COMINGS AND GOINGS

Update: I was informed that the bridge in this post is NOT the railroad bridge that you guys used to ride on in your cars. NANCY informed me it is what we called the Clickety Clack Bridge, as it made that noise when a car drove over it. The railroad doesn't go through there. It's also one that we all signed or left our initials on! Forgive me. It's been a long, long time since I lived in Ballinger and shared its lore! Marilyn

In May, JUNE HASH CURRY told us about her granddaughter Morgan's summer trip to study broadcast communications in London, including a field trip to CNN. (Where In The World..) 

Braden and Morgan Curry

Morgan had a wonderful time in Europe as did Scott and Staci and Braden, her parents and brother, who joined her there her last week. She especially enjoyed her time at CNN, although it was a frantic time as they were there on the day of the terrorist attacks outside Parliament. 

Staci and Scott Curry

JUNE said that Staci was overcome by the beauty of the Eiffel tower in Paris. I think that is understandable.

It's a shame that so many people will put off touring in Europe due to the threat of terrorist attacks. There are some brave souls, though, like JUNE's family and my son-in-law Branch, who took my grandson Tanner to London in July for his high school graduation gift. They had a great time seeing all the sites, and experiencing the English weather!

By the way, Tanner is also BOB BURTON's grandson.

Branch and Tanner Archer in London

On another note, I noticed this article on the internet back in June. The bridge and railroad tracks looked very familiar to me. Looks like it might be gone for good now.

(Photo: Facebook: Jenny Edington Moore)

(Photo: Contributed photo by Todd Cleary)

"Firefighters from the Ballinger Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire called in about 9:20 a.m. Sunday. (June 18, 2017) When the firefighters arrived on scene, they realized it was the old 12-Mile Bridge, an historic wooden and steel structure that crossed the Colorado River alongside a modern bridge at County Road 129." (San Angelo Standard-Times)

I know you all remember this bridge. Didn't some of you actually drive your cars on the tracks and "ride the rails"?

This afternoon I got a call from PEGGY VIRDEN SHARP in regards to the reunion in October. We had a great visit, catching up. I asked about her grandson Tyce Green, who had such a wonderful voice when I heard him sing one Christmas at a small church in Bethel. He is very busy in his singing and acting career. His debut album is out entitled HERO. PEGGY said that he lives and works in NYC, but will open for Air Supply at a concert in Los Angeles in September. She and hubby Bobby have flown to watch him appear in plays in NYC and San Francisco. The following song is from the play Hamilton:

DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS always has fun stuff to tell:

"I always look forward to the blogs, but it also saddens me. So many of us ('57s) are in ill health and so many losses. I almost hate to report about my busy and blessed life. I have finally let golf go except for once a month scrambles. Instead of golf I have converted my garage into a woodshop (I think I have told you this, but....) and I am making barnwood frames for my Indian art and for many of my artist friends. I do a lot of wine bottle decorations (gee, wonder where I get those bottles??) and neat barnwood signs. 

Recently Larry (Dottie's love interest) and I updated his kitchen and it looked so good, he talked me into doing the same. We did a total remodel. We took down old cabinets, redid cabinet doors, did new countertops and lighting, and I replaced all of my appliances. For two old guys, we did good. Even though my entire house was covered in dust and debris, it is almost complete. Backsplash will be finished this week after my microwave is installed along with the dishwasher. 

Healthwise I am doing well. Takes me a little more time to get up if I get down, but I can live with that. I had planned to come to the reunion, but I may have to change plans. Larry's youngest son and his wife are planning to be here that weekend from Bremerton, WA. I have to refinish a large buffet he has in his dining room and decorate a bedroom for them.

See, I told you, it is kinda boring, but I feel so blessed, even if my memory goes haywire some days. Please give my condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and my prayers for those who are ill or in the hospital. 

As always, dear friend, I cherish the info you send us."

Love to all, Dottie

Dottie was my very first friend when I moved to Ballinger in April of 1953. We touch base off and on - I even have a birth announcement she sent when her first child was born. It's always a joy to hear from her. See? Dottie, there is nothing sad in this post!

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

DEM BONES...AND MORE

A lot of you in the Class of '57 are probably on Facebook, so some of the news I put on here is old news to you. However, I am not on that site, so I have to depend on your letting me know when there is illness, death, or anything you wish me and the class to know. We especially need to know when prayers are needed for you or any of your family.

I did hear belatedly that DORIS STOKES WHITE broke a leg awhile back, and unfortunately, broke it a second time. I hope by now she is on the mend for good.

VIRGINIA EGAN's husband Mike has been on dialysis for quite some time. Recently he had a terrible thing happen to him while undergoing a dialysis treatment. When I emailed VIRGINIA to ask about him, she sent the following:

"It has been a rough three weeks. The dialysis center got air in the line causing an air embolism which is dangerous. This put him in ICU. The next day they decided to do more testing and did 4 bypasses. After being home a few days, we went back to the emergency room. He had developed 4 ulcers due to aspirin given after surgery. Had to have 7 units of blood. Stayed in hospital six days. During this time I tripped over our kitten in the garage and hit my head. After a Cat Scan the doctor said I have a hard head. Mike agreed. He's home recovering and we are praying for no complications.We have not been in the hospital in years. We are still coping with dialysis during this time. Looking forward to the reunion and catching up with everyone. ...VIRGINIA HARRAL EGAN

I had to laugh about VIRGINIA's "hard head". Let's join her in praying that Mike has no more complications, and that she steers clear of that little kitten.

"Alert!

The 60th reunion of the class of  '57 is getting close. Friday and Saturday, October 6 and 7. As this is not Homecoming weekend, there should be no problem getting motel reservations. There is a home football game Friday night with Mason.

I have a bottle of Ballinger Bluebonnet wine to toast those who have “gone West”, and those of us who are still here during the festivities. Anybody else have some?"... JAMES HAYS 

 

Back in June I asked JAMES how he was doing after the back surgery he had. He replied: "My back is doing well. I just have to keep wearing this corset for another 2-3 weeks. (Let the record show that there is no lace on it.) My biggest problem is that my right knee is too worn out to walk as far as I need to for back rehab. One should wear out in only one place at a time. I was told not to lift more than ten pounds but I snuck the old Sharps rifle that I just restored in as it weighs 11.5 pounds. But, alas, I cannot pick cotton anymore."  By now, I hope you are out of that corset, JAMES. Many of us might relate to worn-out knees!

I also heard through the grapevine that PATSY BERRY BOMAR had recent back surgery. I am hoping she has been recovering at least as well as JAMES.

Until next time, take care of dem bones!

Peace and Love,

Marilyn