WEATHER, ANTELOPE, ELK, AND GOOD ITALIAN FOOD AND WINE

Another "hodgepodge" of information from the BHS Class of '57.

To try to keep up with the weather across the U.S. lately is a big job (almost as hard as keeping up with politics!) I think of people - classmates, friends, and relatives who might be in the line of fire. (Pun intended.) Most of my family and friends on the West coast have moved East, but I remembered ROBERT HOLLIS and his family still live in California. Because of the deadly wildfires, I reached out to him, and received a welcome reply:

          "The closest wildfires to us (we live five miles from Disneyland) are about 75-miles away from us. We have only had hot winds and 95+ degree weather at our house. All is well with the Hollises. I am getting along walking more carefully with a cane, but the heart doctor says he will see me again in six months. [I wonder if he (Doctor) alerted the Lord that he expects me to live at least that long.] Take care. Enjoy your changing weather and thanks again for checking." BOB 

When I received that email, I asked BOB if I had missed something regarding his health. He responded thus:

"2002 heart problem. Three stents and a pacemaker. My second pacemaker was installed in 2009. I'm still upright and smiling...and riding a stationary bike 30-minutes a day--at least five days a week. Keep smiling, Marilyn. You are doing a good job with the class of '57 info."  I am happy that BOB is doing well healthwise, and that they are not near the terrible wildfires.

In regards to last month's post about the animals visiting DENNY's yard in Port Jefferson, NEIL BROUSSARD sent the following:

"Saw the pictures DENNY sent of his deer. Thought you might like to see what we have here in San Marcos. (Texas) These are more rare than albinos. They are not found in most places but we do have a few here. Haven’t gotten a picture of the Buck yet."

(This makes me wonder how on earth they see a "white tail".)

Then this morning, NEIL sent the following:

"I took it (the above photo) in my back yard. Wish I could get a picture of the Buck, but he’s too skittish. I have about fifteen or so show up in my yard. Here’s the only shot I got of the Buck. (Is this a black whitetail, too? He's a beauty.)  

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My son Matthew recently sent me news of antelopes (tan-and-white colored creatures with spiraling horns also known as blackbucks) spotted in the Austin area. This was taken in Lakeway, which also has deer roaming throughout the neighborhoods. They have become such a nuisance one can be fined a hefty amount for feeding them. It's not unusual to have a deer cross the highway in front of you. Officials believe the antelope (there are many) have escaped from a Hill Country exotic animal ranch.

(Blackbuck Antelope by David De Gendt for KXAN)

I found a cute blog written about the "wildlife" in this part of Texas. She has taken photos of the antelope as well. She is not a native Texan. A City Girl in Texas

And then there was this: "There is a large herd of wild elk in South Austin near Circle C Ranch. Yes, you heard correct: ELK. They have been out there for many years. They live in the Greenbelt near the golf course." A new toll road has gone in near there, and folks are warned -- even signs posted -- that elk may be on the road. I was surprised to hear that elk are native to Texas!

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I remarked in my last post that I hope DENNY HILL makes it back to the U.S. okay. Obviously, he did. And before he left Rome he sent me the following review of his week there.

"I was rather surprised when I realized that it has been 10 years since I was last in Rome! (On my last sabbatical in 2009.) Of course it is the "eternal city", so in some sense nothing has changed.

"On the other hand, I have noticed some significant changes: for example Termini (the main train station) has been modernized, and now there are many surveilance cameras, more police, and the pickpockets and scam artists, who were preying on tourists seem to have disappeared. Likewise those thieves who stole your luggage in the train from Leonardo da Vinci to Termini are gone...probably due to having cameras in the Leonardo Express, and now you have to pass a security check before getting on the train, and show your ticket.

"However, the strikes, general chaos, and struggle to live here remain in place.

"About food: as we know there are only two cities in all of Italy where you can pay high prices and get bad food...Rome and Venice. So since my hotel is only two short blocks from Termini, I was expecting to be ripped off by falling into tourist trap-type restaurants. But just around the corner from my hotel, only one and a half blocks from Termini, I found a small restaurant, claiming to serve 'local food', and went there almost every night. It is 'La Lvpa', Via Marghera 37/39. Very friendly atmosphere and Italians eating there. Really good food and wine at not so terrible prices.

