A Not-So-Gentle Reminder

I didn't save the site where I found this poem, but I saved the poem as it has been something I can relate to in my own life. Maybe you can as well.

Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone. And I never see my old friend's face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell. And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name."Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows. Around the corner, yet miles away,"Here's a telegram sir," 
"Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.  ...............Anonymous

Having connected with more than one "old friend", I realize that we all need to do this frequently. Why not start today by sharing more of your life with your friends from Ballinger High School? Send me your recent photos and the latest news in your life or your children/grandchildren's lives. And most importantly...

Call or write to an old friend today!

Love,

Marilyn 

PRAYER REQUEST

For some reason, this post got re-posted as current! It was written several years ago, as you can tell by the news of the drought and wildfires. Since then, we have endured flooding in many parts of Texas!... Marilyn


Many of us in the State of Texas are suffering from a dreadful drought, the horrendous heat, as well as wildfires that are popping up all around us. Recently there was one about 2-miles from my home that I didn't hear about until the late evening news. I watched online for updates for a couple of hours. They evacuated about 1,000 residents in the immediate area of the fire. In case it came this far, I thought I would prepare to leave in a hurry. So... I got a small bag and placed in it my medicine, a toothbrush and toothpaste, cash I had hidden, and as I crawled into bed, I thought.. "I better put in a clean pair of underwear just in case!" Funny what one thinks of at times like this.

Today I received the following email sent from the summer place of Peggy (Branham) Krumlinde:

New Mexico Forest Fire

"Well, here we are, sitting and waiting on the latest news and the fire reports for New Mexico.  The latest fire is about 80 miles from us - it is in Pacheco Canyon, 6 miles north of Tesuque, which puts it at the Santa Fe Ski Basin and about 20 miles north of Santa Fe.  Some of the residents here in Pendaries are evacuating, pulling their 5th wheels and driving their motorhomes out of the area.  The smoke has been here since late yesterday afternoon.  We will go if they make the announcement or if the smoke gets too thick for us to breathe safely.  We will have to leave our 5th wheel and all its contents.  No pickup to pull it out.  It is so sad - all the beautiful forests of Arizona and New Mexico are being wiped out, not to mention the deer, elk, bear and small animals.

I am asking you all to pray that we get enough moisture to help us and our beautiful state get through this with as little damage as possible. Our last rain was 1/4"  the first part of December." Peg

The beautiful Hill Country where I live is no longer so beautiful due to the lingering drought. Lake Travis in Austin is down about 60 feet, and all the other lakes around are drying up as well. There are similar sad stories all over the Southwest. Add in the wildfires and tornadoes and floods, and it is easy to understand how some folks think this might be the end of the world!

Lake Travis - Drought of 2009

So, as we honor Peggy's request for prayers, we might add all the other areas that are suffering this spring. Pray for rain, pray for the animals, pray for the victims of the tornadoes and floods and wildfires, and pray for all the farmers and ranchers who are losing so much.

If anyone knows how to do a rain dance, that would help as well!

Peace and love,

Marilyn

IN MEMORY OF A TEACHER AT BHS

This morning NANCY THOMPSON BAKER called me to let me know that MIKE FOY's brother had passed away. She didn't have a lot of information other than he had been a teacher at BHS when we were in school. As I was unable to gain information regarding services, I emailed MIKE my condolences. He sent me the following:

"I am saddened by my brother's passing. It was quick and unexpected. He was so full of life and loved to go when he could. The following is the schedule as I know it.

Ronald LaVelle Foy passed on 4/27/15 at the age of 80 in Pflugerville, Tx. Ron was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma cancer only a month ago. Arrangements have been made with Cook-Walden/Capital Hill Memorial Park in Pflugerville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch in Amarillo, Texas or to Hospice Austin in memory of LaVelle Foy, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759.

LaVelle was an Industrial Arts teacher in Ballinger from 1956 until he moved to Snyder in 1967. He loved each and everyone he taught while in Ballinger and Snyder. He moved to Austin in 1971 and worked for the Austin Public School System until retirement."

