WHEN IT RAINED, IT POURED

Blanco River Overflowing at Wimberley

(Corpus Christi Caller-Times)

Anyone with power and a television set has seen what the storms in Texas were doing the past couple of days. After three weeks of rain, breaking all records for rainfall in Austin in May since 1895, blessedly putting an end to drought for many, the ground has been so saturated that flooding was and is inevitable.

Living in the Austin area, having family and friends all over Texas and Oklahoma, I stayed glued to the television news. I contacted as many as I was able to see if everyone was all right. For 24 hours, I did not hear from NEIL BROUSSARD. As you all know, he and his wife now live in Wimberley. Hundreds of homes there were destroyed by the flooding Blanco River, and many more were evacuated. This morning I received the following email and photo, which I assume is NEIL'S front yard.

"We made it through with flying colors. We lost all means of communication, but are now back. We had 7" in three days. We are not close to river and are on a hill, so are high and dry. Thanks for the concerns, but couldn't respond."

Wimberley, Texas

MARTHA NORTHINGTON and I had made plans to have lunch here at my place near Mansfield Dam this Thursday. As the rains continued, and more are predicted, MARTHA emailed me this morning..

"I think maybe we should postpone lunch this Thursday. Rains are predicted to continue, and I'm not sure I want to try low water crossings this week. Lamar Blvd., which I use almost daily was a river yesterday, and my former apartment in downtown on Shoal Creek I'm certain took on water in first floor where I lived. Very glad to be on high ground now. I hope you are far enough from flood waters not to have had a problem.

We'll get together soon, but it seems the better part of wisdom for this old dame to stay home until this thing passes. Let me know if you're okay."

Water Rescue at Lamar Blvd. and Shoal Creek

(NBC News)

I sent her a photo, and she replied "..the rescue on Lamar was just down the hill from me. Amazing pictures. I’m glad you’re okay, MARILYN, and I hope you won’t have to stay in your closet again soon. Although that might be an interesting psychological experiment.  I think I would have to clear out my closet a bit, or sleep standing up." She later wrote.. "I went downtown and checked to see if my old apartment flooded. Shoal Creek rising water missed it by a hair." 

My usual work station.

I guess I must explain the "closet" bit. As neighbors and I were listening to and watching the weather forecasts the past two nights, and because we three women each live alone and may be just a teeny bit scaredy cats, we had debated over the safest spot in our cottages in case of tornadoes. These flimsy wooden structures are on high pier and beam foundations.. the backs being nearly two stories high. We do have an interior hall closet that meets all the qualifications emergency officials tell us to look for. Night before last, there were so many rotations and occasional touchdowns of tornadoes in our general area, that we made preparations to retreat if necessary. Turning the TV up loud so we could hear, when the forecaster said "get to your safe location now!", we three retreated to our respective closets, purses and cell phones in hand.

My "safe haven" -  Note stool.

Thank goodness, the warning only lasted less than 16-minutes. We repeated this operation last night as well, only for not such a long period. We have a little reason to be fearful. Although we love living here, not much more than a country block from Lake Austin (the Colorado River), we do get a little stressed over such massive amounts of rain. You see, the only road into our little neighborhood has a low water crossing. Last September, a Sheriff's Deputy was checking it out and she was washed down this usually dry creek bed into the lake, where she drowned. They renamed a portion of our road after her.

I wrote about this on my personal blog here: Tragedy Along With The Good.  There are plans for a permanent memorial at this crossing. Just last week a water marker was installed. Below is how the crossing looked yesterday. Needless to say they had a barricade on the hill above it, which was finally removed this morning. They are forecasting more

Fritz Hughes Park Road Low Water Crossing

thunderstorms (I hate the sound of those on these metal roofs!) again tonight and eight out of the next ten days. The water-logged ground in these parts of Texas cannot take any more rain without more flooding. Pray for those who live in the areas that were hardest hit. (And give thanks for those friends and loved ones who survived.) They will be receiving FEMA disaster assistance, but the Red Cross has been asking for volunteers to help them.