"It made me wonder why it is that the exact same cannonical Italian dish is so much better here than the **** you get in the US, with the same name, passing as Italian food. Aside from the simplicity, which is the key to Italian food, my conclusion is that it is the liberal amount of good olive oil. For example a scalopine al limone which I just ate, after a primo of a true spaghetti alla carbonara was amazing.

"Hope to survive my Alitalia flight back."...Best, DENNY

Glad you did, DENNY. And thanks for the review for those who may be planning a trip to Rome!

Peace, love, and good eats,
Marilyn

SCENIC VIEWS; A LITTLE NEWS

I took these photos in 2008 on my way back to Ballinger from Mineral Wells. Unfortunately, I didn't document where they were taken, but I do recall seeing the bridge from the highway, and taking a side trip to view it up close. If I remember correctly it was right outside a very small town. The fall plumage was so magnificent I couldn't resist photographing it. Who says West Texas isn't beautiful?

My hometown reporter, NANCY THOMPSON BAKER, called me this morning to give me a few bits of news. GLENN SMITH is scheduled to have cataract surgery shortly. We wish him a successful surgery. GLENN has not responded to emails lately, and I assume he has been having difficulty reading the computer screen. Hopefully, he will get back to writing his books.

NANCY and hubby, Jake Baker (Class of '54), continue to enjoy their retirement with frequent trips to casinos across the country. Jake has had many health issues in recent years, but as soon as he bounces back, which he always does, they plan another trip. Recently, I heard of a horrific bus crash, killing several people, on its way to Biloxi, MS to the gambling casinos.  It was filled with senior citizens, so I worried until I heard that most of the riders were from the Austin area. NANCY and Jake nearly always fly. This morning there was an article in the online news about a holdup in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. Of course, I had to send the information to NANCY, as it was so bizarre: "At least 3 people entered the Bellagio wearing 'dark, nice suits' or tuxedos and animal masks, Metro Lt. Carlos Hank said. The burglars grabbed several items and then stripped out of their outfits as they fled."

I warned NANCY to watch out for the piggy.

I posted this from NEIL BROUSSARD as a comment on the last blog post. It got on there a little late, so I thought I would share my congratulations with the class.. "Not much exciting from my end. Ellen and I celebrated our 54th wedding anniversary on the 15th. Then on the 17th we celebrated my Mother's 99th Birthday. She doesn't use a cane or walker and is still sharp." That sounds pretty exciting to me! We should all be so lucky as to reach 99 years! And in such good health.

Class President, JAMES HAYS, stays busy, as always. He sent me the following: "I am now a member of the Runnels County Historical Commission. Sounds important, but is good for maybe one free meal a year. We meet bimonthly, the next one about 20th of May, probably at the NEW Lowake Inn at Rowena, with a program about the old Humble Camp.

I have been selected to give a 20 minute delivery on a paper I wrote about Isaac Mullins, a pioneer, Indian fighter, Ranger, and rancher/state representative who ranged all over central Texas and ended in what is now Veribest, which he founded. This will be in Lubbock at the West Texas Historical Assn. May 8th. Anyone unlucky enough to be in Lubbock in the spring, come and bring over-ripe fruit to throw."

JAMES also indicated he would like to have a meeting with those interested in starting the plans for the 60th (can't believe that!) reunion. You may call him or email him to discuss this further. Addresses are in the back of your handbook. By the way, please notify me if/when any of your address/phone/email information changes. Some have been missing the blog posts.

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Since I happen to be writing this on the 25th of March, I'd like to wish JIM COWLISHAW a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

To all of you who let me know they wish to have the blog continue, I thank you. It is fun to hear what's happening in your lives. Please, keep me informed .. especially all the "good stuff"!

Peace and Much Love,

Marilyn

NEWS AND NEWS

NEIL BROUSSARD sent me the following video. I sent it to JUNE CURRY, hoping to cheer her on to a good recovery. She liked it so well (she has her iPad with her), I decided to share it with all of you. This will get your toes to tapping down memory lane!