Foy Home on Ninth St., Ballinger

I know you will all join me in sending our sincere condolences and prayers of comfort for the family.

After I received the above from MIKE, I found the following obituary online:

In Memory of

Ronald LaVelle Foy

May 12, 1934 - April 27, 2015

Obituary

Howdy, Pilgrims!

Ronald LaVelle Foy, DTE passed away at the age of 80 in the comfort of his home in Pflugerville, Texas. Ron was diagnosed with stage 4, melanoma cancer only a month ago.

Ron had a passion for educating students in a way that was not "one size fits all." He never really enjoyed reading for fun himself, but co-authored books and dedicated his life's work to providing education that was fun and interesting for the student. He taught skills that would enable them to support families and be superior contributors to our society. He was a member of the Romeo Club, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Ron served in the US Army in Germany as a radar specialist after attaining his Associate of Science at Tarleton State College in 1953. He went on to attain his Bachelor of Science at North Texas State University in 1959, his Masters of Education in Industrial Arts in 1963, and attended the NDEA Institute at Illinois State University in 1968. His certifications include Texas Secondary Teaching- Industrial Arts, Texas Secondary- Administrative, Texas Secondary- Supervisor and Distinguished Technology Educator and Science Coordinator.

Ron was a founder of the Texas Industrial Arts Association and a contributing member of the American Council Industrial Arts Supervisors, the American Institute of Design and Drafting, Association of Texas Technology Education, Hill Country Industrial Arts Association, International Technology Education Association, Science Teachers Association of Texas, Texas Council of Industrial Arts Supervisors, and Texas Science Supervisors Association. Ron co-authored the textbooks Drafting Fundamentals published in 1985 and Drafting Fundamentals and Practical Application in 1987. His honors and positions include the Texas Distinguished Teacher Award, TIAA President, TCIAS Secretary/Treasurer, TCIAS Man of the Year, TCIAS President, TIAA Executive Secretary, ACIAS Planning Council, ACIAS Treasurer, ACIAS Outstanding Local Supervisor, TIAA President Award, ITEA President, TIAA Distinguished Service Award and the ATTE Hall of Honor. His awards are many and would cover several walls if all were displayed.

In addition to Ron's distinguished career he was also a magnificent husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather brother, friend and confidant. He made sure his family learned about camping, fishing, hunting, and oh yes, morals, ethics and religion.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Marlin Arthur and Luna May (Haskins) Foy, who both passed over 20 years ago. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Bonnie Jean (Vick) Foy; brother, James Michael Foy and wife Sondra Foy; daughters, Dawn Gamache and husband John Gamache, and Marti Freitag; and his son, Brian Vick and wife Tina Vick; grandchildren, Candyce and husband Lane Eskew, Cord and wife Amanda Edwards, Phillip, Daniel, Julia, Liz and husband Clint Christianson, Heather, Ashley, Kristin, and Anthony; great-grandchildren, Aspen, Lucian LaVelle, Allmarie, Faith, Colin, Caitlyn, Brooklyn, Peyton, Jude, Caroline, Jacob, and Iliana; niece, Michele and husband Steve Ashby; nephews, Blake and Kyle and wife Bliss Foy; and other extended family and friends.

Ron's family will greet guests at a visitation to be held Friday, May 1, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. Services to celebrate Ron's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Hill Country Bible Church, 303 East Pflugerville Parkway in Pflugerville, Texas. Burial services will follow at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery.

Flowers may be delivered to Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ronald LaVelle Foy to either Cal Farley's Boys Ranch or Hospice Austin at 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759 or at their website, www. hospiceaustin.org/donate.

As Ron would say: Auf Wiedersehen, Amigos!"