When I asked JUNE HASH CURRY how they fared in the storms over the holiday around OKC, she sent the following photo: "After this weekend, we are about ready..."

Funny, I touched base with my son Craig in Dallas, and when I asked him the same he told me, "I'm looking for the Ark." He sent this photo of the Trinity River in Dallas.

(Dallas Morning News)

All is not bad news, though. The rains have surely helped the drought in Texas, and it definitely has helped our area lakes. Lake Travis, where the City of Austin gets its water, is 23-feet above where it was just seven days ago -- a rise of nearly 27-feet this month so far. It is currently at 655-feet, which is the highest it's been since May 2011. It is still 24 and a half feet below its normal level. I figure we will have to have a whole lot more rain like recently before they have to open the flood gates of Mansfield Dam. (That's a relief!)

I forgot to mention that I have been known to be a little claustrophobic. I'm hoping we don't get more tornado warnings that send me back to my closet! Just in case, maybe I'd better clear out some of my "stuff". Not really "a very interesting psychological experiment." Besides, it's "good stuff"!

Everyone send me any of your stories and/or photos of how the recent weather has affected you wherever you are. Stay dry, and if you pray for rain, please use

the Goldilocks Principle: "Not too much, not too little, but just right, God!"

Peace,

Marilyn

WHAT DOTTIE'S BEEN DOING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Family Guy)

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

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

Peace and love,

Marilyn

Old Friendships

I got some favorable feedback on the poem in my last blog post. However, I did not wish to leave you with sad feelings. Therefore, I thought I would publish one of my favorite old poems on a sweeter note. When I was very young and at an extremely low point in my life, one of my two best friends at the time, IRENE PIEL (BATTS), gave me a beautiful book called "Leaves of Gold", a compilation of lovely poetry, quotes, and inspirational pieces. The pages are yellowing now, and there are many marks on them indicating my favorites, and also yellowed newspaper clippings and other written memorabilia collected through the years, saved amid the pages. This poem struck a chord with me, even at a young age. Now it holds much more meaning, as I think it might with you.

"Old Friendships"

by Eunice Tietjens

Beautiful and rich is an old friendship,

Grateful to the touch as ancient ivory,

Smooth as aged wine, or sheen of tapestry

Where light has lingered, intimate and long.

Full of tears and warm is an old friendship

That asks no longer deeds of gallantry,

Or any deed at all -- save that the friend shall be

Alive and breathing somewhere, like a song.

I love the line, "That asks no longer deeds of gallantry", and only wish that IRENE were "Alive and breathing somewhere, like a song." I know there are times she definitely is with us in spirit.

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JIM COWLISHAW (I still call him Jimmy) sent me the following after reading the last post:

"Thanks for sharing the poem. As I read it, I inserted several of our friend's names. I may not have been able to make contact with them except through a prayer for their memories of the past. Yours was a special prayer of thanks. 

Betty and I spent the day Saturday in Waco. Our grandson graduated from Baylor with a degree in philosophy, with plans of continuing in a Baptist school at Ft Worth. I told him that finally someone in my family has a little knowledge. His sister is still at Baylor. Her junior year is coming up. 

A note on MIKE FOY'S brother. He and Billy Brown had a great amount of influence on my studies of wood products. Perhaps that is why I enjoy my work." (I remember JIMMY telling me that he was making the beautiful wooden ball point pens that you see for sale at craft fairs.)

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PAUL MOTA wrote (about the last post) "That was a very sweet poem, and so true. I have several brothers and sisters here in San Angelo, and I forgot where they live. I suppose that is a very easy thing to do."

PAUL went on to tell me that he had a rough start to 2015. "You can say that Paul has hit a few bumps, but nothing major."

He told me that he had surgery on his shoulder, and as he was recovering from that and going to physical therapy he suffered a herniated disc. Ouch! It has caused him to miss the walking he had been doing. I think maybe some good thoughts and prayers are due to be sent his way. I feel PAUL would never ask for such, but he is so kind and deserving, send them anyway.

