NOW THIS IS THE WAY TO LIVE OUR "GOLDEN YEARS"

I promised to share some "good stuff" after the sadness we've all shared in recent blog posts. I received this email from DENNY HILL back in May, before I got busy trying to assist my ailing dad. DENNY sent a beautiful series of photographs taken of his summer home in Warsaw. I've requested he send me some in a format that I can reproduce on this blog. Unfortunately, he didn't send a picture of his latest acquisition, so I did a little surfing myself to get a facsimile. Here is his email:

"There is a 7-hour difference between us, so it must be about 5:15 pm your time. Here it is 12:15 midnight, and I am multi-tasking, listening to Polish TV (hoping that some of it will sink in), while checking email and surfing the web on my little mini-laptop. 

Today I did a crazy and totally impractical thing. For $1,000 I bought a bicycle which looks like a replica of a custom motorcycle. It has a fat tire in back and an elongated front end, with a low, easy rider seat and high handlebars. It is imported from L.A., made by Schwinn, and more appropriate for riding on the beach. I tried it out, and found it is quite unstable at low speed, but rides fine a little faster. Of course, you have to pedal, and the mother is so heavy I could hardly get it up the one flight of stairs to my flat (Editor: apartment to us). But I can be sure that there is no other such in Warsaw. Thankfully, here it is quite flat, because it has no gears. But on the other hand, they have bike lanes along the sidewalks on most of the streets. It is my new toy."

From unicycles to chopper bicycles... that's our Denny! One thing for certain, he does not lead a boring life! He didn't send a photo of his latest "toy", however, this one seems to look like his description, except for the gears it appears to have..

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Another classmate who seems to know how to enjoy life is DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS.

Her most recent email first told me how sad the news of some of our classmates' health and family problems made her. She sends her heartfelt prayers to one and all. She went on to say the following:

"I think this is good news....I am returning to teaching.

I retired 8 years ago, but a need arose in a high school where my daughter and son-in-law teach, and they hired me. I will prepare sophomore students for the AIMS test. They must pass it before they graduate high school. I am kind of excited. Of course, Larry is gloomy gus, and my friends all feel my head to make sure I don't have a fever, but it will be fine. I have been very candid with them that I am not a 'long-term' teacher. One or two good years then I will be back to glorious retirement. I also told them up front that I will be gone a week in October as Larry is taking me to Hawaii." 

Dottie added a humorous description of some of the vacation attire she purchased for that trip, but it may be a little risque for some of our readers! 

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One more note before I close. Our Class President, JAMES HAYS wants to know if any are interested in having a (scaled down) 55th class reunion at BHS Homecoming this year. Anyone interested, please let James know personally. And those of you who live near someone without an email address, please try to let them know about this. His email address is, as always: 

                    jbkhays@centex.net

I will probably be returning to Mineral Wells to help with my dad, and have only infrequent access to a computer. If something very important arises, please know I will do my best to let everyone know.

Until then... enjoy these years. We never know how many more we will be blessed with.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS

Prayers and support are needed for one of our classmates' son. Ter Cothran's son was in a horrific accident aboard an aircraft carrier many years ago. A landing jet actually ran over him. It was a miracle he survived. In the intervening years he has suffered medical problems and recently had two surgeries, with another one scheduled this month. Ter said, ".. he is not in any danger of (dying) at this point. Sometimes there are things that are just about as bad as dying. All I am asking is that you include him in your prayers and help to give him the faith he needs to see him through this difficult time." 

Please keep this confidential as well, as his son is a very private person. 

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James Hays sent an information update on Nydah Ellet. Her daughter Donna has had her transferred to a rehabilitation center near her home. She continues to show slow improvement from the myriad injuries she suffered -- one of which was a severe brain concussion. Please hold her in your thoughts and prayers. 

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I know all of you remember the Brunson family. Most of us have fond memories associated with them. I was saddened to learn today that the matriarch of their loving brood, Azelle Brunson, died last night in a San Angelo hospital. I do not know any details of a funeral, but if you wish to find out, you might check the Ballinger online news site I have listed to the bottom left of this blog. It has an obituary column that will give information as soon as it is available.

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My dad, who is 93, is in a nursing home in Mineral Wells. He has multiple health problems that seem to have come upon him suddenly. Send some loving prayers his way as well.

I really do have good news to share from time to time. I hope to have a more positive blog post soon. If you have something good to add to it, please send it on. 

Peace, love, and prayers,

Marilyn