Got a Pet? or a New Car?

I love to hear updates on everyone's lives. Of course, I wish to know of health issues that we are sending good wishes and prayers to. I think JAMES HAYS and a crew of six recently met to discuss a class reunion in October. I will keep you informed as I learn more.

In the meantime, I can always count on DENNY HILL to answer my requests with something interesting from his home in New York. 

"I can easily understand how you might be thirsty for any news. For me it is like so; these days I am happy to get any news, or especially any juicy gossip, from my friends. This is of course because of the long isolation due to COVID. So here are some small drips and drabs from my rather uneventful recent life:

"I officially retired on June 1, 2021, at age 81. It means I do not have to teach any more! I was planning to take the option offered to me to become, after retirement, a so-called 'Toll Professor' {named after some guy named Toll who was the founding president of my university} for an additional 3-years. It would have meant that I would still be paid some small amount from university funds, but I would have to teach one course per year for the next 3-years, and I could keep my large beautiful office at my university. But COVID convinced me to not take that option. I was still working over the summer on an important committee, but now that is also over. I have not been on campus, or to my office for about one and one half years. Sometime this year I will have to clean it out, which will be an enormous pain, since I have had that office for 48-years, and a big part of my life is/was there.

"The result of all this, plus not being able to travel, is that I have been forced to rediscover my house, and actually enjoy living in it, instead of just using it as a giant closet in which to stash my stuff while I was elsewhere. It has been amazing; like discovering that all my plumbing needed to be replaced because it was old and leaking and neglected. And finding many things I had forgotten I even had that had never been used, or books and things I once thought about reading, but had forgotten even existed, etc......

"Another funny thing is that by retiring I no longer get paid by the state of New York; hence I was forced to start to tap my retirement accounts {the US government makes you take out some so called 'minimum disbursement' each year as soon as you retire, so that they get paid the income tax not yet paid on it before you expire and pass your retirement accumulation on to your dependents}. So I had to do that, and it meant before taxes that I got a $53,000 raise per year over my usual salary. [Isn't it a pi** that you get all this money only when it is much too late, and you are much too old to enjoy it!]

"As far as traveling anywhere, I do seem to be screwed completely. I have not been able to visit my place in Warsaw for a year and a half now, and was hoping to go around Christmas time this year; but now I am afraid that the Delta variant will be in full swing there then. At the moment it has not hit there hard yet, but I am sure it will arrive. Just look at what is now happening in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, etc. Here in my Suffolk County the Delta variant is exponentially increasing, even when 58% of the total population has been fully vaccinated. I think it will take 80% or so to stop it."

*****************************************

VIRGINIA EGAN answered my request as to how she and Mike are doing lately: "Mike is still going to dialysis in San Angelo and gets very tired of going. We have had the vaccines and will get a booster as soon as they have them. Be sure and be careful. I know two young men in their 30s who were fully vaccinated and did get COVID. One of them had a friend who was exposed at the same time, same source and wasn't vaccinated. Had a severe case."

I can only imagine making that trip to San Angelo two or more times a week and sitting in a chair with medicine pumping into my veins for hours. I hope you take a good book to read with you, Virginia! Here's wishing Mike good health and lots of patience for both of you!

*****************************************************

JIMMY COWLISHAW wrote that he and Betty have recently moved back to Paris. "Not doing any work at this time, but will start a job in Kerrville soon. Stay cool." 

I said that I hoped he meant Paris, Texas! He followed up with his new address, which I will forward to you all to put in your handbook.

*********************************************

It's fun to use these photos --- some of which are several years old. I'm not sure about you, but I have aged considerably since we last saw one another. If you wish to have me post a more recent one, please send them to me. Of course, it's good to remember how we once were. In the case of those who send me new ones, thank you. 

Stanley

 

I also checked on my good friend TRUMAN CONNER as I had not heard from him in quite a while. I was happy to receive this: "All is well here with lots of well appreciated rain.  Have been playing some golf but not as motivated when the weather is hot. David and I have taken a few short trips just to get away. Stanley goes with us and travels well on road trips. Can't leave him at home, and the vet says pet kennels are more stressful on cats than on dogs. No surprise there."

