. . . Blog ARCHIVES
Carl on February 28, 2010 5:01 PM
Hey all you bloggers, joggers, cloggers & pettifoggers.
Here's an unofficial count of past reunion attendance by PHS60 classmates, based on an actual head count from the reunion photos:
1970 - 68 1980 - 67 1990 - 80
1995 - 58 2000 - 59 2005 - 55 2010 (est.) - 73+
Of course, the Sat. photo doesn't capture Friday-only attendees, nor Saturday attendees who missed the photo. No photos can be found for 1975 or 1985. It is believed that none was taken in '75 when the reunion was held at a Princeton restaurant. (2010 memories appear unable to confirm that a reunion was even held in 1985.) Looks like some "seniors" have gotten re-energized.
Pat Smith on September 20, 2010 3:18 AM
You forgot us loggers, joggers and woggers. I don't know who the woggers are, but I bet they're with Harry Potter.
Pat Smith on March 4, 2010 2:28 AM
Still living here & loving it , except for the dearth of restaurants. I still haven't retired and am loving that, too. I just got appointed Mercer County Historian and am working feverishly on my genealogy and writing children's stories for my four grandchildren. One of these days, I plan on trying to get them published. I am renovating an old schoolhouse out on Dan Hale Reservoir Road that my Granddaddy Smith built and was the first principal of. Life is good.
I can't wait to catch up with everyone this summer, but I don't know what kind of a reunion we will have withour Sonny's music.
What about your life?
Jim George on March 4, 2010 5:43 PM
Hi Pat. Thanks for asking.
I'm on the eighth year and the 4th draft of a novel. It's entirely fiction but is set in Princeton (for half of the book) and is centered around a PHS class reunion as a way to involve some characters who might or might not have ever graced our fair hometown. In fact, I'm hoping to be able to announce the status and (hopefully) pending availability at our upcoming class reunion. It's going to a local editor at the end of April. Of course I can self-publish it, but am hoping to find a publisher for it. That is a tough step. But I'm serious about the effort and we'll see.
Pat Smith on March 6, 2010 12:42 PM
This appeared in The Princeton Times last month, so I don't feel like I am breaking any confidences putting it on here, as I believe our classmates would like to know about Gene's condition.
LaVerne Fields "Being married to a best friend is a living love story"
After 19 years of marriage, it goes without saying that Gene and I have discovered some differences. There are the obvious ones, like the fact that I am 5-foot-3, and he is 6-foot-3, and then the fact that he loves noise (like having the TV and the radio on), while I enjoy the serenity of a perfectly quiet house with my first cup of coffee in the morning.
I guess the most obvious difference between us would be our age: I am 40, while Gene is just a few months away from turning 68. Granted, neither of us looks like we did 19 years ago! I couldn’t get into a size 4 pair of jeans now if my life depended on it, and my hair no longer hangs to my waist. Gene has been graced with a few additional laugh lines, and his graying temples have now moved to include his entire head of hair. He kids me all the time that the older he gets, the faster I am "catching" up to him. I’m tending to believe this is true.
During my life, I have struggled with a terrible disease called endometriosis. It ravaged my reproductive system, and at the age of 19 (a couple of years before I married Gene), I was told that I would probably never have children because of the complications of multiple surgeries. Thankfully, that doctor was wrong, and we had a daughter the first year of our marriage, a few months after Gene turned 49. We named her Barbara Louise (after both of our mothers), but she has always gone by "Louie." Louie is now 18, and attends Concord University where she is studying to be a special education teacher.
Gene also has three daughters from a previous marriage (that are all a little older than me). Therefore, I have gotten to enjoy grandchildren and even GREAT-grandchildren with him. I have a good relationship with his first wife, and I don’t believe his children have ever considered me as a "step-mother," but rather as someone who loves their father very much.
After Gene taking care of me for so many years of our marriage while he remained as healthy as a horse, I teased him last year on our first trip to the doctor for himself. He found a lump in his right groin a few weeks after initiating an exercise regiment. I told him it was the "meanness" coming out in him, while I silently prayed that it was nothing.
After a needle biopsy that didn’t reveal enough information to form a conclusion, a surgery was scheduled to remove what they believed to be an enlarged lymph node. They would biopsy it, and let us know the results. It had arrived so suddenly that we felt sure it was related to the new exercising. He came through the surgery great, and a week later, we found out that the biopsy showed nothing cancerous. We were elated and so relieved.
During this time, I had obtained a new job as an administrative assistant after being a housewife and mother for 17 years. Louie was almost out of high school, Gene was retired, and I thought it might be a good change. I was busy, and a little distracted. Not so distracted, though, that I didn’t notice the fact that two more places had appeared in Gene’s groin, almost exactly in the same spot as his initial incision, only two months after his surgery! We watched them closely, hoping they would fade. Not only did they not fade, but one came up on his left side, also. When that one vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared, we felt more comfortable with the fact that they were just what they had told us…… "reactive" lymph nodes. Of course, our first question was, "Reactive to WHAT?" We found out there could be many things…….a cold, a virus, an infection, etc. Lymph nodes were your body’s defense, they informed us, and they were defending his body against something. We just didn’t know what. At least, we knew that his biopsy didn’t show anything cancerous, so we tried to put it out of our minds.
In August, when it seemed the two lymph nodes on the right side had fused and become larger, we went back to the doctor to see what we needed to do. Because the first one had showed no sign of cancer cells, he told us to just watch and wait, and if there was any
Dec. 14, 2009, almost exactly a year after they removed the first lymph node, Gene went in to have this suspicious lymph node removed. Once again, he tolerated the surgery well, but was left with a drain tube that would relieve the fluid build-up inside the incision. When the swollen lymph node was removed, the doctor had found a cluster of four, and had removed those as well. As I changed the tubes and cleaned his dressing each day, I couldn’t help but worry about the outcome of this testing. We talked about it each evening. What if we weren’t so lucky this time? What if it WAS cancer?
Dec. 21, 2009, we went to the hospital to have our doctor remove the tube from the incision. Also, he was supposed to have the results of the testing, and we were anxious to get that information. Two days before while we were drinking our morning coffee in the living room, Gene looked at me and said, "I can’t be sick! If I was sick, I would be losing weight or having night sweats or something! I think I feel too good to be sick!" And once again, I prayed that was true.
The doctor showed us to a room where he began removing the tubes and inspecting the incision. Pages were coming in over the loudspeaker that he was needed in Surgery Room One. His telephone was buzzing incessantly with calls and messages. Afraid that he would take off before we got the chance to talk to him, I quickly blurted out, "Did you ever receive the results of his testing?"
Hesitating ever so slightly, he answered, "Yes, I did. All of your lymph nodes showed positive for malignancy. It’s cancer, Gene. It’s called lymphoma. We believe you have Hodgkin’s lymphoma."
I felt the tears rush to my eyes, and silently roll down my face.
"This is not a death sentence, Gene. This kind of cancer can be very curable. You need to decide what oncologist you would like me to refer you to, and then keep a positive outlook. That’s extremely important in the days ahead."
Positive? How in the world are we supposed to be positive when we just heard the worst news of our lives??? He has cancer!!! I wanted to scream and yell, but I found myself trying to smile through the tears and assure the doctor that we were okay.
I almost lost it when I saw Gene’s chin quiver, and he asked softly, "What happens now? What kind of testing will I have?"
"I just find it, and diagnose it. The other doctor will take over from here. You’re going to be fine, Gene! I really believe that! If you need me, just call!"
And with that, the doctor was gone and we were left alone in the room. I wanted to scream and cry and hit somebody…….hard. But mostly, I just didn’t want Gene to break down…….not yet…….not here…….not ever.
"Baby, it’s going to be okay," I whispered as I hugged him. "Let’s go home." And stay there, and never leave, I added silently in my head. I knew, at that moment, our lives would never again be the same. And the cold I felt inside had nothing to do with the snow that pelted our faces on our way to the car.
