HOW AND WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Occasionally, I contact one or the other of you just to touch base and see how you are. It thrills me to hear from someone I might have been worried about. It also thrills me to get back a newsy update on what's going on in your life. So, please, share your news, your hobbies, any updates or challenges to your health. We have some wonderful "prayer warriors" willing to put in a good word for you when needed. The following email I received from PAUL MOTA:

"It was nice reading your last blog. I don't want to ruin a good day, but I will be honest about my health and what is happening with me. Even if I am having a hard time at the moment, I have had what I think is a pretty nice life. I have seen and done a lot of things, and thankfully, I have a wife who does a lot for me. I am doing pretty good considering I could be a lot worse off.

About 2- or 3-years ago they diagnosed me with pulmonary fibrosis. I think it was from heavy smoking, but the doctor says that was probably not the reason for my problem. I have a portable (oxygen) unit which I try to use most of the time, but my breathing is still labored. I recently turned 82, and (since) I'm alive and walking, it could be worse. I just wanted to let you know how things are going from this end.

I wish everyone a wonderful spring. Thanks for lending an ear. Please do not feel bad. I feel real lucky for all the things I have seen and done".... PAUL 

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Carajean and Me

When I received the above email from PAUL, I responded with a health challenge of my own. Years of smoking began to take its toll on me in the late nineties. A bout of flu put me in the hospital in 1999, and the doctor told me that my lungs showed emphysema. I quit smoking immediately, and made my promise to God, "I swear I will never smoke another cigarette!" And I haven't. But lung diseases such as mine and PAUL's cannot be undone. We learn to live with them.

I continued to lose my ability to do anything that took a lot of energy for several years. It became harder and harder to lift things, bend, do housework (that one didn't bother me so much!), swim, and even talk. As I have been called a "compulsive communicator" in the past, that has been the hardest for me. Of course, it may be the Universe telling me to "listen more." After all, we were given two ears and only one mouth!

Some of you already are aware of this, but in late 2014 I had to go on oxygen and medication. I have been somewhat better since then, and can go without oxygen most days if I am not expending any energy or going out. My son Matthew talked me into giving up driving a couple of years ago. You know what? I love to stay home. Of course, all three of my children and some grandchildren live in Austin now, so I have plenty of company and help when I need it. Computers (and Amazon Fire) make life easier now for everyone. I even order my groceries online for one of my children to pick up for me. And there is always someone available to take me if I need to go anywhere like the doctor, dentist, or family get-together.

If I could be granted a wish now, I wish I had more children! I'm afraid I might wear out the ones I have before I leave this earth! (Please know that this is a joke!)..MARILYN

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DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS sent the following update:

"I am trudging along great. I am so busy that I sometimes just lock the door and turn out the lights so I can rest.

I had a cancer removed from my leg - just a squamous cell - but they did not get it all the first time, and had to do a "do-over." That meant stitches inside and out, and since it was at the bottom of my knee, I had to wear a half-boot and keep the stitches for 3-weeks. Other than aggravation, I was fine. 

I have entered three art shows this spring so far, and have done well...I no longer play golf. I gave it up when my handicap got so bad. I am too competitive (they tell me). I am still very active at my little church and enjoy it immensely.

I paint mostly in oils, but sometimes do pastels. I have tried watercolor, but I like big-bold-color and my watercolors did not do that for me. I wield a heavy hand brush; therefore, I do large paintings. I go to the lumber yard and get pine 1x4s, split them, and make barn-wood looking frames. (I am fortunate to have my son, grandson, and great grandson to do heavy lifting. My sweet Larry is also always available when I need help.) I need a larger house or more storage because there is not a blank wall in my entire house. 

I had a bug in my bonnet a while back about going to a retirement home, but after visiting one, I realized I am not ready for that, so I refinanced my home and eased my finances a bunch, and I am still going strong.