How about an update from those of you with pets - and maybe some photos? I have really longed for a pet during 

Nimbus

these COVID isolation days. I've settled for occasional visits from daughter Carajean's dog Nimbus and son Matthew's frisky dog Nala. I do not have a fenced yard, and I'm no longer able to walk a dog. My oxygen tank is a wee bit too heavy!

Nala

Nimbus is getting older and loves to have his back rubbed when he visits. He is deaf, but looks you in the eye and watches for hand signals! As soon as he comes through the door and spies me sitting on the sofa, he trots over and backs his little rump up against my legs, looking over his shoulder with those expressive eyes as if to say, "Back rub, please." And of course, I comply. Touching that beautiful, soft fur is pleasing to me as well.

Nala, an Aussiedoodle, is still a pup. She will play "fetch" as long as you will toss a ball.. even catching it in the air. When she cannot get anyone to play with her at home, she drops a ball off the 2-story deck into the yard, runs down the stairs, "fetches" it, brings the ball back upstairs and does it all over again!

*********************************************************

(2020 Suburu Outback dashboard)

Are you looking for some excitement in your life? If you are one of those folks who love to ride dangerous roller coasters or the like, this may interest you. I'm not a big fan of carnival rides, so my recent experience of riding with my son Matthew on a trip to the doctor was a little scary. The photo looks like the dashboard of his auto. I think I had a television with a screen not much larger than that! The GPS on it proves to be useful in finding the address you are seeking, and of course, the voice giving you instructions when and where to change lanes and/or turn helps as well. However, this car has one feature that makes it dangerous in my opinion. Automatic driving! Imagine driving on a busy freeway, cars lined up in front and rear and both sides of you, and your driver takes his hands off the wheel! (I was wishing I had ordered some of those "Depends for Women"!)  

*********************************************************

The news is terrible as usual so I turn to some of my humorous authors for relief. One is Garrison Keillor. This quote was from an article he wrote today. (The World is Not My Home) You football fans reading this will get a chuckle. I think he is right on about the violence in sports. If it is truly satisfying man's (and woman's) taste for violence, I'm all for it.

"I’m an old liberal and I do think that America has been spared a great deal of trouble by the fact that so much hostility that might go into terrorism is expended instead on competitive sports. Christians aren’t influenced by the Sunday sermon so much as by the NFL game afterward, the sacking of the quarterback, repeated in slo-mo, his arm up to pass and three behemoths hit him amidships and the helmet flies off and he crumples to the turf, a broken man: thus our lust for violence is sated." Garrison Keillor

If there is something here that jogs your memory of a story or two you wish to share with us, please send it. We all need to keep our connection. Go Bearcats!

Peace and much love,

Marilyn 

CATCHING UP A LITTLE

I hope this photo brings a smile to your face as it did to mine. TRUMAN CONNER is always a faithful contributor, even if I have been very slow getting the news out lately. By the way, when I told him how much I liked the photo, he's the one who gave me the priceless title: "An Old Man and His Cat"! The cat's name is Stanley. (In his lap.)

I hope this inspires more of you to send me some pictures and stories of your own. This past year and a half has not been an easy one for any of us. However, it has certainly wrought plentiful changes in our lifestyles. To date, the only times I have been away from my little cottage have been the two times my daughter Carajean drove me to be vaccinated at a COVID-19 drive-thru site. My next outing will probably be to my doctor for a way overdue checkup. Then to the dentist to do something about the tooth I broke as well as the crown I popped off while flossing. I don't look forward to these visits!

This past week I had a visit from an employee of the DPS. My driver's license expired on my last birthday in 2020. As I no longer drive, I was notified that an official I.D. would be required in lieu of a driver's license. I informed them that during the pandemic, due to my health, I would not be able to visit their offices for the necessary paperwork and photo. I was surprised a few weeks ago to hear from this nice gentleman that if I could send a photo of a certified copy of my birth certificate, he might be able to make what they called a "homebound visit". My cameras are kaput, and I do not have an iPhone. However, the small android tablet I have, thanks to my son Matthew, takes photos. I'm not very proficient, but I made more than one attempt and I finally got a good enough picture they could verify I was born in the U.S.A. 