There are some great family photos at the funeral home website:

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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

It seems this was the day for hearing of family challenges. NANCY emailed me a little later to tell me that her cousin's husband died this morning. Her sister Shirley called after that to tell her that their 90-year-old brother, Claude Thompson, Jr., fell, breaking some ribs and puncturing a lung. They were told to "keep him moving" to prevent pneumonia from setting in. Prayers for a safe recovery for this beloved brother are in order.

NANCY told me that she had only heard the name LaVelle twice. Her late brother, Robert LaVelle Thompson, and Ronald LaVelle Foy. They both lived in Ballinger, and both were in the service, stationed in Germany at the same time.

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

We have all heard that melanoma is a deadly form of cancer. TER COTHRAN had many, many melanomas removed from his face and head. I don't know for certain if the melanomas were responsible for the brain tumor he eventually succumbed to, but he had the last round of melanomas removed not long before the tumor was discovered.

My daughter and her family have full-body checks yearly for any abnormalities. Of course, there are dermatologists in her husband's family so it is a little easier for them to do this. She really recommends it though. When I think of how many of us slathered ourselves with suntan oil - and even cocoa butter - and sat in the hot Texas sun for hours when we were teens, it's a wonder more of us haven't had skin cancers! Maybe it's time for one of those skin screens!

Peace,
Marilyn

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Even with the crazy up and down weather we've suffered the past couple of months, most of us are now experiencing spring fever. One couple took 

Nancy & Jake Baker

advantage of it with a trip to the casinos in Biloxi in February. As their flight left from Austin, I was delighted when they stopped by for lunch. I snapped a picture as they were preparing to leave. Then I noticed what NANCY had in her hand. I named this photo "Who's the pitcher thief?" She had always coveted my little green pitcher that was given to me several years ago by IRENE. Luckily I caught her before she and Jake went out the door!

PEGGY

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER is my "senior correspondent" for the happenings in and around Ballinger. She is friends with June Harris Koch (Class of '56), cousin of our classmate PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE. It is via June that NANCY relays the medical updates to me. This morning she called me to tell me that PEGGY is going home tomorrow. She has been walking some in the rehab center, but still has a long road of recovery ahead of her. Home Health will come twice weekly to help with her rehabilitation, but the family will bear most of her care. As her husband is to have hernia surgery very soon, you can imagine the stress on all of them. Please continue to pray for this family. We never know if we might be in a similar circumstance someday.

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

JAMES HAYS sent me the following email a few days ago:

"I went to Amarillo this past week-end for the West Texas Historical Association annual meeting and presented a paper entitled 'Walthall and the Settlement of Runnels County'.  This tiny hamlet was actually on the map in 1883 and is where I grew up.  This may be published in a year or so in the yearbook and the one I did last year should be out soon, about a failed cattle drive in SW Coleman County.. 

I guess you could call this an unpaid second career but I have had fun putting these things together."

I have never heard of Walthall, but I was a late-comer to Ballinger. JAMES is to send me a copy of this paper. I understand it is pretty long, but if any of you are interested, when I receive it I will forward it to you. Just let me know.

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

I haven't been out and about much so far this spring, but I took this photo on a country road around Burnet a few years back. I keep it as a screensaver on my P.C. It is a cheerful reminder that we are blessed with "new life" every spring - some years are more abundant than others.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

As time goes by...

We may find our families shrinking in size. This is true of at least two of our families in the month of March. My condolences to PAT SMITH MULLINS and GLENN SMITH. And my sincerest thanks to all of you who sent condolences to me on the death of my dad. It means a lot to know people care.