I suggested he check out acupuncture for pain, which can be debilitating at any age. (My son Craig would call that a "woo woo" suggestion, but it works!)

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June and her four living children, Kevin, Martha, Chris, and Scott

JUNE HASH CURRY and I communicate frequently, and share information regarding some of the events in our children's and grandchildren's lives. Some of these I have shared with you previously. I have a few notes to add that I gathered from her recently. She was fortunate to have her whole family, including her late sister and her husband, share her 75th birthday with her. They flew in from all over the country. Then, this past Mother's Day, she had most of her children and grandchildren there to honor her once again. We had terrible weather that weekend - both here in Austin, and in Oklahoma, which resulted in her family arriving at odd times. Somehow they never got around to group photos again, so I am sharing these she sent from her birthday. 

June and all of her grandchildren!

JUNE also has many adorable great-grandchildren whose photos I have shared in previous blog posts. Notice how her son Chris looks so much like his father, the late Grady Curry (BHS Class of '56), and how so many of her grandchildren favor her! I am envious of her beautiful silver hair. And I'm also jealous of her taking water aerobics recently. That is supposed to be one of the most efficient exercises, and virtually pain-free.

Speaking of beautiful hair, this gorgeous redhead is Morgan Curry, the daughter of JUNE'S son Scott. She recently graduated from high school in Edmond, and I was tickled to hear she will attend Oklahoma State University in the fall. My granddaughter Ashlyn will be there for her second year, and my "surrogate" (for lack of a better word) granddaughter Annie will attend for her first year. JUNE and I are going to conspire to get them together.

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I love this Li'l Abner figure, but can't remember his name. NEIL BROUSSARD uses it on his email account. He and I recently shared weather information when I saw on the news that Wimberley, Texas was issued a tornado warning. They had spotted circular conditions that could lead to an actual tornado on the ground. I remembered NEIL and his wife had moved there, but couldn't remember if they were in a real house or still having fun in their RV. I emailed him and kept my fingers crossed. Sure 'nuff, they are in a real house, and the tornado never materialized. Whew! I thought this cartoon character was á propos his weather conditions that night!

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GLENN SMITH answered my request for updates with the following: "I am working on Flint Rock novel number 4. Also I still do hypnosis sessions for free for Ballinger folks and for a few in Mexico. I sometimes have morning coffee at Beefmaster and often see several people from our class."

I thought that "Ultimate Thirst" was number 4, but perhaps his busy social life in Ballinger has slowed down his progress. I am so in awe of the fact that I know several of my friends are writing novels.

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Please don't forget the serious health challenges our former classmates, NYDAH ELLET and PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE are faced with. PEGGY'S cousin, June Harris Koch (BHS Class of '56) recently told me that although PEG had to return to the hospital briefly, as she had fluid on her lungs, she is now back home. The doctor told her that she has at a minimum 6 months to a year of recovery time. 

Please, continue to send warm, fuzzy thoughts of healing and prayers their way. Encouraging cards and letters might be in order as well.

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My thanks to all of you who have responded, and to those of you who haven't, how about letting us in on your current life? The All-School Reunion is coming up this fall. For those of us who can't make it, why not share the things in your life that have occurred since our 50th Reunion? Still working? Any new hobbies - or old ones? New love in your life? New grandchildren? Photos? How do you spend your time now? Hey.. I will if you will. Here is one of the recent photos of me as I was caught unaware by one of my grandchildren last summer. And, yeah, that's my natural hair color and length. I think this comes from my Cherokee heritage. (Seems to be a lot about hair in this post.) I'm much too thrifty to pay a hairdresser to cut my hair. Usually do this or a braid! Not very glamorous, but at our age??

I have recently discovered that MARTHA NORTHINGTON has moved back to Austin. She and I plan to have lunch before long and catch up. She reminded me that catching up would be for the last 58 years!! I will share any of her newsy news as well as others in our next blog. Until then, may your life be filled with all good stuff.

Peace and love,

Marilyn

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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