No Such Thing As Climate Change?

You all have probably been watching weather reports across the country, and of course, saw the news about the tornadoes in Ballinger, San Angelo, and Abilene. I have been concerned about JUNE HASH CURRY who lives just north of Oklahoma City in Edmond. She and I stay in touch during these wild weather predictions. This morning after I texted her to see if they were missed by the storms, she responded thus:

"Thanks to God, all the damage we know of is three sections of our backyard fence. Thanks so much for your prayers. I know without a doubt they were heard." 

Last night I had asked her if she and Chris had a safe place to go, and she said "No special place to go other than a closet. All schools are closed and Chris’ dentist office called and canceled, so this area is really battened down. We are safely in God’s hands no matter what the storms do, so do not worry about us, sweet friend."

Sighs of relief. They were safe and so were three of my daughter's children. Ashlyn is in Amarillo. Their two "surrogate children" of whom she and her husband are guardians, Bruce in Amarillo and Annie in Stillwater, Oklahoma were all unaffected by the wild weather overnight.

I heard on the news last night that snow was predicted in Colorado. Surprised, but not thinking it would be in the area where GENE ROUTH lives, I was shocked when about fifteen minutes ago I received the following:

"I know you resident Texans have had tornadoes, rain, wind and floods but have you had a snow ‘Bomb' on May 21???"

Unbelievable, GENE! No snow bomb..no snow! In fact, I woke up hot this morning and checked the thermostat. My house temperature was still 78 degrees! I didn't think to turn the a/c down before going to bed.

GENE sent the following photos..

Beautiful pictures, GENE, but what is the temperature? Surely not freezing!

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DENNY HILL leaves tomorrow for his summer stay in Warsaw. He and I have had some pretty intense conversations regarding the Boeing 737 MAX planes that have had to be grounded. I said I would probably be hesitant to fly any of their planes after the horrible crashes and the resulting scandal about Boeing's management of their engineering and maintenance. DENNY said he assumes he will be flying on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as that's the usual one he flies on. Happy summer, DENNY. (And safe flying!)

Anyone else have any photos to share? Graduations, weddings, weather, vacations? I hope to have wedding photos of my granddaughter's wedding coming up June 1st. Should be fun. Outdoors at daughter Carajean's Lake Travis home. I hear they are leaving the reception not by car, but by boat! 

Peace and good weather!

Marilyn

P.S.
Two more pictures from GENE:

I HEARD FROM YOU

I know some of you must read the blog, because some of you answered my request to let me hear from you. The first one is a followup to the climate change post. It's from my faithful reader, PAUL MOTA. He led an interesting life, but from the following I discovered it was also a little dangerous. At least to me.

"Just a quick story relating to earthquakes: 

In Japan we lived in a 3-story building, which supposedly was on rollers to absorb the impact of an earthquake. We could usually feel the movement, but we got used to it and it was hardly noticed after a while. After the third year we mostly ignored it, but at first it was scary. What was amazing was when we read the time of the quake, and sometimes we realized we had been on a railroad/subway at the time. It was amazing how the train stayed on the tracks."  It's amazing to me, too, PAUL! Lucky you.

While I was typing PAUL's story, I received the following from DENNY

HILL - another faithful reader:

"I distinctly remember, back in high school, when there was an enormous amount of water flowing over the dam in the park in Ballinger, much more than in your photo. The space below the dam was filled, and there were giant, very dangerous looking whirlpools, with uprooted trees, etc. And of course, some parts of the park itself were flooded.

"It is indeed strange...while I hear about the severe weather in parts of the middle of the country, here on Long Island we had almost no winter, in the sense of essentially no snow, except for maybe a couple of light ones that melted immediately."

I guess I neglected to give credit to the flood photos of Ballinger City Park. I found them on the Abilene Reporter News website, which had credited them to a photographer for the San Angelo Standard-Times. I did post some of my own flood photos when the park flooded during the time I moved back to Ballinger for the 50th reunion.

As for "almost no winter", DENNY, isn't that a pretty strong sign of "climate change"?

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On another note, my good friend JUNE HASH CURRY shared some news about her son Scott Curry's daughter Morgan. Her granddaughter Morgan will graduate from Oklahoma University in a couple of weeks with a degree in Public Relations. It really makes us grandparents proud - and optimistic about the future to watch our grandchildren grow and accomplish so much that will be beneficial to our country's welfare. Morgan is a beautiful young woman.. she could very well be a talented journalist in the near future..maybe on Television? She comes from such a kind, spiritual family that she would be a refreshing replacement for some of those in today's broadcast industry. 