JUNE is in rehab, and since she has her iPad with her, you might send her good wishes, funny e-cards, or just a note of encouragement -- especially from any of you who have gone through the same surgery. You should have her newest email address in the back of your handbook, if you've made the changes I've sent. If not, email me and I will send it to you. I don't want to put personal emails on the blog for all the world to see.

I know I sent you an update on NANCY BAKER's husband Jake. I haven't had more news from her as yet, but will forward anything I receive on his and JUNE's conditions. So far, prayers appear to be working for both of them. Keep it up.

I recently had lunch with MARTHA NORTHINGTON. She was kind enough to bring us a delicious meal from Whole Foods, complete with cookies for dessert. We chatted our heads off, often talking at the same time! I'm afraid I might have bored her with my talk -- and photos of my children and grandchildren. She was too polite to say so. MARTHA's enjoying living back in Austin, close to her son and grandchildren. 

Yesterday I had a real treat. I saw my youngest grandson play golf for the first time. Travis has been in the South Texas Junior PGA Tournament league for the past 4-years. He's been taking lessons from a golf pro at a local Country Club for the past year. He's 13, but the 14- and 15-year-olds he plays with make him look so much younger. He holds his own with these older boys. I got to cheer for him on the last nine holes of a tournament yesterday in Lakeway -- near my home. He didn't do as well this time, but recently placed 5th in a group of 25 or more. I was afraid that this Grandmommy made him off his game. His dad had to shush me when I said "Ohhhhh, no!" at a missed shot. I promise to do better next time.

Daughter Carajean's son Tanner has taken up running, as well as still playing tennis -- now on the Amarillo High School tennis team.  Like his grandfather, BOB BURTON was at BHS. I wish I had a photo of you, BOB, while playing tennis. Somewhere in my many moves I lost all of my BHS annuals. Maybe someone could scan a photo and email it to me? This photo was taken of Tanner running a half marathon in Dallas, but he's looking forward to his 18th birthday this summer so he can enter full marathons.

Which reminds me, NEIL, I cannot find a recent photo of you. Please send one. Google is doing away with Picasa soon -- makes me so very mad! I have at least 5,000 photos stored on it. They have transferred them to their new Google Photos, but none are in the order they were in on Picasa. I have a horrible time finding what I want.

Enough rambling for today. I always look forward to hearing from any of you -- for whatever reason. Please don't wait until someone is ill or has died to communicate with me and our classmates.

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

MORE GOOD STUFF FOR A CHANGE

I know all of you who live in the Ballinger area, and those who read the Ballinger Online News already know about the renovation and recent Grand Opening of the old Texas Theater in Ballinger. It is a new experience for such a small town - a dinner theater. They have their own website that I encourage you to check out. Texas Theater website. It contains pictures, menu (below), upcoming films, and a really fun video with some current Ballinger residents. I've been to one similar in the Dallas area years ago, but the food was not nearly as extravagant. My sister Jean and I order pizza! We had extremely comfortable seats that swiveled and even reclined somewhat. I thought the price was a little high, but when I see what the Texas Theater offers, and the price, ours was really rather cheap. I'll have to admit, though, that the one we attended only showed movies, and probably only had burgers, hot dogs, and pizza on their menu. Nothing like what the Texas Theater offers. If any of you have been, please share the experience (and photos if you have them) with us!

This is one of the menus on their website. A meal such as this would cost much, much more in a larger city. In 1950 dollars, this $30 for a meal and movie would have cost $3.60 plus the cost of the movie ticket. Considering the cost of the movie in Ballinger at that time was (you old-timers correct me if I'm wrong) about 25 cents, and a McDonald's hamburger could be bought for 15 cents (I know there wasn't a McDonald's in Ballinger!), $3.85 would have been a little expensive for most citizens. Especially the teenagers on dates. No one dared to go Dutch treat back then - the guys always paid. Right?

Live performances, music, standup comics, all seem like Ballinger will become a hub for entertainment. What a great place to take your sweetie for Valentine's Day, anniversary, birthday, or any special occasion.