The appointment was set and "Johnny" came promptly at 11 am this past Thursday. He proceeded to charm me and my daughter Carajean while getting all the necessary paperwork done and my photo taken in record time. I foisted chocolate chip cookies on him as he left the premises twenty minutes after his arrival. I complimented him on his professional as he was leaving and he leaned in and said, "Don't tell anyone. You'll ruin my reputation." 

This past Mother's Day was a little tough. It was the first one in many, many years I did not have a card or gift or visit from my oldest child, Craig. I teared up when I opened the gift bag from Carajean. Pictured above is a small quilted memento she had professionally made from some of Craig's ties he had left here with me. Being in new car sales for many years, he wore dress shirts and ties. As his favorites were made by Jerry Garcia, I bought many of them through the years as gifts for him. This is so lovely on my sofa, but I think it will make a beautiful wall hanging someday. (No bare walls in my house!) I plan to leave it to one of Craig's children.

A cute story about the quilted memento...When Carajean was working with the ties and how to display them, she had them laying out on the floor. All of a sudden, Floki jumped right in the middle of the ties! Floki, of course, was Craig's cat. We think that he could smell Craig on the ties. 

Floki was adopted by Carajean's daughter Audrey and her husband, but they are temporarily housed at Carajean's. (Most of you know that Carajean's dad is BOB BURTON.)

Carajean and her family attended a wedding in Amarillo recently. The young bride was her daughter Ashlyn's best friend from early childhood. Ashlyn gave the Maid of Honor's speech. BOB and Ann went as well since they knew the young woman, and it was a chance to see most of the family. This photo was taken the night of the rehearsal dinner. Sandra is a physician friend of Carajean's since they were in college together.

This is mostly news from my neck of the woods. Let me hear from you and what's going on in your lives! Photos are always welcome.

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

PANDEMIC - YEAR II

The second year of the COVID-19 pandemic started off with a bang for those of us in Texas. The news coverage kept us informed -- that is, if we had electricity. Many lost both power and water during the "arctic blast" that lasted nearly a week and broke many records here, with temperatures dropping into the single digits. I spent a lot of time on my computer checking on family and friends. The ones I could reach. Fortunately, most of my family were lucky enough not to lose electricity or water. We did have to boil water for three or four days. Some suffered rolling blackouts, but said they didn't last very long. 

So many were without power that freezing pipes have created nightmares for hundreds, if not thousands, of residents here in Austin. Videos of broken water pipes flooding homes and even causing ceilings to collapse while doing so make me count my blessings again and again. 

(WFAA)

The lack of enough plumbers to make the repairs to the myriad of burst pipes has created long lines of people at sites that are providing drinking water. Being without potable water for nearly two weeks or longer presents great hardships for those affected. Thankfully, many volunteers and organizations have stepped up to assist with repairs and providing necessary food and water. FEMA is now helping victims and businesses as well.

*********************

I don't always hear much from you guys, but there are a few I can count on for a little (or a lot) of news. The following are some of the communications I extracted during the past few weeks.

Somewhere I let it be known that it has been over a year since I visited my hair stylist. My hair has since grown more than the thirteen inches I had cut off at that time. Denny had a clever solution for his own hair.

DENNY HILL: (Feb. 4) "It has been a year since I have had a

haircut, but it grows rather slowly. I trimmed it a bit myself around the ears, looking in the mirror with scissors." (Of course, you could always wear a pony tail and that great beret!) (Feb. 16) "Looks like not very much snow around my house. The snow around my house has melted down somewhat, but is still from 1 to 1-1/2 feet deep. At the end of my driveway there is a snow hill formed by the snowplow that is as high as my waist. That is why I am snowbound for 2 or 3 weeks. But otherwise the weather is nice, the air is very clean, all roads are clear, which means that is you have managed to dig your car out, or get it out of the garage, then there is no problem to drive around. But I prefer to just leave my cars in my garage and relax and be snowbound."