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

Margie Jane Smith Strother Hallmark Mar 23, 2015   12:46 PM

Margie Jane Smith Strother Hallmark, 79, of Ballinger passed away Monday, March 16, 2015 in Coleman County.  She was born March 29, 1935 in Ballinger to James and Leora (Bowen) Smith. After graduating from Ballinger High School, Margie worked as a credit manager at Sears. She married Samuel Max Strother. Max passed away in December of 1991. In 2010, she married Clarence Hallmark. Her family was her greatest joy in life and she was loved by many friends. She loved the Lord and enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel Music. Margie was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Delbert Smith, Bobby Smith and his wife Sharon.  She is survived by her husband Clarence; a daughter Sharilyn Prideaux and husband Bret of Malaysia; a son Gayland Strother of Ballinger; grandchildren Glenn Strother and wife Mindy, Jason Strother and wife Patty, Kyle Strother, Dustin Strother, Mallory Prideaux, and Matthew Prideaux; two sisters Jean Stewart of Cedar Hill and Pat Mullins of Blanket; and a great-granddaughter Eleanor Grace Wilson. Margie is also survived by 3 children by marriage, Beverly Everett and husband Randy, Elaine New and husband Tommy, and Danny Hallmark and wife Mickie and their families. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00-7:00 pm on Saturday, March 21 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on March 22 at 9th Street Church of Christ in Ballinger with Max Pratt officiating.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Margie. Editor:  Margie is also our classmate Glenn Smith's cousin. *************************************************************** Jarvis Frank Moragne Mar 23, 2015   02:17 PM Jarvis Frank Moragne, a long-time resident of Mineral Wells, died peacefully on March 8, 2015 at a Mineral Wells nursing facility.  Jarvis was born November 4, 1918 in Laurel, Mississippi. Jarvis joined the U.S, Army at the tender age of 17.  During this time, he began boxing, and won the title of Regimental Lightweight Boxing Champ at Ft. Sam Houston.  While doing his first tour of duty in San Antonio, Texas he met and married Viola Mae Varga, mother of his two daughters, Jean Louise and Marilyn Gladys. Jarvis volunteered again for the Army after Pearl Harbor.  Although his Unit never made a combat jump, after paratrooper training in New Guinea they made a jump onto Okinawa, where they did a cleanup action on the caves in the mountains, looking for anti-aircraft guns.  They were there when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Japanese surrendered.  His Unit was the second one sent into Japan for the Occupation.  He said he was horrified and saddened by the appearance of so many prisoners of war they were there to release. These were mostly Chinese and Koreans, as the first U.S. Army Unit into Japan released the American POWs. Jarvis served in the Army again during the Korean Conflict, having been called up with a small Army Reserve unit from Bronte, Texas.  He served with the 4th Army Headquarters at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas during Operation Longhorn, remaining there until the end of the war.  After the war, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower was appointed first commander of S.H.A.P.E., an integrated military structure for NATO, which was to be headquartered in France.  As Eisenhower established his staff, Jarvis was chosen as one of two Master Sergeants from the U.S. Army.  Being anxious to start his own business, and this appointment would mean signing on for another tour of duty and a year in Europe before his family could join him, Jarvis turned down the offer and moved to Ballinger, Texas in 1952.  For the next ten years, Jarvis owned and operated Jarvis Sand & Gravel and Ready-Mix Concrete Company in Ballinger.  In the early 60s, Jarvis married Dorothy Kennemer, who preceded him in death, and together they owned and operated The Red Poodle, a private club in Mineral Wells, Texas, until his retirement.Jarvis was an active member of the VFW and the American Legion in Mineral Wells for over 30 years. He also served as President of the Lions Club in Mineral Wells. Jarvis is survived by one daughter, Marilyn Moragne, of Austin, Texas, his first-born grandson Craig Young of Dallas, and four other grandchildren – Carajean Archer, Matthew Rider, Terry Edwards, and Gigi Lavergne.  Also surviving are many great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. Family members will have a private memorial for Jarvis at a future date. *********************************************************** As some of our older family members are leaving us, we can rejoice at the births of new grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even some great-great-grandchildren. Please let us know of any new additions to your family so we may celebrate with you! ************************************************************ Some good news as well! PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE has now been sent to a rehabilitation facility. Her cousin June Harris Koch was able to speak with her on the telephone. PEGGY told her she "never expected it to be so hard learning to walk again". We should have a new address shortly for those of you who would like to send a card. Until next time, tell the ones you love how much you care. You never know if you will get the chance to do so again. Peace and love, Marilyn

MEDICAL NEWS

PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE is benefiting from excellent medical care, and of course, from all  the prayers and good wishes sent to her from all of us.