Let me hear from more of you.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

And the rains keep coming..

The weather has been crazy all over the country this spring. GENE ROUTH said they were lucky a while back when the so-called snow "bomb cyclone" in Colorado missed them. I emailed him to see if they were okay. He replied: "Snowing now, but the wind has not started. The blizzard last month was bad, lots of trees down and 5 to 6 foot drifts closed the roads all around us. Interstate 25 between Colorado Springs and Denver was closed for 24 hours, That caused major problems and Denver International Airport closed for 30 hours and cancelled about 3000 flights. We just stay home and listen to all the road and street and accident reports. Hope all is well with everyone."

Here in Austin we have had roller coaster weather, breaking records for high and low temperatures. We had temperatures in the 20s in March, with highs in the 80s. It has already hit the 90s in April. We do have cool nights though. We had over 3 inches of rain near my home below Mansfield Dam, with most parts of Austin in the 1" to 2" totals this past week. The storms were wicked sounding though. Lots of lightning. The strong winds, rain, and hail made horrendous noises on my metal roof. Almost kept me awake.

The rain total for Austin during the first week of April this year was nearly 5 inches. Those were historic numbers, and caused quite a bit of local flooding. Luckily, the Low Water Crossing on our road where the Sheriff's Deputy drowned in 2015 Tragedy Along With The Good stayed open. April is not over yet, and we are due for more rain beginning Tuesday. At least our Lakes are full -- but now we hope they don't reach flood stage like last year.

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER told me about the Ballinger City Park flooding this past week. 

(Elm Creek Dam overflowing April 24, 2019)
(Below: Foot Bridge in City Park)

The storms that pushed through San Angelo/Ballinger as well as Austin this past week continued on causing devastation as they moved to the East Coast. Thank goodness, we didn't have tornadoes like those that followed the path to East Texas and beyond. I didn't wish to hide in my closet again!

I know we have always had bad weather, but somehow it seems to be worse than I remember from the past. Did Ballinger City Park ever flood when we were in school? The only thing I do remember that was weather-related was the San Angelo tornado that happened shortly after I moved to Ballinger with my family in 1953. Lake View Tornado My dad drove us to Lake View to see the devastation. That's the only time I've ever witnessed anything like that.

I don't ever remember earthquakes in our part of the States. I found this statistic that just amazes me: "In the past decade, Oklahoma, which used to have just one or two earthquakes per year, saw their number rise to more than 800. Texas saw an earthquake increase of 600 percent.Nov 28, 2017" JUNE HASH CURRY has often spoken of the many "minor" earthquakes where she lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. Even a "minor" quake would set me on edge! Apparently, they are attributed to the "fracking" taking place in the surrounding area. Just another example of human activity contributing to the changes in our planet's conditions such as climate, tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, volcanic activity, etc. 

But then, so many of our politicians keep telling us there is no such thing as "climate change"! I wonder where they live. Give me your thoughts on this subject, please.

Thanks to NANCY for the update on Ballinger's floods. Her good news was that she and husband Jake attended their grandson Spencer Jones' wedding to his fiancee Nikki this past Saturday. She said it was a beautiful affair. I'm hoping someone shares pictures of the ceremony with her, so I can share with you!

I always enjoy emails from any of you. I hear from JUNE CURRY, DENNY HILL, NANCY BAKER, and TRUMAN CONNER more than anyone. Surely some of you have grandchildren (or even great-grandchildren) graduating, getting married, or having babies you would like to brag about. Send me your news and any photos you wish to share. I know a lot of you are on Facebook and get class news from there. However, many of us are not on there! Think about it.

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 

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

BOB BURTON CELEBRATES 80 YEARS!

Last weekend we shared a wonderful celebration at our daughter's Lake Travis home. Carajean and her husband Branch provided a welcoming venue for our big, wonderful, blended, extended, sometimes dysfunctional family! BOB BURTON, his wife Ann, their daughter Leah, and BOB's sister Emilie (also a BHS graduate and cheerleader for 4-years!) stayed with Carajean and Branch nearly three days. The 80th birthday dinner was on Saturday. Nearly all of our combined children/grandchildren were in attendance. BOB is affectionately known by them as Pappaw, and in one case "Daddy Bob".