TRUMAN CONNER: (Feb. 19) "It was tough going until yesterday morning when we finally got water and electricity. We had one 24-hour stretch with no water or electricity. HEB has been a mob scene though." 

TRUMAN gets his second COVID vaccination March 13th.

JUNE HASH CURRY: (Feb. 4) "I did manage to get my first COVID shot, and the second one scheduled. (Feb. 16) It was -17 (degrees) last night but we have not lost power, thank God. Chris finally got to work today without incident, so all is good."

MARTHA NORTHINGTON: (Feb. 19) "Ok now. No power or water until yesterday. Whole family went to hotel. Water flowing but still has to be boiled. Heat working. Anne (her daughter) just stood in line at grocery and got a few things for me. Had to toss everything in refrigerator."

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER is usually up-to-date on Ballinger news. On February 12 I sent her an article about the San Angelo water being toxic, and asked her how she was holding up. This was her reply, "Wow! wow! I am okay for now but not looking forward to ice, sleet and snow being alone. My dog is too little to keep me warm...nearly all my heat is connected to electricity, so concerned...very concerned, about the duration of cold weather." She told me about VIRGINIA EGAN and Mike losing power. She didn't lose power or water, but later told me, "I had someone call to check on me as there were no tire tracks (in the snow) leaving my driveway. I have everything I need. I learned to survive when Jake was traveling!"  At one time she stuck a yardstick into the snow off her back steps and said there was at least 5 inches.

VIRGINIA HARRAL EGAN: (Feb. 19)

"Finally got a dialysis treatment for Mike yesterday. The dialysis center had lots of problems such as broken generator and the contaminated water situation in San Angelo, which has been ongoing for 2-weeks. The machines use a lot of water. He went back for another treatment today because he had gone 6-days without one. We had the rolling blackouts, but have managed to survive and our water supply has been good. If it hadn't been for the worry about Mike's health I could have dealt with it better. Family has been checking on us constantly. My daughter, Carolyn came and stayed with us for 3-days. I am looking forward to normal, if there is a normal anymore."

I later heard from NANCY that some dialysis patients had to be airlifted via helicopter to treatment centers. VIRGINIA didn't mention this and I forgot to ask.

*************************************

Mallie Sue Vessel, sister of BARBARA CAMPBELL WITTE. (March 31, 1940 - February 15, 2021) I am sorry I missed this when BARBARA'S brother Grady's obituary was mentioned on the last blog post. I think their memorial was held on the same day. You may read her obituary and leave your condolences at Lange Funeral Home.

*************************************

I'm pretty sure many of you either had recent experiences as scary as ours or have had a good laugh at the predicament we here in Texas found ourselves in during the recent wicked weather we suffered. This on top of the COVID pandemic seemed almost too much to bear. At least in this part of Texas. We definitely are not used to it. Can you imagine that Del Rio recorded a record-breaking 11.2 inches of snowfall?

My front porch.

My back deck.

The bad weather? Well, Considering what we have been through in recent years, I think we all must admit that climate change is upon us. Hopefully, the Texas leaders will do whatever is necessary to prepare us for any future events such as the one we just went through. It was sad to think that so many of the Board members of ERCOT that nearly completely failed our electricity needs don't even live in Texas. They all received salaries of six figures. (Needless to say, they have since resigned.) Even though they were advised that our grid needed to be upgraded, they ignored doing anything, which left us at a point we were less than five minutes away from the whole state losing power and shutting down completely. 

I do hope most of you have been escaping the coronavirus and perhaps have one or more of the vaccinations under your belt by now. I would love to hear from you. Let me know how you are coping with the isolation the pandemic has forced upon us. Share some of the "good stuff" you have experienced as well.

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

LATEST NOTICES

I have been waiting to hear from more of you before writing a new post.  Sadly, most of the news I've received has not been happy news. The latest was sent to me by TRUMAN CONNER in regards to the passing of HAROLD HUDGENS.

"Harold Hudgens, 81, of Ballinger, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo. A full obituary will follow." 

BARBARA CAMPBELL WITTE's brother, Grady Campbell, Sr., 78, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021, at his home in Ballinger, Texas. 