Give my love to all our friends from class. Take care and enjoy life." ...DOTTIE

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And then there is our Class President, busy as always, JAMES HAYS:

"The West Texas Historical Association will have the annual meeting next Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13, at West Texas A&M, as it is known now, in Canyon. I am presenting a paper in the first round Friday, starting at 10:00 am, my being the third speaker of the first batch. There are three rooms going at a time. The next group will be interesting - lots of Comanche stuff in it. My subject is John Moore’s expedition and fight on the Colorado. The thesis is that the fight happened in southeast Runnels County, not near Colorado City as one well-copied, but poorly informed historian claimed. My goal is to firmly establish this fight for Runnels County. The museum across the street is one of the best in Texas. I will be in Room 220 in the Administration Building. I would be glad to see you there."...JAMES HAYS

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NANCY THOMPSON BAKER has a busy spring ahead. Her grandson Spencer Jones and his fiancee Nikki will be getting married April 20th at the Vineyard/Winery in Florence, Texas. Nikki will graduate from medical school in Reno, Nevada (where they live now) on May 17th, and start her residency at College Station this summer. Spencer (a BHS graduate) is the Continuous Process Improvement Manager for Grifols Plasma Center, and travels all over the United States. He only needs to be near a large airport, so they will live in College Station. This makes NANCY very happy to have him back in Texas. 

Speaking of Nancy, I have a funny story she told me a few months back. I was asking about her dog Beans since she hadn't mentioned it in a while. Seems Beans had passed away and they now had a new German Shepherd named Brandy. She told me this:

"Somehow all our pets have names starting with a "B" - Beans, Brandy,  Bandit, and Bill. One day a man was walking down our side street and Bill started following him.  I hollered 'BILL' and the guy thought I said KILL." I should have asked NANCY if the man took off running!

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Stanley

A little more humor to close on. TRUMAN CONNER has a delightful cat named Stanley. From time to time, he sends a photo of Stanley. This one cracks me up! I asked TRUMAN if he's sure this is a cat?? 

Send me your Good Stuff... I know it's happening!

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

Like me, I'll bet you all have enjoyed the last couple of posts relating JERRY EOFF's eulogy for GLENN SMITH.  As much as his kind words for GLENN, I enjoyed hearing about his and wife Shirley's new adventure on the Arkansas goat farm.

When JERRY referred to himself as a "goat herding cowboy", I emailed him and asked for a current photo - especially one with a so-called cowboy hat. We wrangled back and forth over my request. Consequently, I reviewed my pictures on file and managed to crop this one from the 2017 Class Reunion group photo. I told JERRY that he didn't look very happy to be there. (Not many others did either.) When I complimented him on his lack of wrinkles, he replied, "Too sunny to not squint (frown). Too fat to wrinkle." His good sense of humor always at the ready.

Not ready to let go of the goat phenomenon, I couldn't help but copy this from my Good News Network website: .."A research team from the Royal Society Open Science has found that goats can recognize human emotions in facial recognition tests – and they consistently prefer happy faces to sad ones." Smile, JERRY, and I'll bet you can get those goats to keep your yard cleared of tall grass and weeds on a regular basis.

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I saw this funny story on TV about a parrot cussing at a Firefighter who tried to rescue him. When I searched online, I ran across the whole story Potty-Mouth Parrot, and I thought about Ann Burton (BOB BURTON's wife) and her pet bird. I sent it to her and asked her about her African Gray, Boogie. She responded thus:
"My birds don't curse. But, my Grandfather John Jackson had a yellow-headed parrot that spoke just like him. His name was Shorty, and he was quite a bossy pet. He would call for 'John, John Jackson, you son of a Butch. Answer me!' We always slept on a pallet in front of the fireplace in the winter. Shorty would come and check us out and crawl in and out of the cover. He loved to sing to us, but all he sang were army songs. My granddad broke horses for the army. (One of my own grandfathers broke horses for the Forest Service in northern California!) After Granddad was killed, Shorty went to live with our Aunt Lois. He lived to be almost 60." 