Friday night the doctor implanted a permanent pacemaker. That, along with the removal of the ventilator and doing a tracheotomy has helped PEG progress so much that by Sunday she was sitting in a chair in her room. Surrounded by her loving family, she sat up for five hours. They said she is communicating with them "in her own way". I'm certain the trache tube presents a problem in speaking.

PEG is in the    Presbyterian Hospital, 

                         CICU, Bed 6

                         1100 Central Avenue SE 

                         Albuquerque, NM 87106

I'm sure she would love to receive cards. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. The emotional and physical strain has been great on her loved ones, as you can imagine.

Also, don't forget about NYDAH ELLET, who remains in a nursing home since the horrific car wreck that sent her there. 

May this find all of you in good health. And may all of you be warm and safe in this polar winter we are having!

Peace and love,

Marilyn

AN UPDATE ON NYDAH ELLET

I didn't know NYDAH in school (I had already left Ballinger), but visiting with her at the 50th Class Reunion, I realized what a charismatic, charming woman she was -- and she must have made a lot of friends in high school. Those of you who knew her may wish to send a card or letter, and of course, prayers are always in order.

Class President JAMES HAYS sent me the following on her condition last night. 

"Just got an update from NYDAH’s daughter. As you know, she had a car wreck two years ago with a neck fracture and traumatic stroke, and has been in a nursing home paralyzed on one side. 

Her (memory) has been on a come and go status since, and has slowly gotten worse. She is able to recognize cards and appreciate them, but her condition is worsening. Now is the time to send her a card while she can still understand that we care for her." 

Write: NYDAH ELLET, Kensington Care Center Rm 11, 849 N Aurora Rd., Aurora, Ohio 44202.

Love and peace,

Marilyn

POWERFUL WORDS AND PRAYERS

If we need proof that prayers work, the following from our classmate, PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE should give some credence to their power. 

"I just received a call from my surgeon's office - Blue Cross finally approved him for my surgery. I will have my pre-op on Monday and surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th. I don't know what time I will actually have the procedure; I have to be admitted at 5:30 a.m.

This has been a long time coming and I am so relieved that I will finally be able to get some help. I have suffered with this condition for several years and could never convince doctors that it was something serious. They just weren't willing to do the proper testing to find out. 

I know it will be a hard surgery and harder still to recover, but I am willing just to have the chance at a normal life again.

All your prayers, emails, calls and thoughts are so appreciated." Luv - U ~ Peg  

 

PEGGY outlined the difficulties involved in this surgery in previous blog posts. She is a remarkably strong woman, who has endured much in the way of surgery in the past. Now, we all need to remember to send our loving thoughts and prayers to her throughout the day this coming Wednesday. As we know, modern medicine can perform miracles, but since ancient times, prayer has done the same! The combination should be awesome!

I look forward to hearing from PEGGY as soon as she's able to communicate with us. Maybe your daughter can send me an email, PEG.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

 

IN SYMPATHY FOR OUR CLASSMATE JUNE HASH CURRY

Many of you still living in Ballinger probably knew JUNE's sister Myldred and her husband J.B. Terry.  If I am not mistaken, J.B. had a welding business in Ballinger for many years. I did not know Myldred, but I recall June telling me that she created beautiful stained glass images. In fact, Lange Funeral Home has a window of her creation.

If Myldred was in any way as sweet and good a person as JUNE, I know that she was much loved and will be missed terribly. May her family receive many prayers of comfort, and especially for our friend JUNE.