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This photo is of Dream Lake in the Colorado National Forest, where JIM COWLISHAW and his wife Betty went last year. He sent an email describing another trip they took last fall:

"We went to Red River, New Mexico for a week. This was one of our better trips. We rented a cabin in the mountains.and just took it easy. Had to come down and go several miles into town to use the phones. (And no Walmart.)

We picked and enjoyed wild strawberries and mushrooms off the mountain. I don't know how the people survive, but it would be really tempting to try. Then I remember my banker, and what he would do - maybe come along, you think?"

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DON WHITE ? and  DORIS ?

Now for some fun photos. I check out the Ballinger Online Newspaper from time to time, and sometimes come up with tidbits of information, like the Texas Theater opening, that haven't necessarily been shared with me. (Hint, hint.) I'm not certain, but I believe these auto pictures are from the 4th of July parade. As there were no names with them, I guessed on the one above. It sure looks like DON WHITE driving, and a hint of red hair on the passenger side must be DORIS WHITE. Correct me if I am wrong. Whoever it is, I really like their wheels!

When I saw this photo, I couldn't make out the face of the driver, but I thought I had seen the car before. Sure 'nuff, the next photograph confirmed my suspicions:

Yep, it's BILL KING, the silver-haired fox, with a young cutie at his side that I assume is his granddaughter. Again, correct me if I'm wrong.

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As you've read about before, DENNY HILL has a flat (apartment to us) in Warsaw, Poland that he returns to during breaks from school and in the summer. He was there during the Christmas vacation. I had inquired about how he was faring in NY when the first big Polar Vortex hit the east coast, and he wrote he was in Warsaw and sent me some interesting replies.

"I have been following the extreme cold in the USA. And as I think you know, here in Warsaw it has been correspondingly very mild. It is as if the 'atmosphere' of the earth has slipped, like a cloth covering a globe of the earth, in which the North Pole has slid down towards Minnesota, bringing another part of the cloth up from warmer regions, so that here we are in something like early spring or late fall. Bizarre! Don't know what to think of it, except that it might just be the beginning of another 'little ice age'. Some scientists think that 'global warming' might in fact trigger another little ice age. It is complicated, but it might have to do with the famous loop (the conveyor belt in the Atlantic, from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Europe). If that collapses, or reverses course, or even weakens a little, we could see the top half of the USA freeze over in an ice sheet."

Every time I hear from DENNY, no matter what the topic, he gets my brain to stirring. I end up having to look up a lot of things on the Internet. There are some interesting articles on what scientists are saying about the possibility of a "new little ice age". Whatever happened to global warming? The extreme cold we've been having -- even as far south as Austin -- makes me hope they are wrong about an ice age. DENNY got home just in time to experience this second round of ice age type weather! Two days ago he said it was 19 degrees there, and he had about a foot of snow in his yard! Brrrr.

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NEIL BROUSSARD has moved his family to Wimberley, Texas from Houston. (I will email his new address for you all to place in the back of your handbook.) When I asked if there were a reason for the move, he promptly replied, "To get out of Houston"! Having lived there many years ago, and hearing how much more congested it is today, I can't say I blame him. Shortly after that, I was watching one of the Today news shows on NBC, and they were spotlighting romantic getaways all over the U.S. Lo and behold! Wimberley, Texas was the first one they showed. It was a beautiful inn or bed and breakfast. Of course, I had to go to my favorite source, the Internet, and look up Wimberley. I couldn't believe there were so many inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts in and around Wimberley. The Hill Country is beautiful some of the time, but the photos of these places really made it appealing no matter the mesquite or cedar trees that abound down here.

Blair House Inn, Wimberley, Texas

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One more photo before I go. JUNE CURRY HASH and I frequently communicate. We've talked a bit lately due to the extremely frigid conditions in which she lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. JUNE and her son Chris are loving pet owners. Chris has a cat named Sydney, and JUNE has two little rescue dogs that have become like members of her family. She sent me this adorable photograph of  them:

Now, do those look like pampered, loved pets or what? The one on the right is named Dori, but I have forgotten the other. JUNE will have to clue me in. 

I think DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS is the only one of us who lives where the cold and ice hasn't hit. To the rest of you

Love, peace, and warm fuzzies,

Marilyn