Ann said she has had Boogie for 26 years! She's also taken in a cockatiel, but the two birds don't get along. Boogie would attack any other bird that dared to encroach on his territory. After all, he has seniority in that household! Therefore, it's only one bird at a time out of his cage.

I remember one time when I was visiting Ann in Flower Mound, we were sitting at a table talking. Boogie was out of his cage, and proceeded to sit on my shoulder. The next thing I felt was his beak pulling hair at my scalp! Ann stated that he loved brunette hair, and I guess he was "grooming" me. That definitely caused him to get a fast return to his cage.

Ann has been a member of our extended family for over 50-years now. She and my late sister Jean (also from BHS) were best friends most of those years, and we all shared many memories. Ann and I can still talk for hours when we finally visit after several years. Since daughter Carajean will be moving permanently to Austin in the next few months, we look forward to many more visits.

Ann and BOB were in Austin this past weekend. Our daughter, Carajean and her husband Branch celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary. (A side note - Ann  or "Two" - as the grandchildren call her, made Carrie's beautiful wedding gown.) They all came over to my place, and we had lively conversations and a wicked game of 5-count dominoes. It makes me grumpy to admit that BOB and Branch beat the socks off me and Carajean! I still allowed them to eat my "disappearing" chocolate chip cookies.

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I had a brief note from GENE ROUTH after I sent him a video of four mountain lions prowling around on someone's deck in Colorado. Those cats made themselves right at home. GENE said they haven't had any mountain lions on their property, but they have had a couple of bears! Oh, my.. The rabbits, squirrels, and occasional hawk in our area seem rather tame by comparison.  I am an extremely sound sleeper, so I haven't heard the coyotes howl at night like some of my neighbors have.. 

I've also heard from DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS recently. She's been filling her house with her oil paintings. So much so that she resorted to selling them. I've asked her to please send me photos. 

Let me hear from more of you. I could chatter away on much more, but I would rather write about YOU! Let me hear the "good stuff" happening in your life.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

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

LATEST NEWS

Sadly, we have lost another of our own. I'm sorry I do not have a recent photo of Ross. At the time I put the '57 Class Reunion handbook together, Ross was grieving over the loss of his wife. It was understandable at the time that he did not want to participate in our reunion celebrations. Rest in peace, Ross.                              

JAMES ROSS DAVIS         (September 5, 1939 - March 17, 2017) 

James Ross Davis, 77, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, at the home of dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Parsons, in San Angelo, Texas.

Ross was born September 5, 1939, in Ballinger, Texas, to H.G. and Margarete Davis (Cox). He married Wanda J. Robinson in 1962 in Ballinger. She preceded him in death April 29, 2007.

Dad enjoyed offshore fishing, collecting arrowheads, missionary work for the church, and the strongest coffee he could find. He loved raising his family and worshiping the Lord. He spent his life working for the Lord through mission trips to Costa Rica and across Texas. He was a kind hearted, selfless, honest, and caring person and had a sense of humor that could lighten up anyone's day.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wanda; son, Stephen Ross; and a daughter, Kimberly Dawn.

Ross is survived by one son Kenneth D. Davis Sr. of Fort Worth; granddaughter, Amber Davis of Fort Worth, Kenneth D. Davis Jr. and wife, Lindsey, of Fort Worth. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. The memorial service will be Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Lange Funeral Home and he will be laid to rest in Evergreen cemetery.

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I always enjoy hearing from DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS. She answered my recent email with the following update on her activities.

"Sooo happy to hear from you! I am okay though at the time my leg is in a brace. (I tripped over an electrical cord while cleaning my shop. I think I knocked a hole in the concrete!! But, I did injure my knee. It damaged and sprang the mid ligament and will take 4-6 weeks to heal.) I have about quit golf. I play once a month in the scrambles, but don't enjoy it like I did when I could play every day. Since our course closed, our groups have become traveling teams and I am not able to do that. Therefore, my game went to you know where. Having been a pretty good golfer, seeing my game get so bad, I have quit. I did change my garage into a woodworking shop. I am refurbishing furniture, making cute signs, building barn wood picture frames, and decorating wine bottles. 

