. Can anyone tell me its exact location when we were in high school? I thought it was next to the old Texas theater, but I was told that wasn't so.

There are so many landmarks, buildings, signs, and even businesses left over from our era. I believe they add to the flavor and nostalgia of the little town of Ballinger. And there are also some new ones that make Ballinger memorable. For instance, the Cross. Let me know of any you remember that you would enjoy seeing on our blog.

Does anyone have a story to tell about the Texas Grill? I remember one time a girlfriend (who will remain nameless) and I were sitting at a booth, feeling very "grown up", smoking cigarettes and drinking Cokes. It was late and we had probably slipped out of the house. Imagine our surprise when suddenly, in walks my mother! I hardly ever got away with anything when I was growing up! Of course, I wasn't very good at hiding things. Like the time I threw a wet swimsuit in the dirty clothes hamper after a midnight swim in Ballinger Lake!

I think it was antics like these that made me such a good watchdog over my own children in their teens. My boys nicknamed me "The Detective".

Later...
Marilyn

TEXAS RESOURCES

Clear blue sky, cotton fields stretching as far as the eyes can see, and a pump still pumping that precious fuel. Gotta love this wonderful state! (Photo taken by Marilyn just outside Rowena, TX)

A few updates...

Peggy Sharp is amazing her doctor with her recovery time. She is about two weeks ahead of what they expect with heart surgery like she had. The doctor told her she can drive her car again in two weeks. Good news for one who hates to be immobilized!

Remember the goodlooking white-haired gentleman (oh, I KNOW there were a lot of those at the class reunion!) that accompanied Irene Piel Batts? That was David, her husband. He fell day before yesterday and now has two hairline fractures in his pelvic bone. He says he feels fine until he tries to stand. I think it will be a few weeks before he's recovered enough to go back to work. Right now he is in the Ballinger Memorial Hospital. We wish him well.

Miss Kelly (who ate the bluebonnet seeds) recovered enough to wear her favorite "ELMO" costume and go trick or treating with her big brother "Darth Vader" Travis on Halloween. I'll bet the candy went down a lot easier than the seeds, and she didn't have to have her stomach pumped again!

Nancy and Jake Baker returned from a week in Las Vegas about the same as when they left. Jake said they won "a lot of money"... but then they lost it back to the casinos.

I have enquired about Gene Routh's foot, but have no response yet. (From him, not his foot!) If anyone is in touch with him, let us know how he is doing. We missed him as well as Rosalyn Hoelscher at the reunion. I know they were both disappointed they didn't get to come.

Any of you who are reading this and didn't get a current picture of yourself in the 50th Class Reunion handbook, send me a photo via email and I will post it here. That way we will know you when you come to the next reunion. Remember, we will meet again in 2010.

Has anyone won the lottery lately? Had a new grandbaby? Retired? Gone on a posh vacation? Share with us!

'Til next time,
Marilyn

Whassup?

I hoped by now more of you would be sending me more news and/or comments. I really don't want this to be a "Marilyn Page". It's been pointed out to me that the instructions might be a little confusing. At the bottom of each new message, there are two ways you can respond if you'd like to. One is to click on comments and add a comment about the piece (or anything you'd like to comment on). You may have to sign up for a Google account. Nothing to that... I've had a gmail account with them for two years (all free, of course) and have really enjoyed it as well as the photo manager they have called Picasa, which is also free.

When you "post" a comment, it can be read by everyone. However, if you click on the little envelope, you can send me a private email. You can let me know if you wish to have your emails placed on the page, and I will do that for you.

I know we have lots of talented writers out there. Remember, I put together all of your autobiographies and stories! Now's the time to tell us more! Old stuff or new stuff. We want to hear.

One brief bit of news. Peggy Sharp is doing so well she even went to lunch at Alejandra's with her sons yesterday. She is to see the doctors this morning for a post op checkup. I plan to go out to her place tomorrow, so if any of you have any messages, let me know. (Of course, she can always be reached by telephone.) Peggy is not online -- yet! I'm going to work on that.

Nancy and Jake Baker have returned from Las Vegas. The only thing she said was they didn't win! This was the trip they had planned last August, when Jake was waylaid by a massive heart attack. The fact that they were able to make this trip now makes them "winners" in my book.

We are having such beautiful fall weather, I must get outdoors today. My flower beds beckon, and I need to pick up more pecans before the squirrels squirrel them away!

'Til next time..
Marilyn

Miss Kelly and the Bluebonnets

A couple of nights ago I got a call from my son Matthew in Austin. My daughter-in-law Amy had taken their daughter Kelly to the emergency room while daddy stayed home with big brother Travis, who had gone to bed for the night.

Amy is chairman of a wildflower committee in their neighborhood at Steiner Ranch, and apparently had several buckets of wildflower seeds mixed with sand in their garage ready to spread throughout the development. One was full of Texas bluebonnet seeds. Kelly, who will be two in a couple of weeks, decided to have a “snack”. I can only think she must have thought they would taste good like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Anyway, she ate enough and told her daddy, “Yep, I swallowed them.” “Did they taste good?” he asked. “Yeah”, she said, nodding her little golden head. This prompted first a call to Poison Control, then the trip to the ER.

This is the follow up message I received from Amy this past weekend.

Miss Kelly (wearing big brother Travis’s shoes)

“….Kelly is doing much better after her Bluebonnet feeding frenzy. She was so brave in the hospital. Mommy on the other hand, was a complete basket case. When they had to put the tube through her nose and into her stomach to pump the charcoal into her, she was awake and not medicated through the entire process and believe it or not, when it was all over, she looked at the doctors and said, "Thank You". There was not a dry eye in the room, including her ER doctors and nurses. They were completely shocked when she said that and said what a little angel she is. She is our little angel in more ways than we know.”

I can assure you, these grandmother eyes weren’t dry either when I read the above.

Marilyn

October 29, 2007

ICE CAMPAIGN - IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

This was submitted by Neil Broussard. I think it is a great idea for all of you who carry cell phones.

ICE Campaign - "In Case of Emergency"

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency?

Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign. The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.

ICE will speak for you when you are not able to.