JIMMY COWLISHAW's sister, "Emma Lou Cowlishaw Smith peacefully passed away at her home Saturday morning. (January 23, 2021) She was the first of seven children born to Herbert Cowlishaw and Marie Killingsworth; she was born August 17, 1933, in Ballinger."

I usually try to keep up with Ballinger news on their website, but I'm finding out they don't always list all of the obituaries. Each of the above can be located on the Lange Funeral Home website, where you may also submit your condolences. Lange Funeral Home

**************************************

Not all news from your classmates are gloomy or sad. Some have advised me they have gotten or have an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccinations. My first one is to be on March 1st. Daughter Carajean is taking me to the drive-through, where she is also scheduled for her first shot.

MARTHA NORTHINGTON has had both of her vaccinations as her daughter is a nurse here in Austin. MARTHA made a quick run to the doctor's office where she worked when they ran completely out of appointments and had a few leftovers that were going to expire. 

JUNE HASH CURRY has gotten her first shot and the second one scheduled!

TRUMAN CONNER has an appointment to get his first one this month.

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER said she is scheduled to get her first shot in April. Lucky her, a home health nurse will administer it to her in her home.

DENNY HILL always keeps me up-to-date. Recently I received the

following email from him. It's always such fun to hear from him!

"Miracles do Happen!" .. "I can still hardly believe it, but I got my 1st COVID-19 vaccination shot today! Out of the blue came the info that on Sat & Sun, Jan 30 & 31, there were openings available for the first dose at Stony Brook. I found out about it on Friday afternoon, and by Saturday afternoon I had the shot. Nobody I know understands what happened.

"It was shockingly well planned, organized, and executed. The National Guard was there to direct traffic, and guide you to the site. It progressed in a simple, orderly but thorough fashion, and they signed you up for an appointment for the 2nd dose. Everyone was very polite and helpful.

"I do not know how to explain it. Maybe some goose flew over and dropped a golden egg."

When I asked if the last big Arctic Blast that hit the east coast had affected him, DENNY told me he currently had a foot of snow in his yard. Today I saw on the weather that a second Blast was to reach them again. I emailed him and asked if he had plenty of food on hand in case he got snowed in. He responded that it is already snowing.

One more thing before I close.. well, two more. First, please let me know how each of you and your family are doing. 

Secondly, please keep GENE ROUTH and his family in your thoughts and prayers. It is terribly hard -- as you all know -- to lose a loved one. And there are more than one way to lose someone dear to you. GENE's wife Lenna is in a memory care facility. Being away from a spouse you have been married to for over 50-years is difficult. And the added sadness when they are unable to recall many of those years makes it even harder.

Until next time..

Peace and love,

Marilyn

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 

**********************************************************************

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

**********************************************************************

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

************************************************************

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

***********************************************************

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!

***********************************************************   

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

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.

*************************

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

*************************

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.

*********************************

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.

**************************************

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

CLASSMATE NEWS

 (I had an incorrect caption on the previous photo of Denny. Here he is

near his favorite pub. talking to a Hell's Angel. A Hell's Angel? In Warsaw? Anyway, the other photo depicted a Belgium beer pub. He does NOT like Belgium beer.)

Like so many of us, DENNY HILL told me quite awhile back that he was totally disgusted with the presidential campaign, and like I (until this past week), he was avoiding all U.S. news until after the election. I emailed him to see how he is doing with his news fast. It's always a delight to hear from him. He must lead the most interesting of lives of all our classmates. Here is what Denny said in response to my inquiry:

"I am holding up fine, with my head buried in the sand up to my shoulders. However on Tuesday night I am to gather with three friends at a neighbor's house for a dinner, with very good wine, to watch the returns. I would just as happily skip the whole mess until the next day, but these friends are interesting, the host is a great cook, so I will go and enjoy myself. None of us expect Trump to win. The only issue is what happens in the Senate and House."

Warsaw Presidential Palace
(Remind you of Runnels Co. Courthouse & Noyes Statue?)

"One other thing, independent of the election, is that I think I am developing an allergy to teaching...at least this semester. I am counting down the weeks until I can get out of here...and I just want it to be over. Luckily this semester I have a good excuse to cut out a little earlier than normal: on Dec 6 I will be on a plane to Warsaw, arriving on the 7th, in time to overcome jet lag and be in good shape to attend a party on Friday night, Dec 9. On that day there will be a dinner/party in the Presidential Palace in Warsaw with the President of Poland, and I am among the invited. That probably will not happen again, so I decided to go."

I have asked Denny (C. DENSON HILL, PhD) who else is attending this dinner, as it appears to be one honoring special people. He has not answered me, maybe he's a little hesitant as it might appear he is bragging. Regardless, we are very proud of you, Denny.

*************************************

TRUMAN CONNER runs a close second at leading an interesting life. He travels frequently to interesting places -- just not to Europe. Truman's next trip is planned to Sedona, Arizona. It's always fun to hear from Truman as well. I'm so happy we finally caught up with him. We share many interests, and because both my sons -and now my youngest grandson -- are avid golfers, as Truman is, I can share their stories. Hey, Truman. DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS lives in Arizona, and she also loves to golf. Maybe you can manage a visit with her during your trip.

**************************************

You all know what tomorrow is, so if you haven't done so already, please get out and vote your conscience. Never has there been an election more important -- or stressful as this one. Over 50% of Americans said they are stressed out by the campaign. Just one more day folks.

Let me hear your good stuff that's happening.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

LOST NO MORE

I was unable to reach TRUMAN CONNER to include him in our handbook for the 50th class reunion. Thanks to JANICE AMARINE and her trusty phone, she captured the photo above when she saw him at his sister Karen Bethea's graveside service held this past week in Ballinger. Karen resided in the Austin area, and was also a BHS graduate. JANICE said TRUMAN now lives in San Antonio. She encouraged him to come to one of the reunions.

Curious, I found TRUMAN's information on the internet, and emailed him condolences at the loss of his younger sister. To my delight, he answered me today and sent the following information. I told him I will send him a handbook, and gave him the blog address so he may catch up with all of us as well. TRUMAN, feel free to send photos and information about some of your trips!

"After BHS, I attended TCU graduating in 1961. After that I worked in San Francisco for Levi Strauss & Co until retiring in 1999. Then lived in El Paso, Dallas, and now San Antonio for about 14 years. I spend most of my time playing golf, travel when the mood strikes, and trying to make the most of life. As it turns out, we have all discovered the truth that life really is short like our parents always told us."

***************************

GLENN SMITH had a fall recently. It seems he tried to continue walking, only to discover he had a bone break. After an ambulance trip to Shannon in San Angelo, he had surgery yesterday. At first they thought his hip was broken, however, it is the bone right below the hip. The femur? I haven't heard today how he is doing, but NANCY told me he is in Room 545. Luckily he had his young friend visiting from Uruguay, Stephanie. She called the ambulance. I am assuming she will be there to take care of GLENN's two beloved dogs. Someone might call and see if he needs any assistance in that regard if she is to be going home.

**************************

Our other patients, JUNE HASH CURRY, and NANCY's husband Jake Baker (Class of '54), are still recovering. JUNE is home this weekend, and will start more rehab with Home Health this next week. She is not looking forward to that, as the knee is still very painful I'm sure. Tonight she wrote that she had a new great-grand baby, born yesterday in Utah to her granddaughter Karen. Karen had a very difficult delivery, and JUNE asked for prayers for her and the new baby.

Jake is still in the Ballinger Hospital, and would welcome any visitors. He is still on antibiotics, but is not contagious. He's exercising and probably getting bored, if I know Jake! NANCY said she goes there about 5 times a day. She's still suffering with her feet, and also tending to their dog, Beans, who has been sick as well. She told me a story of how Jake has received the same funny get well card from three different people - from different parts of the country. When she asked one why he chose it, he said the man walking down the hall with his gown flapping in the breeze reminded him of Jake. Must have been some card! Jake loved it.

Until next time, let the good stuff happen!

Peace and love,

Marilyn