My family is doing really well. My son Greg finished the pilot for the TV show but so far, it hasn't been picked up by a network. His welding business is getting huge and hiring men left and right. My

daughter and her husband are looking forward to retirement next year when their youngest graduates. He is looking forward to going to Colorado and work for my bonus son who is in the oil business there. My son in Texas is doing great even though recently he cut off a finger then fell and broke his hand. I always tease him about the infamous "black cloud" that seems to follow him. I still paint and have 3 pics in a show in Tombstone and 2 in a show at Cochise College. I still call myself a beginner and am trying to improve.  

Larry and I are still close as ever. He is such a wonderful guy. We make a good team since both of us are so independent. He is the one who has gotten me started in woodwork. The once a month I play golf is for him. He is still an avid golfer. He just got new clubs a couple of days ago-he trades up every year with Taylor Made. Yada yada yada. Seriously, he takes care of me when my kids will let him. He is a very stoic Norwegian (except with me). I have given up and got a tablet for Facebook and Messenger - mainly for my grandkids and greats who live in other states. (I now have 13 great-grandchildren. Shriek!!) Must run. We'll gab again soon."  Dottie

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DOTTIE appears to have a lot in common with at least two of our classmates. JIM COWLISHAW wrote a while back that he was doing some woodworking himself. I believe he told me at the time he was making those lovely wooden fountain pens you see at craft fairs. 

Another hobby DOTTIE shares with a classmate is golf! (There may be more of you out there who share this activity with her.) TRUMAN CONNER is planning a trip the first week in April to Palm Springs, California to play some serious golf.

When he returns, he will join MARTHA NORTHINGTON and me for lunch at my place. We planned this for a couple of weeks ago, but MARTHA was finally getting the management to replace 3 sets of French doors in her apartment -- and of course, it happened the day we were going to get together.  I'm looking forward to their visit, as they are among the greatest conversationalists I know. And, of course, they both have had fascinating careers.

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In a previous blog I wrote that DENNY (Professor C. DENSON HILL, PhD) had been invited to a prestigious dinner in Warsaw. Here he is with a group, including the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, at a brunch in the Winter Garden of the presidential palace, following an award ceremony for Polish and British physicists. The British ambassador and Vice-Prime Minister of Poland/Minister of Science were also there.

That's DENNY on the far right. I didn't recognize him at first, as he has his hair pulled back in a pony tail! The President is second from the left.

DENNY often tells me of his dismay (to put it mildly) with our Texas politics. (Especially when he is in Europe and everyone asks him about us when they discover he is from Texas). The following is part of a discussion he and I were having a few months back about the people in our state and Louisiana that manage to keep them "Red" states. This is true of many southern states.

"For a number of years, before my mother died, I was traveling 5 or 6 times a year to see her...so I was often taking flights between Atlanta and Shreveport. I was constantly in amazement at the conversations I was having with my fellow travelers.

It was not that they were genetically stupid, quite the contrary, as many of them worked in situations that required considerable know how. But often when talking to them, they appeared to be so misinformed as to what was actually going on in the US, or in the world, as to make them seem to be idiots.

None of them seemed to understand the basic bait and switch technique which was being used against them: they had been persuaded to vote for people who promised to deliver something better for them, while the truth is that after these people were elected, they invariably switched to a stance which totally screwed the working class, and enhanced only the rich. I never understood this.

Could it be largely the fault of 'talk radio'? Or something else? If so, then what?" 

Maybe FOX News or Breitbart News? I wish I knew, DENNY. Obviously, you didn't speak to any in my circle of friends.

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On June 1st of this year, 60 years ago, a wedding took place. JUNE HASH married Grady Curry. Do you all recognize the lovely ladies on the left?

Until next time, why not send me the "good stuff" happening in your life? 