Some of us took photos. I've been trying to get used to all of the changes Google sees fit to make on their photo apps, but they still manage to mix some up. ('Course, it couldn't be my fault!) I put together a few of the photos in the following video. I think you can see that everyone was enjoying themselves. Besides all the good food (thanks to BOB, Carajean, her brother Matthew, and his wife Amy), and great conversations, there was swimming (brrr) by some of the youngest and bravest, lots of games of pool, dominoes, and a bean bag toss game outdoors. BOB even got in some fishing while he was there. I heard through the grapevine that the fish were not biting!

Among the family members in the photos you will see Erick. He and granddaughter Audrey are planning an outdoor wedding (by the pool pictured below) June 1st.

Overlooking Lake Travis

I hear often from DENNY HILL. As you all know, DENNY spends his time in Warsaw when school is not in session. He's been learning Polish for a long time with private lessons. He sent this video to explain why it is a difficult language! All of the Polish words/names in it are real! You must watch it to the end. So funny!!

Can you imagine how difficult this language would be to learn? Yikes! I still have trouble with Spanish.

I have wondered how everyone has weathered the storms this winter. GENE ROUTH, MIKE FOY, did you all get hit by what they called a "bomb cyclone"? They said on the news that it hit parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas as well as many other states. Let me hear from any of you who experienced this. And send photos if you have them.

We've had 90 degree weather in recent weeks, 70s and 80s frequently, as well as breaking records with lows in the 20s just days apart from the highs! Who said there is no such thing as climate change?

Until next time..

Love and peace,

Marilyn

The Law of Reciprocity

Recently a good friend of mine told me the following true story. I was enthralled with it, and asked him if he would write about it just as he told it to me. He did, and gave me permission to post it here. The one condition was that he remain anonymous.

"For any metaphysical buffs out there:

About two weeks ago on a very cold day, I came across a shabbily dressed man, one clearly living on the streets, sitting outside my supermarket having lunch consisting of a bag of potato chips, a can of Goya beans being eaten with a spoon, and a bottle of Gatorade. It was emotionally disturbing to see such despair in a human being's attempt to survive. Considering how I might give money to someone in need without offending his dignity, I was in a bit of a quandary. So after passing his table, I returned to his table holding out a $10 bill (all I had with me) saying to him that I had seen this money under his chair and thought it had perhaps fallen out of his pocket. His response was that he had not seen any money under his chair when sitting down. Well, I told him the money was his if he wanted it. He graciously accepted, with heartfelt thanks.

"Fast forward another week, I was standing in line at the supermarket, and there was what appeared to be a poorly dressed young woman of color checking out using store coupons for various items being purchased. By all appearances as well as her accent she may have been of Haitian descent, and I had to curiously wonder at what was an anomaly in a rather upscale supermarket. Only a short moment after stepping away with her purchases, and while I was being checked out, she turned and coming up to me, handed me a $10 bill. I was puzzled about why she was doing this, and she said she wanted to give me $10 toward the purchase of my groceries. I cannot remember when I have ever been so humbled, while thinking it should have been the other way around. 

Afterwards, I approached her with thanks, and putting my hand on her shoulder, I asked why she had shown such kindness towards me. Much of what she said was indiscernible, when in broken English she explained that her mother and her grandmother, had always taught her to do kind things for others...and I was the one she had chosen. 

This paranormal moment reminded me as something worthy of Rod Serling's 'The Twilight Zone.'"

My friend happens to be a very kind, cultured and well-educated man. I feel that there could not have been anything in his appearance or manner to indicate to anyone that he was in need. When he first told me this, he seemed completely unaware of the connection between the two events. The ten dollar bill seemed to be the only common denominator. He said his first instinct was to refuse the money from the woman. "Oh no, you would deny her a blessing by doing that," I cautioned, "this was your blessing in return for helping out your fellow man."

"The (spiritual) Law of Reciprocity, also known as the Law of Sowing and Reaping, allows us to receive as a result of what we give or do. Scripture makes it clear we might receive the same thing we give, such as mercy (Mt 5:7)...Typically, we receive to the same degree we give." (Larry Fox)

The law of reciprocity is also used in business and psychology.. and there is even a law of physics in the same vein. I prefer to think it all started with the "spiritual" law.

Knowing what a kind and generous man my friend is, I think he will be seeing more of the Law of Reciprocity popping up in his life.  Next time he won't be so puzzled when it happens.