Lange Funeral Home

---

Myldred Ann Hash Terry
(February 25, 1929 - January 22, 2015)

Myldred Ann (Hash) Terry passed from this life to her heavenly home on January 22, 2015. Myldred was born in Ballinger, Texas to J. R. and Bertie McGuire Hash on February 25, 1929.She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Charles Ray and James Weldon.

Myldred is survived by her husband of 66 years, J.B. Terry of Ballinger; children, Gayle Corbin and husband Michael of Spring, TX, J. D. Terry and wife Janey of Pearland, TX, Kathy Terry of the home, and Lisa Baker and husband Dan of Round Rock, TX. She is also survived by a sister, June Curry of Edmund, OK, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her “adopted” kids, B and Raji Ramadoss of San Angelo, TX.

Myldred has had a positive influence on many family and friends in her 85 years. She has mentored many young adults with her listening ear and wise advice and shared her talent unselfishly with all those who needed help.

Other than four to five years filing medical insurance, Myldred was a homemaker. She loved cooking and sewing for the family. She baked a birthday cake for an 80-year-old neighbor who had never had a birthday cake, and enjoyed that so much, she started decorating cakes for the public. She made many wedding cakes over a period of several years. In 1972 Myldred and J.B. took on a hobby, doing stained and leaded glass. The hobby got out of hand, and they opened a stained glass studio and built many windows for area churches and homes. Myldred loved the artistry of blending colors and choosing just the right design to create a masterpiece. She loved the beauty of God’s creation and masterfully used the array of stained glass to glorify Him in all their work.

Myldred always found a place of service wherever she was. She taught Sunday School for special needs children for over ten years at the Methodist Church in Ballinger and worked with the youth at First Baptist Church, Ballinger for many years. Myldred was best known as a “Prayer Warrior” by all those she loved and made request of her. She was a faithful member of The Heights Baptist Church in San Angelo. Myldred’s love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is her greatest legacy and her greatest example.

Visitation will be at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger on Sunday, January 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The memorial service will be held at The Heights Baptist Church, 4512 Sherwood Way, San Angelo on Monday, January 26, at 2:00 pm. Graveside service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in memory of Myldred to your favorite charity.

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

I have a brief update on PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE. She met with her preferred heart surgeon this past Wednesday. He wishes to determine if PEG will actually benefit from the mitral valve replacement. Two other doctors viewed her echocardiogram and indicated it was of too poor quality to make an accurate determination. Therefore, PEGGY was supposed to have another echocardiogram yesterday (Friday); has an appointment Monday with a cardiophysiologist; and back to her heart surgeon on Wednesday. (PEG said, "I am like a lost sheep - just go when and where they tell me!") He promised her that something will be definitely decided in 2- to 3-weeks. Hallelujah! She is ready to go shopping!

Kidding aside, let's all continue to hold PEGGY in prayer, and envision the perfect doctor, outcome, and insurance covering it all! I will keep you informed as I hear from her.

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

ADDENDUM: In the previous blog post about DORIS STOKES AND DON WHITE'S daughter's family losing all of their belongings in a terrible house fire, I didn't have their names. They are Dedra and Wayne Morrow, and the children's names are Mason, Garrison, and Graham. DORIS doesn't have email at this time, so if any of you wish to help the young family in any way, you might give her a call. She didn't ask for this, but I discovered that the house was a rental, and the landlord had insurance on it. I'm not certain if the contents were covered.

You might want to read the previous blog again, as I added information that was given to me after I published it. 

Until next time,

Love and peace,

Marilyn

PRAYERS NEEDED AND GIVEN

I wish I had better news to relate regarding PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE's health. As you remember, PEG had some scary news regarding her heart right before the holidays. Since that time, she has had several cardiology professionals confirm that she needs surgery to repair a leaking mitral valve and a slightly leaking aortic valve. A very risky surgery under the best of conditions. So far, two accomplished surgeons have refused to operate. The one who saw her yesterday has posed the idea that she may just need a pacemaker! PEG has more tests and appointments with physicians lined up, but is very discouraged with the ones in Albuquerque. She is almost at the point of seeing doctors in Dallas or Houston. Those of you who pray, please keep her in your prayers. Even good thoughts sent out will assist in drawing to her the perfect solutions to her health challenges.