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

A couple of days ago I received the following from DOROTHY BISHOP ROGERS. It is very moving and wise, so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Dear friend, 

As I watched this video, with tears in my eyes I thought of our class and the upcoming milestone in this class’s life. I thought of you, Marilyn, and all you do to keep us in touch. Life is much too sweet to waste. 

Love to all,

Dottie

We have started the New Year, and may it be with optimism and hope for the future as we continue our journey.

Love and Peace,

Marilyn

GOODBYE AND HELLO

Nydah L. Ellet

December 02, 1939 - July 21, 2015
Akron, Ohio

Nydah was independent and full of life. She was always involved in a wide range of activities to keep her mind and body fit. She danced, sang, gardened, mowed, traveled, acted, and volunteered. She loved the winter season, and often threatened to buy a winter home in Buffalo. She loved her cats, and could never resist taking in yet another lost soul. She cooked and ate food with a passion to rival the most discerning gourmet. She knew how to celebrate the small events in life with joy, as we celebrate her life here. 

See more at: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/nydah/MemorialSite.aspx?SN=nydah&

The memorial service for Nydah will be 11am August 22 at:

                         

Catavolos Funeral Home

3653 W. Market St
Fairlawn, OH 44333

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Our dreams live on in the beautiful generations that follow us!

PATI COCKRELL PRITCHARD sent this photo and message to me last week.

"My daughter finally made me a grandmother! Ms Eliza is 4 hours old here. Needless to say, she's getting a lot of attention." 

What a beautiful baby she is. And I know the new grandmother is bursting with pride. These wee ones bring us so much joy.

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DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS has been good to send photos and keep me informed of her activities. Being an avid golfer (and I believe she still volunteers at her Golf Club), in May the Ladies Golf Association took on the men and won!

"Ladies Golf Association the day we defeated the men in our annual challenge cup."

DOTTIE also still hangs out with her beau, Larry. Here they are in Tombstone:

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

WHAT DOTTIE'S BEEN DOING

I received the following newsy email from DOROTHY BISHOP ROGERS. I looked for an old photo to use that I already have scanned on my computer. I really need to get son Matthew to help me move things around in my Fibber McGee closet (remember that radio show?) so I can get to the trunk that contains my ancient scrapbooks and photo albums. Seems like I was getting caught with my mouth open even 62 years ago! Yikes! That was eons ago, wasn't it? Does anyone else have any old (or new) photos scanned on their computer they wish to share? Forward them to me.

"My goodness! How wonderful to see pictures and hear great things from our classmates. When I read about LaVelle’s death, I sat, prayed, and smiled at the memories. RUTH ANN and I kinda dated LaVelle and Lanny Maedgen when we were sophomores - until they went to Germany. They introduced me to one of their friends via mail. PATI and I (The Bearcat Club) would dedicate songs to them, and send them silly little gifts as well as pictures from home. I was privileged to see both these guys at the 55-year school reunion and visit a bit. It is so good to hear how many lives LaVelle touched.

I am doing well. After my year of 'teaching' (and I can hardly call it that), my nerves have seemingly settled. Larry and I still see each other and go to car shows in his classic Mustang. Since the golf course closed, he had to get a new hobby. I am painting again - mostly Indian art, but some animals as well. I have done pretty well at some shows and sold a couple of paintings.

My wonderful 'Bonus' children (Grady’s kids) came to see me last week. It was wild. Karen is from Arkansas and Russ from Colorado. What a blessing to have nearly all your children in your house. I fear Tombstone will never be the same after our Saturday visit there.

The reason for the visit was to check on me and my mental state. I have been on Aricept for two years, and things are getting a little fuzzy sometimes. The old body is still moving good - it sometimes gets ahead of my brain. Wheee! Please do not distress - I am fine. I smile that it took that to get all the kids here. They promise it will be more often.

Love and laugh, all you (class) blog members, for we never know what God has in store for us now. 

Until........I send angel kisses to you all."   Dottie

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DOTTIE doesn't write like she needs Aricept! I've asked her if she can scan one or  more of her paintings for us to see, as I feel they will be extraordinary. As a very amateurish artist, I know what talent it takes to paint as she has in the past. No one would ever buy anything I paint.