Love and Peace,

Marilyn

CHRISTMAS - 2018

I know it's a little late coming, but I thought I'd share a few photos from our Christmas here in Austin. I was delighted to have neighbors come caroling a couple of days before Christmas. Some of these pics were taken at my son Matthew's house. (That's him in the fancy top hat!) A few were at my place, and Christmas Day at daughter Carajean's newly remodeled home on Lake Travis. 

That's BOB BURTON in the top right corner relaxing before tackling Christmas dinner. He and our daughter Carajean are seen trying to figure out how to get the oven set just right for the huge turkey and ham. My son Craig was put to work peeling potatoes, as he says Christmas dinner is not the same without them! BOB's wife Ann is seen at the top with our soon-to-be grandson-in-law, Erick. He proposed to our granddaughter Audrey right after a performance of the band he plays in, Superfonicos, a few days after Christmas.  He and Craig (with a new guitar as a gift from Matthew) and Cameron (oldest grandchild) had an impromptu jam session after gifts were opened. 

The food was wonderful as always. BOB is a great cook, and vegetarian Carajean fixed delicious side dishes, pie and snacks. We had a great time playing dominoes for hours; there is always a jigsaw puzzle for everyone to contribute to (lower right hand corner); "young" ones played charades; and the swing bed on the screened-in deck got lots of use for those in need of a nap. The only drawback was the fact that some family members were unable to be with us. Maybe next year!

I'd love to hear about your holidays. Photos, too. I don't know about any of you, but having grown children for the most part take over the planning, preparation, and most of the cooking was a real treat. (I did do dozens of chocolate chip cookies, banana nut bread, and cranberry nut bread.) It was nice having lots of good leftovers come home with me, too.

I'm hoping to get back to posting more frequently. It helps to have good feedback and stories from each of you. I have a short story contributed by one of our classmates that I will post in the next day or two. 

Tell me about the "good stuff" going on in your life!

Happy New Year, love, and peace,  

Marilyn

All Hallows' Day

I received photos this morning from GENE ROUTH that reminded me of the Halloweens I and my friends and family have celebrated through the years. Since most of those years were spent in Texas, I never had photographs like these that GENE sent of his yard and porch:

We are supposed to have thunderstorms tonight in the Hill Country to the dismay of the trick or treaters, but thank goodness, no snow and ice. I'm not quite ready for weather like that.

JERRY EOFF sent the following taken of some of our classmates:

Standing left to right: yours truly, IRENE PIEL BATTS, BARBARA BRADSHAW, BARBARA SHARPES BROOKS, PATI COCKRELL PRITCHARD. Seated: Marvel Ashton, June Harris Koch.

I'm dipping into a few of my family and friend favorites as well. (Click on it to enlarge):

These are two of my very favorites (Guess who?):

 

Yep! That's BOB BURTON and wife Ann!

I believe this photo was taken in 1960. We were all living in Midland, Texas.  BOB and I had a small get-together on Halloween. The guys were playing poker while JUNE HASH CURRY and I took our little boys out to trick or treat. They were the cutest two on the block I'm sure!

Tommy Curry and Craig Young

That's JUNE holding her daughter Martha. The next day, my daughter Carajean Burton was born!

When I was working at FEMA, there was a particularly harrowing Halloween when we all wore costumes to work at the teleregistration center. The phones were frantic as were the applicants. I wish I had more of the costumes everyone wore, but the only one so far to surface is this one. "It's a jungle in here!"  (P.S. I didn't take the BB gun to work!)

I have another story to tell about the very last time I went Trick or Treating. It's a little embarrassing, so it will have to wait for another time.

I'll close for now, but if I receive more photos, I will certainly post them.

Happy Halloween!
Marilyn

Loss of Loved One

Our condolences and deepest sympathy to PATSY BERRY BOMAR on the loss of her sister, Jo Redman. 

"Mamie “Jo” Redman, 91, of Ballinger passed away Friday, October 5, 2018. Jo was born September 15, 1927 to E.E. and Addie Berry in Ballinger, Texas. She married Milton Redman on June 15, 1946. She was a talented seamstress and made numerous wedding dresses and prom dresses. She also loved woodworking, crafts, and cooking. Jo was a saint, having more patience than anyone. She loved her family fiercely.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton and great-granddaughter, Jenna Mansell.