ADDENDUM: Since this was first posted, I learned that PEGGY's husband Guenter postponed his hiatal hernia surgery until after they find out more on hers.

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER still advises me of news of our classmates from time to time. She told me that DORIS (STOKES) and DON WHITE'S daughter's house burned to the ground shortly before New Year's. They lived out near the Bethel church. Two of their children are twins, one of whom is disabled due to a stroke when he was a newborn. They are six years old now, and the one in a wheelchair and on a respirator had to be rescued through the bedroom window. His wheelchair was among the items they saved, but unfortunately the van equipped with a lift for his chair was a total loss. The family was fully insured, but the paperwork involved can be a slow process, so in the meantime they are living with DORIS and DON. Although it is tragic to lose one's home and most of your belongings, there was what some of us would call a "miracle" the night of the fire. Their son-in-law (I'm sorry that I don't have names) travels. He was supposed to be out of town that night, but had changed his mind and decided to go a day later. He was able to get his sons out safely. Removing the one through the window would have been impossible without a man's assistance. I'm certain that prayers of gratitude have been said over and over in that family!

Condolences are offered to NANCY, as on January 5th she lost a beloved nephew, David Thompson, who lived in San Angelo.

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

When asked recently, JIMMY COWLISHAW told me, "..about my job, I suppose that I am among the luckiest. Work continues to come my way. I think that most of it is due to the people who work for and with me. They are an exceptional crew." 

It is very telling of JIMMY's character that he chooses to give so much credit for his success to his employees. Not many do that these days. Way to go, JIM!

When I asked if he still raised cows, his response brought a smile to my face, "Cows keep having calves. Most are born on the coldest days, I think. Someone asked me what they do... Just eat and poop. (And make awful good hamburger meat.)"

Vegetarians might not think that last remark is funny. And the environmentalists.... well, I have to tell a funny story. When I worked in Denton, my employer lived out a little in the country. We were talking about how cold the weather was that winter. She told how on her way into work, she always passed pastures full of cows. In the coldest weather, she said you could see little puffs of white coming out of the cows' rear ends. They were passing gas! We all got a big laugh. 

Now the environmentalists (and I guess I have to consider myself in this category) would point out that the "gas" they were passing is methane gas -- the second most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted in the U.S. (Which contribute to global warming.) Of course cattle aren't the only source! However, it will be interesting to note how much the amount of measurable methane gas decreases due to the severe drought so much of cattle country has suffered in recent years. That and the fact that beef prices have soared so much that the average consumer has probably cut waaay back on beef consumption. 

New Zealand proposed a unique tax to help with the problem (from Blogger News Network):

"Sheep and cows produce 30% of methane emissions in the UK, and in other countries it's even worse: in New Zealand, cows and sheep produce 90% of the methane emissions, and the farmers went up in arms when in 2003 the government decided to try to tax the 'emissions'"..

 

The farmers protested by sending samples of the "offending substance" to the lawmakers! The solution suggested is pretty funny, too. You can read about it here: Garlic Fights Global Warming. (By the way, JIMMY. How big is your herd?)

ADDENDUM II: JIMMY sent the following:   "My 'herd': At one time, like last spring when 
rain was with us and grass was GREEN, around 12-13 head. As the winter months started we began to reduce because of the cost of feeding them. We sold some, butchered some, but kept our producing heifers. Now 7 head, but the production will start again come spring. The lead bull will weigh an estimated 1,700 lbs, and he keeps the heifers busy".

If you all are like me, you are feeling like you have been on a weather seesaw. It's 76 degrees today, and last week was one of the coldest weeks in the Hill Country's history! Hopefully, things will settle down soon to our typical Texas springtime when all the wildflowers will be in bloom. Until next time..

Love and peace,

Marilyn