I realize many, if not most of you are probably on Facebook. I joined that site

(Family Guy)

the first year it was up, and quickly discovered I didn't want to share every cup of coffee I drank or know what others were doing daily or even hourly. I also had a hard time not agreeing to be "friends" with everyone who asked, so I quickly exited that social network. I feel it is much different now, and you may prefer writing briefly on it rather than sending something for the blog. I hope you'll reconsider. I just finished reading through the 50th Reunion Class Handbook for the second time since it was printed. I enjoyed reading about all of you once again, and would love to know your latest news -- especially if you are one who doesn't write to me. There are a lot of excellent "communicators" in that little Class of '57. Don't worry about errors, as between me and Google and Spell Check I think we can correct most of them! I've enjoyed the updates and news I have received these past 8 years.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and give thanks for those who have done so much for us.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

MOMS' BRAGGING RIGHTS

Today I received the following email from DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS that I know you will get a kick out of:

"I continue to be amazed at all the work you put in for all of us. Thank you again, and a special thanks for all the news about so many of our flock who have gone on. We cannot help but remember them at this time and kick ourselves for not thinking of them more often. My prayers go out to all those who are grieving at this time and prayers for those who are suffering from maladies. I can only close my eyes and say a prayer of thanks for the wonderful life I am living. My children are with me so much, l am in good health, and yes, I am certainly still having fun.  

A little note of smiles: my son Greg who has a welding company here was called by a friend a few weeks ago and was asked for a recent photograph. He complied and before days end a movie company working in Old Tucson called and asked if he would come and become part of the company. Now Greg is 6’3”, 198 lbs., dark wavy hair, and a graying beard and mustache. He was hired immediately (we think because he can ride a horse). He plays a bad guy with a huge scar on his face. The title of the event is DEAD MEN, THE SERIES. You can look it up on the internet. He is having a ball. He will only have one line in this film, but has been asked to be in a movie being shot there in  a few months.

We all tease him unmercifully , but he is a good sport. It is a fun recess from all the work he does welding. We tease, but we are so proud of him. Who knew!!!" Love to all of you, DOTTIE

We can't wait to hear what other movie he will appear in, DOTTIE. Please keep us informed.

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We mothers and grandmothers have such fun watching our kids grow, achieve, and even perform, don't we? Which reminds me.. my younger son Matthew has his own business and works out of his home. He can pretty much set his own schedule most of the time. He and I usually like the same movies and TV shows, and the past few months we've enjoyed the new NBC TV series REVOLUTION. It is set in the future, when the United States has suffered a blackout that left the entire country without electrical power. Different pockets of rebellion set up across the U.S. as groups try to gain control of the government. Of course, it is not possible that this could happen in the U.S. -- or is it?

By accident, I found out that they were filming this series in and around Austin. On a lark, Matthew answered a call for extras to be in the series. He sent photos and they called him throughout the month of December. As it was the end of year he was busy with his own work, closing out his year, and couldn't work for them.  He finally got to report for two days of shooting, although one day the weather kept them from doing so. He plays a Marine Commander at Gitmo (I guess it still operates in the future!), and although he speaks, it is without a microphone. I'm hoping he gets to have more of a role in the future. He just had a good time hanging out with all our favorite stars from the series. They don't allow people (like moms and wives, drats) on their sets, and no cameras. He had another extra take the photo above with his cell phone.

Now Matthew doesn't ride a horse, but he has ridden quite a few motorcycles and ATVs. He even did a commercial for a large car dealership in Austin. He wears a big hat in this one, and doesn't get to show his face, but again, he had lots of fun doing this when he was on a motorcycle trip in Big Bend. Turn your speakers on to watch this video. Needless to say, the guy at the end is not Matthew, but Cecil, the owner of the dealership.

 

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Now all of you mothers and grandmothers out there, send me your bragging rights so we can all share in the fun. New photos are welcome, too.

Peace and love,

Marilyn