Jo is survived by her son, Dickie and wife, Trudy Redman; her daughter, Kay Mansell; sisters, Pat Bomar and Clara and husband, Bill Kurtz; grandchildren, Morty and wife Cathy Redman, Brian and wife Debbie Redman, Jeffrey and wife, Sherry Mansell, and Bridget and husband, Cody Scott; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Monday, October 8 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger with Rev. Brenda Church officiating. The service will follow immediately after the visitation. Burial will be at Old Runnels Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or a favorite charity."...Ballinger News

Peace and Love, 

Marilyn                              

Like me, I'll bet you all have enjoyed the last couple of posts relating JERRY EOFF's eulogy for GLENN SMITH.  As much as his kind words for GLENN, I enjoyed hearing about his and wife Shirley's new adventure on the Arkansas goat farm.

When JERRY referred to himself as a "goat herding cowboy", I emailed him and asked for a current photo - especially one with a so-called cowboy hat. We wrangled back and forth over my request. Consequently, I reviewed my pictures on file and managed to crop this one from the 2017 Class Reunion group photo. I told JERRY that he didn't look very happy to be there. (Not many others did either.) When I complimented him on his lack of wrinkles, he replied, "Too sunny to not squint (frown). Too fat to wrinkle." His good sense of humor always at the ready.

Not ready to let go of the goat phenomenon, I couldn't help but copy this from my Good News Network website: .."A research team from the Royal Society Open Science has found that goats can recognize human emotions in facial recognition tests – and they consistently prefer happy faces to sad ones." Smile, JERRY, and I'll bet you can get those goats to keep your yard cleared of tall grass and weeds on a regular basis.

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I saw this funny story on TV about a parrot cussing at a Firefighter who tried to rescue him. When I searched online, I ran across the whole story Potty-Mouth Parrot, and I thought about Ann Burton (BOB BURTON's wife) and her pet bird. I sent it to her and asked her about her African Gray, Boogie. She responded thus:
"My birds don't curse. But, my Grandfather John Jackson had a yellow-headed parrot that spoke just like him. His name was Shorty, and he was quite a bossy pet. He would call for 'John, John Jackson, you son of a Butch. Answer me!' We always slept on a pallet in front of the fireplace in the winter. Shorty would come and check us out and crawl in and out of the cover. He loved to sing to us, but all he sang were army songs. My granddad broke horses for the army. (One of my own grandfathers broke horses for the Forest Service in northern California!) After Granddad was killed, Shorty went to live with our Aunt Lois. He lived to be almost 60." 

Ann said she has had Boogie for 26 years! She's also taken in a cockatiel, but the two birds don't get along. Boogie would attack any other bird that dared to encroach on his territory. After all, he has seniority in that household! Therefore, it's only one bird at a time out of his cage.

I remember one time when I was visiting Ann in Flower Mound, we were sitting at a table talking. Boogie was out of his cage, and proceeded to sit on my shoulder. The next thing I felt was his beak pulling hair at my scalp! Ann stated that he loved brunette hair, and I guess he was "grooming" me. That definitely caused him to get a fast return to his cage.

Ann has been a member of our extended family for over 50-years now. She and my late sister Jean (also from BHS) were best friends most of those years, and we all shared many memories. Ann and I can still talk for hours when we finally visit after several years. Since daughter Carajean will be moving permanently to Austin in the next few months, we look forward to many more visits.

Ann and BOB were in Austin this past weekend. Our daughter, Carajean and her husband Branch celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary. (A side note - Ann  or "Two" - as the grandchildren call her, made Carrie's beautiful wedding gown.) They all came over to my place, and we had lively conversations and a wicked game of 5-count dominoes. It makes me grumpy to admit that BOB and Branch beat the socks off me and Carajean! I still allowed them to eat my "disappearing" chocolate chip cookies.

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I had a brief note from GENE ROUTH after I sent him a video of four mountain lions prowling around on someone's deck in Colorado. Those cats made themselves right at home. GENE said they haven't had any mountain lions on their property, but they have had a couple of bears! Oh, my.. The rabbits, squirrels, and occasional hawk in our area seem rather tame by comparison.  I am an extremely sound sleeper, so I haven't heard the coyotes howl at night like some of my neighbors have.. 

I've also heard from DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS recently. She's been filling her house with her oil paintings. So much so that she resorted to selling them. I've asked her to please send me photos. 

Let me hear from more of you. I could chatter away on much more, but I would rather write about YOU! Let me hear the "good stuff" happening in your life.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn