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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