The diagnosis we received was almost two months ago. In that time, we have found a great oncologist, and Gene has started chemotherapy. We have felt a range of emotions from disbelief to anger and hurt. We have talked about how blessed and fortunate our lives have been up to this point. Gene loves the cartoon in his doctor’s office, which he thinks says it best. A little guy is looking up toward the sky and says, "Why Me?"…….and a voice from the sky is heard saying, "Why Not?"
We have a loving family, a safe and happy home, and an unwavering faith in someone much greater than all of us. We believe that God will see us through this and maybe by summer or at least by fall, all of the "rough" stuff will be behind us, and we can look forward to a more happy time.
When we both said our wedding vows, and promised "In sickness and in health," "For better, or for worse,"……we meant it, and we have both lived up to that responsibility. To be married to your best friend…….the one you want to be with more than anyone…….the one who understands you better than you do yourself……..to laugh with each other and share life’s greatest moments…….and to help each other through life’s most difficult obstacles while being strong enough to help shoulder the load, and yet fragile enough to share your innermost thoughts and feelings…….THAT is true love. THAT is what has gotten us through 19 years of marriage, and THAT is what will get us through the hard times in the future. I am lucky enough to spend every day with the person that I feel completes me and Valentine’s Day is just another reminder to know that I am LIVING the greatest love story ever.
LaVerne Fields
Carl on March 7, 2010 6:30 PM
LaVerne, thank you for sharing your beautiful Valentine with everyone. Gene, thank you for inspiring the message.
Gene Fields on March 10, 2010 10:28 AM
Hey friends, so we don't leave people hanging, I am about half way through my scheduled chemo treatments. Most of my hair is gone but I tolerate the poisons well enough. My Oncologist assures us that a cure is possible. Thanks for your love and concerns. I WILL BE AT OUR 50th!
Jim George on March 11, 2010 2:51 PM
Thanks for an incredibly well written letter.
Gene's mother lived next door to my parents on North Walker Street for many years. The Fields are such a nice family.
Gene, your super attitude coupled with the oncology is the key. We'll see you at the 50th and the 60th and ...
Gene Fields on March 11, 2010 3:52 PM
Thanks Jim,
I can see your old homeplace from my livingroom window. LaVerne and I were talking about the good times my parents and their neighbors used to have. They were a blessing to each other.
Ah, memories....
Alan & Marilyn Bergman on March 27, 2010 9:39 AM
". . . misty watercolor memories of the way we were."
Jerry Wizon on March 6, 2010 10:00 PM
Hey Jim,
If you haven't just quite finished it, I have another real life story to relate to you involving one of our classmates, that is somewhat close to one of your own "experiences".
Jim George on March 9, 2010 6:49 PM
Jerry, it's all fiction. Why would you think there would possibly be any connection between good ole' PHS and the things that went on there and a book!!!
Jerry Wizon on March 6, 2010 10:08 PM
Hi Pat,
It sounds like you are as busy as I am. I am still working (not too hard) and loving my "last career" as a land surveyor. Also trying to complete (not a valid word in that field) a genealogy, archive old family photographs and documents dating back to the middle 1800's, and a million other things including cleaning up the house from years of my projects that I just couldn't quite find the time to tidy up after they were finished.
Where is the old school house? I never heard about that before. And what does an official County historian do?
Carl Thomason on March 9, 2010 6:00 PM
Viewing the "Faculty..." page brings a lot of memories -- mostly pleasant ones, including 3 lovely years in Frances Moody's choir; goofing off daily in the back of Jack Johnson's math classes; the feeling that nearly all of my teachers worked hard at their craft. On the downside: the hated "red ball"/dodge ball in gym class. No doubt to avoid less appealing electives, I took World History our senior year-- Wanda Hughes, of course. History did not come easy to me, but Wanda's intimidating manner motivated. Thank goodness she liked map drawing, as I was moderately skillful there (and only there). Of the 100s of experiences with faculty, "Wanda-ful," as I recall Jimmy Agnew (PHS59) dubbing her (correctly), left lasting, positive impressions. What treasures those times were.
Anyone care to share their memories?
Pat, Draft #4 will go to an editor at the end of April. She will review it for grammar and also for the high level stuff...do the characters "work?" Is it interesting....some practical things like that.
Jimmy
Fred Lucas on March 11, 2010 7:20 PM
One of my enjoyable moments concerned the snow. There was a long hill near Jack Honaker's house. Whenever the snow came, a number of us would take our sleds and go down the hill.
Another time, I was with Charles "Beanpole" Buxton. We were in Walgreens. I watched with amazement as he slipped a paperback book into his coat and walked out without paying for it. Outside several children came up and asked "how is the weather up there? Charles spit on them and said wet.
On Friday evenings after the football games, we had dances. The football yeam was so bad, we called the dances, defeat dances. Of course we danced with de feet.
Fred Lucas on March 12, 2010 8:52 AM
I was a member of Explorer Post 66. Several of us went to Washington D.C to see the Redskins play the New York Giants. After we checkied into the hotel, I was in my shorts. Several of the boys pushed me into the hall. I was banging on the door and the boys were laughing. We saw the game and saw Sam Goodall playing in the band. We arrived in Princeton early Monday morining. All of us decided that we wouldn't go to school. Kirby Smith decided to go to school. He didn't want to spoil his attendance record.
On Tuesday morning, we had to go to see Mr. Fleshman and offer an explaination.
One of my favorite teachers was Kathleen "killer" Kane. I had two years of Latin. Over the years, I've added French and German to my collection of languages. I've used both languages in my travels to Europe and Canada.
MikeFarley on March 12, 2010 5:29 PM
CONFUCIUS SAY:
He who will not economize will have to agonize.
carl thomason on March 12, 2010 5:56 PM
And I say (1) Confucius is Confusin' but (2) Nietzsche is Pietzsche.
Gene on March 13, 2010 6:54 PM
I was fortunate enough to have had Wanda Hughes for home room all the way through high school. She was a paper "Tiger". Was it Curley that she threatened to slap his face to jelly? Mike, help me out here. Anyway, she is one of those experiences you don't fully appreciate at the time, but come to understand in later years that she had a profound effect on your life.
MikeFarley on March 14, 2010 8:01 PM
Yep!!!!!!!! She sure did Gene. She looked Curly right square in the eye with her evil eye and said, David Eskew, I'm going to slap your face to jelly.
Gene on March 15, 2010 11:16 PM
When she said that, I don't think there was a straight face in the whole room.
Fred Lucas on March 14, 2010 10:27 AM
There is an old saying in West Virginia " The Lord Willing and the creek don't rise". According to the Charleston Gazette , two people died in the floods in Raleigh County. The Greenbrier River will reach flood stage at Alderson. The Ohio River is expected to go two feet above flood stage at Pittsburgh. That will eventually affect Cincinnati as many people in the low lying areas prepare for possible floods.
For the Lord Willing, Gene I'm pleased to learn that you are doing better . Ted Kessinger is in the Nursing Home across from the old Mooneys Drive Inn. He has dementia. Scott Reid has pain from back surgery. Hope that the local people can stay in touch with them.
Pat Smith on March 22, 2010 8:36 AM
Thanks for the tip, Fred. I think I'm busy in trial then, but I'll check out the website. On another subject, I remember that Phil Selig and I didn't want to take Latin, so we talked the principal at the 10th grade orientation into having another language taught - what did we get but Miss Gott and French. I never pursued it past two years, although Eve Garland did. However, I went to Paris in 1997 and was surprised at how much I could speak and understand. Contrary to public opinion, I thought the French were incredibly friendly. I owe Miss Gott an apology. We laughed at her attempts to speak French, but we were learning.
Fred Lucas on March 23, 2010 8:12 AM
Hi Pat,
I studied French at Concord with Paul Chrissikos. Over the years, I spent six weeks visiting France. I spent two weekends with a French family in St. Brieuc in Brittany. Everyone was quite friendly I've also spent a week in Montreal. Although the accents are different the people were very friendly.
In 1996, I spent two weeks in Germany, I used German in the former East Germany. Those people disn't learn English . Since PHS didn't offer German, I studied at the Tri State German School in Park Hills Kentucky.
I got a good laugh with my visit to Freiburg Germany. The store owner was speaking in German and his custoners replied in French.
Pat Smith on March 24, 2010 1:38 AM
Believe it or not, I had second semester Freshman English with Mr. Chrissokos at Concord. I took it in summer school right after high school. I haven't been to Germany yet, but would like to go. My son is an international pilot for Delta Airlines, so I fly free, but finding the time to go is the problem. Now that I've found all my German ancestors, I would like to visit the Swabian area. One of these days, I guess. Pat
Fred Lucas on March 26, 2010 6:29 PM
I spoke with Patty Baker Anderson the other evening and she explained that Fran Rice, like Gene Fields is being treated for cancer. Kay Curry has a problem with dementia. I hope that the group will remember these people and will stay in touch to offer encouragement.I would also like to thank those who added the photos of Mercer Street from 1959. I really enjoyed going down memory lane. So did my cousin Carole Douglas Swim and her family. She's the daughter of Marlin Douglas, owner of Douglas Sporting Goods.
Michael Farley on April 2, 2010 9:32 AM
Do you want to know how many days old you are????
Go to
Have fun!!!
Carl on April 15, 2010 11:48 AM
While it has nothing directly to do with PHS or even with Princeton, the following newspaper article, provided by Fran Rice Baker, will surely interest some of you:
A Massey Energy coal silo towers over Marsh Fork Elementary on April 6, 2010, near the Upper Big Branch Coal Mine in Naoma , W.Va. It would be embarrassing if it were not so humbling.
Hours after the West Virginia mine explosion Monday, scores of journalists from all over the country started arriving — in a very rural area with no communications or places to sleep closer than an hour's drive away.
When the governor began giving press briefings at Marsh Fork Elementary School (this week happens to be spring break, so the children are out), journalists began getting comfortable at the site a few miles from the mine entrance, and we never left. By Tuesday, a couple dozen satellite trucks filled the parking lot, and classrooms with tiny chairs and paintings on the walls were turned into newsrooms and bedrooms.
And all of a sudden there was food — a lot of food. Pepperoni Pizza. Pulled pork and beans. Fried chicken, potatoes and green beans. Cookies. Crackers. Doughnuts of all stripes.
Usually I lose a few pounds while covering stories like this. The deadlines are too tight, the access to food often limited. This time, I'll be going home a little rounder, and with a touched heart.
The food was cooked by residents and donated by businesses in this community. Some of it came by way of a local Red Cross, a Wal-Mart and a United Way , but even more was the home cooking of kind West Virginians who just wanted to take care of us.
Imagine, here we are, an aggressive and hard-charging bunch of journalists in the middle of this devastated community, and it's THEY who are taking care of US!
The kindness hasn't been lost on any of us. By Thursday, two plastic jars — "school collection" and "community collection" — were put out, and by Friday both had a few hundred dollars. I feel like we owe this school and these people so much more.
When I asked interim principal Shelly Prince how folks could be so giving at a time like this, she said that many felt it was soothing to help others. This situation made them feel helpless, and helping others was doing something. She also said it gave people a chance to show the world what West Virginians are "really like."
"Often on TV, we are not portrayed in such a good manner. We often are portrayed as ignorant and backward," she said. "But we are just ordinary people who live ordinary lives." I have to disagree. These people are extraordinary.
TERRY ST. CLAIR on July 20, 2010 8:54 PM
I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO OUR CLASSMATE JIM BOWEN IN THE LOSS OF HIS BROTHER WILLIAM ON 7/17/2010.
Jerry Laufer on August 10, 2010 2:01 PM
Member of the Class of 1964:
As some of you know I am Ed Laufer's younger brother. For most of my life I have been as close to your class (60) as my own due to the fact that Ed always allowed me the opportunity to hang out with several of his close friends.
Thus, I have a feeling of closeness to your class - except.
According to my homeroom teacher Mrs. Hatcher, it was either your class of the class of '59 that she considered the worst class of her career. Whichever, I hope it was your class as it would make me proud.
However, whether the class of '59 or '60 won the honors, I was ruined forever; I lost my manhood during my tenure at PHS due to the fact that bad driving behavior by you guys enabled the board of education to pass a ruling that no,as in nada, cars could be driven to school.
This was and still is a scar on my teenage memories. I can not watch a single movie of high school life without noting the c a r s - 'the ho r r o r, the h o r r o r.' Some of you will know where that word came from.
I long to this day to take my dad's 383 cubic inch, 305 h.p Chrysler to school. Long to peel out at Seaver's heading up North Walker. Long to drive up and down Mercer Street on the way to school. You get the drift. You guys are wonderful now but you scarred me for life, sort of. All the best for your reunion
Pete Stephenson on August 11, 2010 2:13 PM
Jerry,If your dads car was as heavy as our oldsmobile you couldn,t peel anyway. Its just as well that you couldn,t drive to school. Every other time that I drove to school Larry Christian, Don Wandell or some other dude would take the rotor butten out of the olds. back then who would ever lock their doors. I belive you to be right in the class of 1960 being the ones that Mrs Hatcher picked out. Maybee some one else could add a comment on this one. It was nice to cruse Mercer street. Your comment on the blog sure brought back some good memories. Thanks Pete
Tom Dillon on August 15, 2010 5:24 PM
Hey All, Just got home. Thanks for a great weekend. Love each and everyone of you.
Again, thanks to all of you locals who made this one of the most memorable reunions ever.
Approximately 1825 days until we meet again! Doug, I am not going to break this down any further.
Tom Dillon on August 15, 2010 6:47 PM
Mea culpa. Carl, please accept my most profound apology – I thank our local classmates for the success of the reunion, but the web page was such an integral component to all the pre planning and communication. We thank you. I look forward to staying in touch with all of you through the Blog over the next several years.
Your thought about reordering the menu and moving the Blog toward the top may result in greater participation by more classmates. As I mentioned, I didn't realize that this vehicle for communication was available to us until just a few weeks ago.
Fred Lucas on August 15, 2010 6:52 PM
Like Tom Dillon, I just returned home. I would like to thank Carl and the many local classmates who put in many hours to make our reunion successful. I spent time visiting with classmates and taking photos. I also took time to visit Ted Kessinger at the Princeton Health Center across from the old Mooney's Drive Inn. His mind is clear but he moves slowly with a walker. When I talked with him about the fiftieth reunion, he cried. I mentioned to the staff that he is part of our class and that we held a fiftieth reunion. The staff told me that any visits by us would be appreciated. Like Tom I love each of you and wish you the best as we continue our journey through life.
William Stephenson on August 16, 2010 12:28 AM
Hey everyone. I would like to say what a wonderful weekend we all had at the Stem. Judy and I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome that you bestowed upon us. After being there at pipestem with you this weekend made me realize how much of a family you are to me. I love each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart. I would like to pass a big thanks to Sonya, Barbara, Emma Lou, Darla, and Patty for taking their time to set up the hospitality desk and the decorations for our evening get together. Also a great big thanks to Tracy, Carl, Myron, and Doug for all the time and work that you put into the program. For all the others that had input in the program thanks. Until we all can come together again Judy and I wish you nothing but the best. Those that have some physical problems, keep up the fight and put god on your side. Until we can meet again. God speed.
Your 1960 classmate and friend always. Pete Stephenson
Tom, If we have to dress up for cheer leaders again before our next game I need a 2x skirt. Love you all.
Tom Dillon on August 16, 2010 7:15 AM
Pete, We do have a blue polyester skirt with a slit up the back. What size shoe do you need? We have a size 12, woman's strappy sandal shoe with an extremely high heel – also a Dolly Parton, blond wig. You will have to provide your own make-up (you need to bank a couple of month's social security checks as you will need quite a lot) and Shave!
William Stephenson on August 16, 2010 1:28 PM
T.D. I don,t know if that size 12 would even fit. At 265 I might need a larger size. I don,t know if could shave though. All joking aside brother I always considered you as a brother along with fish,Gee,@Ched.I truly am blessed to have had friends like you guys while growing up. I think of you guys often and all memories are great. Love you man stay in touch.
Ched Yearout on August 16, 2010 1:35 PM
We got home to Hendersonville, TN last evening. I just wanted to say to all that it was wonderful to see and fellowship with you again. Moments into a reunion it seems as though we never left and we pick right up again. Our class is truly a remarkable bunch.
Thanks to Myron, Patty, Doug, Darla, Carl and the others who put so much effort into keeping us all together. Tracy's words were (as always) inspirational.
Thanks again for a wonderful weekend.
Tom Dillon on August 16, 2010 5:31 PM
Epilogue ––
None of you athletes other than Yearout seemed interested in my dream, so I have pursued another item on my "Bucket List" independently of you. I called the local high school and talked to someone in the athletic office. I told them that I played football and had another year of varsity eligibility and would possibly like to try out for their team. The gentlemen asked me where I had played my other years, and whether the school was a member of the National Federation of High School Association as they abided by their rules. Duh, yes, we were still a part of the Union, weren’t we? – We played around 1960, not 1860.By the way; he never asked me my age.
The spokesmen said that they would be willing to give me a tryout, but due to school budget constraints that I would need to furnish my own equipment. He further stated that other than the regular equipment, shin guards were mandatory for all practices and games – what wimps, even our linemen didn’t wear shin guards. Mr. Wooten also asked if I were familiar with the FIFA rules for football. I said yes, but don’t have any idea what he is talking about. Can anyone of you help?
I have begun to research E-bay for equipment, but other than Favre, Manning, etc., jerseys at unspeakable costs, I am not having much luck.
I will keep you updated. Two-a-days start next week, so I am trying to do some running with heat indexes over 100. It’s arm-pit hot, so I am not doing any work in the yard and evidently – not much else other than trying to catch Fred with Blog comments.
Miss you guys already!!
ched yearout on August 16, 2010 5:38 PM
I still have my #46 PHS football jersey. (The same one as in Ed Laufer's video). I was going to bring it to the reunion but forgot....! how cool it would have been to walk to the podium in that thing as Tom was relating his dream.
Pete Stephenson on August 16, 2010 7:02 PM
Ched-you probably can still get into your #46. I don't think at 265 I could get into ole #15. Lucky for you that you ended up with your jersey. I don't believe that I ever heard of anything so preposterous as a center on the football team wearing a #15. Coach said that QB'S and center should match up. Duh sorry Fish I talked to coach about this and he said sorry. But that was that/. T.D.I think FIFA is the international bady for world football 'soccer'. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Don't know anything about soccer. Ched, what was the video you mentioned about? I didn't see it. Pete
Ched on August 17, 2010 1:28 PM
Pete,
The Video was the one Ed Laufer showed on the TV on Sat. night. It was of our Sr. Class picnic at Little Beaver Lake.
Pete Stephenson on August 17, 2010 1:55 PM
Ched--Thanks for the info on the video. I don,t know where i was when he showed it. I will get in towch with Ed and see if i can get a copy. Stay in touch. Pete
Tom Dillon on August 18, 2010 8:06 AM
Pete, I saw you in the coat room trying to steal a kiss from Judy while Eddie was showing the video. Kay and I really enjoyed meeting her. You did good man!
Pete Stephenson on August 18, 2010 8:56 AM
Thom--From where I was sitting at our table it looked to me like you didn,t do so bad yourself. Kay sure has a lot of personality. Nothing but the best for my old high school bud. Tom It seemed like yesterday when we all got together. It didn,t seem like 50 years. The lord has been good to us. You and Kay take care of yourselves and we will do the same here in Va. love ya Pete
Pete Stephenson on August 18, 2010 9:11 AM
Hey Linda=robert mills What a joy it was to socialize with you two over the weekend. Judy and I loved our visit with you. you guys take care on your journey to Florida and back. Robert I still haven,t put it all together on the old neighborhood. You two take care, Stay in touch LOL. Pete-Judy
Mike Farley on August 18, 2010 11:17 AM
To our wonderful class of 1960...... I want everyone to know how blessed I was to be a part of the fellowship with my classmates on the nights of Aug. 13th & 14th 2010. I think each time we assemble together, we become closer in hearts and souls. Thanks to all of you who make our reunions a great success. I am already looking forward to 2015. May God Bless our class of 1960!! I love you all!!!
Pete Stephenson on August 19, 2010 2:20 PM
Tom-I was trying to figure Mike out also. Only he will know for sure. Thats ok Mike I have a lot of those senior moments myself. Especially trying to find my car keys. I blame Judy for hiding them from me. I received my copy of the group foto from Doug yesterday. It really is a good picture of everyone. Thanks for all the memories everyone. LOL.Pete
Mike Farley on August 29, 2010 11:34 AM
Hey guys, I haven't been home since the reunion. Barb and I have been in Pigeon Forge, TN. and now in Branson, MO. Just checked out the Blog notes. Loved everyone's comments about our GREAT 50th.
Gene Fields on August 19, 2010 3:16 PM
Well folks, I am still trying to digest the range of emotions I experienced last weekend. Suffice it to say, for LaVerne and I, it was wonderful. I will always feel indebted to all of you who made it possible. I find it truly amazing that even though our reunions are five years apart, when we come together, it's as if we never parted except for the obvious gray hair, additional wrinkles, etc.
I want to again thank all of you who prayed for me during the past several months. The power of prayer cannot be overstated, take it from me, the beneficiary. That is how I was able to be there with you again. Please be as diligent for Fran Rice Baker. She is going through a very hard time as I did.
God bless, I love you all
aloma jones-ashworth on August 20, 2010 11:06 AM
hi If I am not mistaken the first few years we did 10 year reunion then vote to do five years.
Tom Dillon on August 20, 2010 11:55 AM
Farve is back!!! If he can potentially take hits from 300-plus- pound defensive players at age 40(41 in Oct.), I can take punishment from less than 200-pound high schoolers.
My getting into shape is going fairly well. I am doing 40 yard sprints for time – one per day, so as not to peak too soon. Is 12.5 seconds a decent time?
PETE STEPHENSON on August 20, 2010 7:17 PM
Tom -12seconds in the 40 might be good for you. I probably will have to take 5 in the 20. Never was much of a runner.I still think I could take the hits though
Tom Dillon on August 22, 2010 10:11 AM
Did everyone's computer crash? Is anyone out there?
Enjoyed reunion pictures so far.
Pat Smith on August 22, 2010 3:13 PM
It was amazing to look at Doug's group photo and realize I can still remember specific things from high school about each classmate in that photo. When you think about it, it's truly remarkable that we have been blessed with all these friendships for all these years. And Ched, I agree - it's like we just saw each other yesterday. Pete - I'm glad you found your way back to us. Now if we could get Eve Garland, Larry Watkins, Mokey Crawford, Brenda McDonel and sundry others back in the fold, we'd be doing great. Let's bombard those people with cards and letters to get them back. Their addresses are on the Classmates today page. I had a great time, but I sure missed Sonny. He's probably rocking in Heaven.
Carol Martin on August 22, 2010 6:34 PM
I stumbled on your blog when I went on line to look at the reunion photos. I wanted to make sure that you all are aware that, Irwin, my dear friend since before we started to school, has macular degeneration and is almost blind. I am very concerned; however, Bob takes good care of her.
Jeff Shumaker touched my heart at the reunion. He told me that he and Neil were together shooting pool (Jeff, Neil and I lived in Montgomery, WV 1963-65) when the announcement was made that Kennedy had been shot. It just seemed important to him that he and Neil were together at that emotional time in history.
Take care,
Brenda McDonel Persin on August 23, 2010 12:54 AM
Thank you, Pat Smith, for remembering and missing me at the reunion. My husband is suffering from Alzheimer's, and it was impossible for me to attend this year. However, as a result of Carl's site, I have reconnected with quite a few members of the class that were lost to me. Doug and Ched's pictures make me almost feel like I was at the reunion. I will do my best to attend the next one even though at our age it's difficult to plan five years ahead. I didn't find the blog until after the reunion, but I have enjoyed reading all the comments from everyone.
Pete Stephenson on August 23, 2010 1:32 PM
Brenda--Ched is right in saying it was like yesterday. I attended my first reunion last weekend. True enough It was like time had stood still for me. I had a blast seeing everyone. It was good to hear that you and Cookie hooked up at your place. My prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong, keep the lord in your court. Hope to see you soon. Pete
Brenda McDonel Persin on August 30, 2010 5:43 PM
Thanks for your message, Pete. I've only been to two reunions, the 15th and the 30th, but I am determined to be at the next.
Brenda McDonel Persin on August 23, 2010 11:06 AM
Loretta, I bet you wore clip or screw-back earrings in 1960 and probably now have pierced ears. So, you can't still wear your earrings!! I can still wear my bracelets.
Fran Rice Baker on August 24, 2010 11:07 AM
Hi from Florida - Billie Rae spent an afternoon last week telling me all the "stories" about the weekend and it was SO much fun to hear about so many of you! I was sure there in Spirit with you, and hopefully in person in 2015.
Gene - tears pouring down my face from reading your wife's Ptcn. Times account of your marriage and Lymphoma - I know we've emailed a few times, but had no idea of the details. It was so encouraging to read and then see pictures of you at the Reunion looking so fine! Hoping in October when my Chemo is over to be as successful as you've been.
Thanks for your recent mention of praying for me on the blog - Brenda McDonel just told me of the blog's existence in an email yesterday! Sorry I didn't see it on the site, Carl. I will look for it now that I'm in home isolation for another 2 months - hard for someone used to going out and about everyday! This too share pass and I'll have a life back again soon. Much love to each of you - Fran
Fred Lucas on August 25, 2010 8:35 AM
I received the photo from Doug and really enjoyed it. When I returned to Cincinnati I showed it to friends at the gym. They enjoyed seeing everyone. The ladies wanted to know which women I had dated in high school. When I pointed out the ladies, I added that they are as attractive as ever: Trish, Billie Rae, Candy
I hope to see others at the next reunion. One of my friends at the gym who is a mental health counselor explained unfortunately, some people have dark secrets from the past that they don't want revealed.
Or relations with others were so painful that they won't come.
Do have an enjoyable fall. Peace
LaVerne Fields on August 25, 2010 10:50 PM
Hello, Everyone!
I guess that I am not alone when it comes to never having visited the blog before (I've read other entries!) Anyway, I just want to say that after being the wife of Gene Fields for almost 20 years, and having attending my FIFTH class reunion with you guys this year...I have to say that this was one of the best!! All of you seem to have such a great dynamic together, and it's so fun to just sit and listen to all of the 'good times' that you have shared.
Gene says that I am an "old soul", and I believe him. I've always loved old things... antiques... (I mean, look at my husband!).... ha, ha, Baby...just kidding!!! Seriously, though, both of us appreciate the thoughts and the prayers and the communication that we received during this last year. We HOPE that our battle is over...there will be more tests in November...so I will be holding my breath till then. However, regardless of the outcome now or in the future, I believe that we should live every day as if it's our last. That way, if and when it is? We have no regrets!
Pat, I want to say a gigantic THANK YOU to you for putting my article on here...that was so sweet and thoughtful of you. You won't believe how many people came up to us at the reunion, and had read that because of you....so thank you, again!!!
Okay, the only thing now is that you are really going to have to work HARD to one-up the reunion we just had...it was just awesome! Thank you ALL for letting me share in your 'glory days'.....I'm just really sad that I never played football.....
Pete Stephenson on August 26, 2010 12:12 PM
Laverne, Great commentary on the blog. If you could have played football as good as you write then there is no doubt that you would have been a winner. Its not whether you win or loose, but how you play the game. Our high school football teams didn,t win a lot of games. But we sure worked as hard as anybody. The comarade that we got out of the game means more to me than all the wins and loses. The 59 basketball team went undefeated. But folks don,t look at the wins, just the one loss up state. I wonder sometimes who was the real winners. I believe it was all of us kids going to school together and being as one when we graduated. I pray that is the way it was.
Becky Novarro on August 26, 2010 2:49 PM
Laverne, You are a credit to our class. We could use a lot more of the kindness you show. Gene really got lucky. So glad you have shared him with all of us. He is special.
Fred Lucas on August 26, 2010 4:43 PM
Laverne,
Gene and Fran Rice Baker have been an inspiration to our class. Cancer is a real challenge to anyone who has that problem. You and other members of Gene's family and Fran's family are quite supportive. Those of us who are classmates offer our love and support as well. That is important. I spoke to Bill Donovan who is a retired Cincinnati fireman. He has been cancer free for two years. He has been working out at the gym on a regular basis.
His wife Gail told me that each night he does breathing exercises and engages in prayer.
Gene and Fran are already having favorable outcomes. So many of us have offered prayers and support. They can't miss.
Regards,
Fred Lucas
Tom Dillon on August 28, 2010 7:13 AM
Another dream or at least a memory -- What female classmate became famous and/or infamous our senior year for her frequent use of the phrase "How embarrassing"?
Anyone have anymore reunion pictures to share?
Tom Dillon on August 30, 2010 7:00 AM
Sarah, thanks for the pics.
Tom Dillon on August 30, 2010 3:33 PM
Brenda M., Did you ever use this phrase?
Brenda McDonel Persin on August 30, 2010 5:41 PM
I was going to wait to see if anyone responded--now I know that nobody remembers me. How embarrassing is that! I guess I will have to attend the next reunion or I will fade into total oblivion.
Fred Lucas on August 28, 2010 8:35 PM
I would like to offer a few thoughts about another reunion. I gave these thoughts to Doug. However I want to share them. First, next reunion, schedule between September 15 and October 15 when the weather isn't hot. Several years ago when I was a member of the Alumni Council at Concord, I stayed at Pipestem over March 17. The walls were paper thin. I could hear others in surrounding rooms. Cookie Hill reported that she experienced the same phenomena. She had to pay $97 for that. I stayed at the Sleep Inn. I didn't hear anything. I paid $80 per night and received a breakfast as part of the room charge. I would like to suggest that we not promote Pipestem as a good hotel.
Second, there are other closer places to hold an event. Concord has a nice facility. Alcohol isn't allowed. My cousin, Vickie Pashion said that her class'70 will hold a reunion at the Elks Club in Princeton. Another class used the Bluefield Country Club. We used the Bluefield Holiday Inn. Finally, there is the Fincastle Country Club. These are on four lane highways.
Third, since most people wanted to talk, I can see no rationale for hiring another DJ.
Doug wanted me to lead the Alma Mater. Afterwards, I was to sit and listen to the rockabilly favored by Myron. I've appeared as a soloist on television in Cincinnati, I have sung at several churches as a soloist Also, I did John Denver's work Almost Heaven with a bluegrass band in Roanoke, I thought that I should prepare a solo for the group. As I said in an E-Mail to Doug, there are a number of musical tastes not everyone likes rockabilly music..I have had five years of voice training and have participated in two classical recordings with the Cincinnati Symphony as a member of the May Festival Chorus. If you want to hear me in the future, let Doug and Myron know.
Tom Dillon on August 30, 2010 6:57 AM
Since no one wishes to play the game, (Who was famous for saying this?), I thought I might generate some classmate participation by giving Fred some feed back on his ideas regarding future reunions. Many of you surely have opinions.
First, we should retain the rough time parameters of roughly the long July 4th weekend to mid-August as possible dates for our reunions. In the main, later dates put us in conflict with school schedules and college- and pro- football games. True, we don’t have children in school per se, but some of us have grandchildren who we watch after school, for whom we provide transportation as needed, and who are very involved in fall sports. We did have a reunion once in October and I think the attendance was rather poor.
I have stayed at Pipestem several times since it opened including all our class reunions held there and a Dillon/Herring family reunion hosted there several years ago. We have never had an issue with the rooms and overall service, including this year. Several classmates stayed there this year as well. If there has been a problem with the specific accommodations for our reunions, i.e., meeting room, buffet, etc., that is a matter for the reunion committee to address. Has there been a problem?
When one drives into the entrance of the park, it is like coming home to "Those West Virginia Hills". We saw deer and wild turkeys. Nothing compares! The exit off of I77 toward Princeton and on to Bluefield is not picturesque – it looks like someone peppered some eating establishments and motels on an old strip mining site. I don’t wish to drive over 8 hours to stay at a motel that is close to a four lane highway and offers no ambiance. I am very willing to pay a few more bucks a night to experience the idyllic setting of Pipestem – the hotel may not be 5-star, but it is fine.
Bluefield is out – we tried that before. No alcohol? – Classmates should make that decision for themselves!
Perhaps a DJ is not necessary, but someone with their own sound equipment and skills to play music has to be retained. Many classmates enjoy the opportunity to dance.
And finally, I must cast a strong no vote for a solo. Many classmates have talents that they have honed over the years, but our limited reunion time is not the proper forum.
Pete Stephenson on August 30, 2010 11:43 AM
Tom – I have to agree with you on the pipestem stay. I try to go back to pipestem every year for a day or two just to get the real feeling of being back home. I thought the accommodations at the park were just fine. We heard a few noises at about 10;30 the first night but nothing to drastic. The lay out of the hallways with to over stuffed furniture makes it nice for people like me with bad knees. Just to sit and relax. Also I think its nice to have everything in one building. If we take a vote on this my answer is no. I also think that David Ruble did a fairly well job with the music. He couldn,t be that expensive. Five years from now is a long time maybe all will get on the right page and have another fantastic get together. I just hope we all can remember which parking lot we parked our autos. Go eers.
Fred Lucas on August 30, 2010 5:25 PM
Tom your point about wanting to be near wild creatures is well taken. But as we get older, we don't know what will be our health situations at the time of the reunion. Also driving over narrow Rt. 20 isn't fun for me especially at night.
I would much prefer a site near a four lane highway with easy access. I didn't have any problems with the Holiday Inn in Bluefield.. I have no problems with Concord since I've been to several banquets there. The room is large and they have a good kitchen staff.
I'm not familiar with the situation at the Princeton Elks Club. The class of '70 will be there. I will ask my cousin about it when the time comes.
As far as dates, you football fans and wildlife fans could very easily wait. I has to contend with 92 degree heat coming to WVA. An autumn date would certainly be better for me.
Regarding the DJ, we noticed that only a few people danced from time to time. Most people talked. I have a friend who went to a reunion in Chicago. There was no music. Again the rationale escapes me Tom.
Finally regarding a solo from me, Arnold and the rock band monopolized the time giving me no chance to do anything. in 2005.
I had problems with the room at Pipestem . For me the walls were paper thin , the food was over priced and wasn't that good and the amenities compared to the Sleep Inn were not as good. I couldn't get a breakfast as part of the cost of the room. I was nowhere near private restaurants. or shopping areas. Princeton has a great fitness center at the hospital.
I admire your desire to be near nature but not all of us have that need.
- - -
Carol Martin on August 30, 2010 4:03 PM
Since the state of South Carolina is suffering from budget shortages, how about contributing to our cause and moving our locale to Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head!
Neil graduated from Bluefield High School, class of 1960, and we attended his reunion in July at the Elks Club which is the old Bluefield Country Club. Inside, the accommodations were nice as the rooms were very large and the DJ was in a room adjacent to the dining room. However, the drive to the Elks Club is quite depressing. The streets are narrow and parking is extremely limited. Also, Bluefield is a dying city with dilapidated buildings. I definitely prefer seeing deer and pretty scenery.
I wonder if we should consider having a reunion in two or three years instead of five. Put on your shagging shoes and let's head on down to Myrtle Beach!
Charolene Fields Glenn on September 4, 2010 7:43 AM
What an awesome 50th reunion we had. Really enjoyed seeing my classmates again. I think we are a very good looking bunch. My husband ended the reunion with a bang. He fell out of the bath room into the entrace way of our room. I found him on the floor at 11:00pm Sat evening. Scared me witless. Patty, thank you so much for getting some men together to help with the situaltion. Eldridge was admitted to the hospital when we got back home. He had edema and congestive heart failure. The hospital removed 35 lbs of fluid in two days. He fights this edema constantly. Thanks to all of you for remembering him in your prayers. A special note to: Our Reunion Committee. I hope ALL of you know what a fantastic job you do. We would not be able to get together and reminice without your efforts. So....thanks from the bottom of our hearts.
Carol Martin on September 4, 2010 6:35 PM
Charlene, you and Eldridge are in our hearts and prayers. I was thinking after the reunion that I didn't get to spend enough time with you. Also, I agree with the three things that you mentioned that you were trying to keep in mind as you approached the fifty-year reunion, and you are so right. I appreciate you and your kind heart. Take care until we meet again.
"Love one another"
Tom Dillon on September 11, 2010 7:09 AM
The Marshall U. versus West Virginia U. football game last evening was one of the best I can remember. Hope that many of you saw it. I must admit that I was pulling for Marshall to salvage the upset, but WVU had the stronger team overall.
Kay and I are off to see Purdue's first home game today. We haven't had any rain to speak of since July, but guess what is coming down now and will last most of the day.
Brenda McDonel Persin on September 12, 2010 12:50 AM
I can't remember when I wanted a team to win as much as I wanted Marshall to defeat WVU. It was a great football game, but the outcome was just too disappointing. Only two people from our graduating class went to Marshall--Glen Allin and me. Bob Pruitt and his wife Elsie were from Beckley (as was my first husband) and was a close friend in college. Peggy Tolley Foster Peery (Rick Tolley's sister) lives in Tazewell and is a very close friend now. How many of you have seen the movie about Marshall's football team and the horrible airplane crash? That memory is as vivid to me as JFK's death or 9/11. I will never forget that night and where I was.
Tom Dillon on September 12, 2010 7:31 AM
Yes, definitely saw the movie. I don't remember where I was. I love the chant "We are Marshall".
Has anyone ever had contact with Glenn Allin?
Brenda McDonel Persin on September 12, 2010 12:26 PM
After I was married and lived in Huntington, I used to see Glen and his wife Dottie (Williams--class of '61) quite frequently. After I left Huntington, I never saw them again.
Becky Novarro on September 13, 2010 8:14 PM
Remember that the Mega 60 is on October 29 and 30. Judging from how it looks now, the trees should be turning---they have already started.
Jim George on September 23, 2010 11:52 PM
Glen called me several (three?) years ago out of the blue regarding one of his (and Dottie's) children who was in Texas. He also told me he was caring for his aging mother, and as I recall she lived near them in Huntington and she was going to require additional care. Glen sounded tired and concerned about his mother. I mentioned to him that we had missed him at the reunions and hoped that he would make the next one (the recent fiftieth) but apparently he was not able to join us.
Carol Martin on September 15, 2010 1:04 PM
Hi Brenda! We missed seeing you at the 50th Reunion!
Yes, we have seen the movie "Marshall." It was painful to watch; however, the story needed to be told.
I have a Tazewell story... I am a golf widow, but don't mind. Anyway, several years ago Neil was playing at one of the island courses (probably Fripp) and he saw a man with cap that had
"Tazewell Va" on it. Neil inquired if he was really from Tazewell and the man stated that he was. Neil told him that he grew up in Bluefield and that he only knew two people from Tazewell, Kenny Crawford and his dad, John. The man said that he knew Kenny and that Kenny had the nicest wife, Martha. Well, Neil told him that he certainly agreed with him, Martha is our niece,
Martha Martin Crawford. Kenny and Martha both live in PA now and are no longer together. We do hear from Martha several times a year.
Tom Dillon on September 15, 2010 3:45 PM
Just saw a great movie this pm. Check out "Forever Strong" -- it's about rugby, but has a tremendous theme about forgiveness and living for today and not in the past.
Pete Stephenson on September 16, 2010 12:21 PM
This past weekend `10 of us guys went to our hunting camp In Bath co.Va.to do some house cleaning and to cut firewood for the up coming Hunting season. Bath county is about 80 miles north of where I live here in Vinton. The mountains are so dry that a lot of the trees have already started their fall beauty. I saw a lot of walnut trees that had just about shed their leaves. The Iron wood always turns first.To a beautiful bright red . We have a log house there in bath co. I can imigine that the trees a Pipestem are geting ready for the fall folage. If you haven,t seen this spectacle from some of the lookouts along the main road,you should. Take your camera. God shed his grace on W.Va. when it come to beauty. F
mike farley on September 16, 2010 4:29 PM
Thanks for the info Tom. Barb and I are going to pick up a movie for tonight. Sounds like that will be a good pick. Along with a bowl of popcorn, we should be set.
Brenda McDonel Persin on September 17, 2010 2:21 PM
Hi Carol, Hopefully, I'll be at the next reunion. We have only lived in Tazewell about ten years and I don't know your niece, but I love Tazewell. My husband and I were golfers until about three years ago when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Has Neil ever played at Fincastle Country Club in Bluefield, VA?
Mike Farley on September 17, 2010 2:33 PM
Watched the movie Forever Strong last night. Tom Dillon was correct. This movie is very intense. Shows a lot of loyalty, courage and conviction. It is a sports drama. (rugby)
Carol Martin on September 19, 2010 5:18 PM
Brenda, yes, Neil has played Fincastle many times as his uncle, Carl Martin, was a member there for years and any time we were in the area, and the weather co-operated, they played Fincastle. Sadly, Carl passed away in 2005. Neil played with his cousin in July when we were in the area. He has played golf all over TX and SC and Fincastle remains near the top of his list!
Our niece, Martha, moved to PA from Tazewell about 20 years ago. She was a nurse at one of the hospitals in Bluefield.
"Love one another"
Pat Smith on September 20, 2010 3:15 AM
As far as the suggestions for future reunion changes - "if it ain't broken, why fix it?" We seem to have a higher percentage of people attending than many other classes. My daughter's class of 1983 hasn't even had a reunion since 1993, so we are doing something right. I agree with Tom that we need music, if not a DJ and as far as "Myron's Rockabilly", I think the rationale behind that choice is our high school music. I enjoy listening and remembering. I did not like the Holiday Inn. We were in the hall, if I remember correctly. As for Concord, you still have to drive on Route 20. Actually the drive between Princeton and Athens is the curviest part. Why did Doug and Tom get to speak? Well, it seems to me that the person who is very involved with the planning of the reunion and who is asked by the reunion committee to MC should get to speak and that's Doug. Tom was the Class President, so it's natural for him to emote. Maybe we should put everyone's name in a hat and draw one out and give them some time to do whatever they would like to do. That way no one feels left out - luck of the draw. Hopefully, it won't be me, because it's evident I can't be brief!! P.S. Brenda - call me - I'm in Princeton now - 304-425-6347.
Tom Dillon on September 20, 2010 8:25 AM
Pat, I knew that I was progressively molting, but blamed it on the dog when I emoted.
J.K. George, how about an update on getting the book published. I would like to read it myself rather than have someone read it to me.
Tom Dillon on September 21, 2010 10:59 AM
Where is anyone????
Pete Stephenson on September 21, 2010 2:08 PM
I hope all are well today. Judy and I have had the flu for several days. Really bad cough that goes along with this strand. I agree with Pat, If it isnt broke don,t fix it. I honestly think that Doug and Thomas did a fine job. Five years down the road can make a lot of changes. I suggest that we come together as friends and classmates and try to tolerate one another in our old age. Your are not old until you are 100 so lets all stick together and love one another. Pat, the names in the hat is a bad idea. I could win the prize and brother you guys would be in for a surprise. Everyone have a good day and great life.
Pat Smith on September 21, 2010 10:05 PM
Tom & Pete - Looks like we are the ones to keep this going. Pete, Telling us to have a great life sounds like you are signing off. Don't do that. Let's get some more feedback on three years between reunions. We never know what tomorrow will bring, much less five years,
Jim George on September 24, 2010 12:00 AM
Thanks, Tommy, for the email today about the blog. To be honest, I had sort of forgotten about it. It's pretty lively. I'm in agreement about keeping the reunion at Pipestem. The rooms are OK, not great, but the location and convenience to the activities are great. Let's not deviate very much from what we are doing now.
Regarding the novel, I have completed another revision.. this one incorporating a complete review from my editor. She really has helped me, and this version will be the one I use to send to agents and prospective publishers. The plan is to have it in print before the end of 2011. There will be plenty of notice and I do plan some advertisements in local (West Virginia as well as Texas) newspapers and magazines. Stay tuned! Thanks for asking about the progress.
Delores "Cookie" Hill Brown on September 21, 2010 11:29 PM
At our age a three year reunion sounds wonderful and I might add....only common sense....if only a picnic and some good ole Rock n' Roll. I still like to dance although the last time I "flat-footed" to Rocky Top I screwed my knee up royally. I guess they will just send me to "End of Life Counseling." Pipestem is a wonderful venue but whatever those doing all the work decides is also wonderful. I had originally planned to attend the Mega in October but my grand daughter changed those plans for me. She won a trip to New York to participate in Teen Vogue University 2010 scheduled for that weekend with Vera Wang as the keynoter. Guess who gets to carry her luggage?
Pete Stephenson on September 21, 2010 11:39 PM
Pat I hope i,m not signing off for good. One of my hunting buddies is always saying "is this a great life or what" I in return always say or what. I,m with all of you that think a 3 year reunion or just a get together would be fine. Its good to have the feedback that we are having. More need to get in on the chatter.
Tom Dillon on September 22, 2010 9:16 AM
I am intrigued with the idea of getting together in three years and then for our regular reunion in five years. I have no idea as to how to orchestrate the former – we cannot rely on the local reunion committee to put together both.
Is it as simple as designating a place and date and then having a picnic and a long weekend together as Cookie suggested? Ideas?
Gail Wiggins BOWLING on September 22, 2010 11:04 AM
I enjoyed the reunion very much and now wish I could have attended the Friday night function also. I live in the Winston Salem, NC area at Oak Valley Golf Course and I have retired as a property & casualty insurance agent. My husband Jim passed away in 1992 with Lupus and I came to NC to work with my cousin's business Bellomy Research and later went back to Property and Casualty insurance. I like this area very much. I am sorry about Brenda's husband and my prayers are with her.
Hope to see you next reunion. Gail
Pat Smith on September 22, 2010 1:26 PM
okay, I'm going out on the limb here- Many of you know and most don't, that I'm renovating an old schoolhouse to live in. It's taking so long that I've joked that my goal is to move in when I'm 70. I just realized that will be about the time for a three year reunion. It's on two acres of land out in the country, near Glenwood Park. I would be glad to host eveyone for a picnic. We could have croquet, badminton,horseshoes and rock-n-roll. Even if it rains, I think I could easily fit about 80 into my house. I could borrow a couple of extra grills and my neighbors are far enough away that we wouldn't bother them. I have a big deck and a Jacuzzi, so we could dance and whatever. So, if that sounds like a good idea, let's pick a date in 2013 and plan on it. Feedback?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 22, 2010 2:58 PM
I really enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion. What a good party!!! I read and listen to every suggestion...keep them coming. Many thanks to Carl for all his hard work on the reunion and website. And to Doug for his work on the reunion and for the "great" picture.
Delores "Cookie" Hill Brown on September 23, 2010 12:15 AM
Just read Pat's offer for a picnic at the school house. Now thats a winner. Bring your own chair and come on down. Only if we have a principal....and a DJ who will play Rocky Top so I can get the knot out of my knee.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 23, 2010 7:12 AM
My feedback...give me a date and time and I will be there!!!!
Tom Dillon on September 23, 2010 7:28 AM
DITTO! I can serve as principal for you wayward children
Mike Farley on September 24, 2010 11:36 AM
WOW!!! Good conversations. I agree with Darla, the group who put our reunion together this summer are to be praised for the time and effort given for such a wonderful celebration of our past years together. I would like to thank Pat for offering her home to our "old" classmates for a 3 year celebration. If this old body of mine can still function, I'll be there.
As far as putting names in the hat for speakers, please leave mine out. I was very happy with listening to very knowledgeable speakers.
As for the music, I love the music of our high school days.
Brenda McDonel Persin on September 24, 2010 11:01 AM
Pat, I love that idea.
Pete Stephenson on September 24, 2010 12:41 PM
Pat thanks lots for the offer of your home. I for one will vote for it. 4D18
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 24, 2010 2:01 PM
Pat, I love the games you mentioned...another reminder of the "good old days".
Delores "Cookie" Hill Brown on September 24, 2010 2:30 PM
Cookie "here." Ok. Got the sign-in rule mastered this time.
Lets not wait three years. We will all be there next weekend Pat.
Tom Dillon on September 24, 2010 5:38 PM
OK other classmates. You know who you are.
At least sign in with a " ____ here" so we know you are reading the blog.
Carol Martin on September 24, 2010 9:26 PM
I knew you clever people would come up with some good ideas. Thanks, Pat.
Cookie, have you tried SynviscOne injections in your knee? I had four and can't tell any difference. Last summer I had a cortisone shot, which was great, but temporary.
I am curious, do you all get local high school football on ESPN?
Tonight is the second one this fall.... It beats going out in this heat. It is still in the 90's here!
"love one another"
Delores Cookie Hill Brown on September 25, 2010 12:39 AM
Carol...no I haven't done anything for my knee. Just happy that at least I tore it up doing something I love...flat footing to "Rocky Top." I'm a firm believer that all injections should be saved for the face. Don't ever waste them on a knee. I can cover my knee up. Sorry...Sometimes the "devil just makes me say stuff." He comes out of left field, grabs me and I'm at his mercy.
Pat Smith on September 25, 2010 3:47 AM
Cookie, I'm game, but we would be bathroomless and at our age, I doubt that would work!Carol, call me, I tried calling you, but it wouldn't let me leave a message - it's about the piano.
Linda Phlegar MILLS on September 25, 2010 11:19 AM
Hello to all. Been out of touch in Princeton for the fall Hokie season, Home in Florida a few days. Love Pipestem and always have. Would love to continue to stay there. Loved seeing everyone, Music is great as a background and for dancing. DJ preferable. These are my opinions of course and everyone has one. Pete and Judy we will try to figure out the neighborhood situation,. Hope to see everyone at the Sensational 60's reunion in October. Linda
Tom Dillon on September 25, 2010 5:43 PM
2 things –
I e-mailed several classmates via the "classmates today" feature and asked if they ever accessed the blog. Several responded. Three said that they read the blog frequently, but never write anything. A fourth classmate was not aware of the feature. That is why I keep asking that "readers only" at least one time comment with "name here". I am still convinced that some classmates with computers and internet access are not aware of the blog feature.
Second, Fred Lucas has volunteered to author and coordinate an e-mail newsletter about our class which he will send out monthly to quarterly. He will collect the imputs via his e-mail (fredrick.lucas@yahoo.com) and forward to Carl or Doug or Myron (whoever has the most up-to-date group e-mail address. Fred talked to other classes ("58" & "59") and they evidently do this.
The information in the newsletter would be about significant things that might not be shared on the blog, e.g., grandchildren and/or great granchildren births, classmate and/or spouses or family illnesses, travel, etc..The newsletter will be as succesful and productive as we all make it. Fred would like to send out the first by Nov. 1st.
Tom Dillon on September 26, 2010 7:13 AM
I spoke with Terry St. Clair last night. Terry's wife (Betty Jane Carr-PHS class of "62), has been in the hospital, a rehab center, and back in the hospital for most of the month. She is currently in an intensive care unit in a hospital in Roanoke and is not doing well.
Terry said that prayers and cards would be appreciated.
Mike Farley on September 26, 2010 9:28 AM
Terry/Betty Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
Pete Stephenson on September 26, 2010 6:01 PM
Terry, all the best wishes for Betty an you. Judy and I have her on our prayer list. Terry if you need a place to stay here in Roanoke we have plenty of room.Our house is yours for any length of time that you need. Call me at 5408905009 if you need anything . Thinking of you and praying for BJ,
Pat Smith on September 26, 2010 7:40 PM
Terry, if you need anything, just let us know and we'll get it. I'll keep both you and your wife in my daily prayers and add you to our prayer list. Keep your chin up and keep us posted.
Becky Novarro on September 26, 2010 10:41 PM
There is a whole section in the Sunday paper about people and interesting things in this area. Blfd Daily Telegraph. Worth looking up on the internet.
Tom Dillon on September 27, 2010 9:41 AM
St. Clair's love for nearly fifty years died yesterday. I don't have any additional details other than she will be buried in Princeton.
All classmates, as you become aware of more information, please share.
Tracy French on September 27, 2010 11:06 AM
I'm all for the 3 year reunion. Don't forget the monthly get together we have at Ryan's the first Tuesday of each month. It's great fellowship.
Pete Stephenson on September 27, 2010 11:58 AM
Terry – Words can,t say enough for how I feel for you and the family. Betty Jane was one of a kind. You two were the perfect couple. Our prayers are with you this day. Stay strong in your faith and the lord will ease your pain. God bless you.If you need me for anything I,m here.
Mike Murphy on September 27, 2010 1:13 PM
Just discovered the Blog today.
Terry - I am so sorry to hear about your wife.
I sensed your great concern about her at the reunion.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back and till we meet again may God hold you in the palms of his hands.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 27, 2010 1:35 PM
Terry - our thoughts and prayers are with you. God will get you through this, just lean on Him.
Mike Farley on September 27, 2010 3:00 PM
Terry, Barb and I want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you .
May the LORD' S loving promises to comfort you, give you strength as you walk through this difficult time.
Mike & Barb
Delores "Cookie" Hill Brown on September 27, 2010 3:49 PM
Terry, my deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred Lucas on September 28, 2010 8:07 AM
I read the E-Mail regarding the death of Betty St. Clair. I spoke to her by phone a couple of weeks ago. I knew about her illness.
I would like to offer condolences to Terry , his children and grandchildren.
Terry, you and Betty were so kind to me when my mother died. As you continue your journey through life, keep in mind the good that she did as a wife, mother, teacher, and grandmother. Fred Lucas
Tom Dillon on September 28, 2010 6:18 PM
I talked with Terry this afternoon. Services for Betty will be this Saturday, October 2, at Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton at 3:00 p.m. Visitation is from 1:00 to 3:00.
Betty had said that if something like this should ever happen – instead of flowers, she asked that donations be made in her name to -- The Pulaski Humane Society, P.O. Box 1046, Dublin, Virginia 24084.
Terry sounded more rested and stronger, but he asked, "How does one ever fill such a void?
I told him about all of our comments on the blog, and Doug's and Carl's e-mails. He said, of course, that he had been too busy and had not been on his computer for several days.
Those of you who are our "silent" participants on the blog may wish to write Terry a short note.
Mary Jane Shumaker Farmer on October 5, 2010 11:01 AM
Does anyone have Terry's address? I was out of town on Saturday, and would like to send him a card. Thanks
Carol Martin on September 28, 2010 6:56 PM
Terry, I hope our thoughts and prayers will be a comfort to you during this difficult time.
Ched on September 28, 2010 7:26 PM
Terry, we are so very sorry to learn of your loss. I will pray for your comfort.
Brenda McDonel Persin on September 28, 2010 7:57 PM
Terry, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Betty well; she was in my sister's class. My sister passed away four years ago.
Pat Smith on September 29, 2010 3:40 AM
Terry, I can't be at the funeral on Saturday, as I will be out of town, but know that my prayers are with you and your family.
Fred Lucas on September 30, 2010 5:42 PM
Recently, I sent information about Mike Currence who is the son of the late Stubby Currence who was the Sports Editor for the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
Mike has been going to physical therapy at Mercy Hospital. He has a cardio problem and must use oxygen. He seems to be doing better. He is walking faster and smiling.
He is a graduate of Bluefield High School and West Virginia University. When I saw him, he reminded me of the outstanding football teams that Merrill Gainer produced.
I told him that we would continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers. After all Carol Martin's husband went to BHS.
Pete Stevenson, I know that you did your best when you played the BHS teams, but you lost. Don't feel bad. Notre Dame has had three losses this year.
Pete Stephenson on September 30, 2010 6:42 PM
Fred-How much support did you give our football teams during our high school. Don,t recall ever seeing you at a game. Correct me if i,m wrong. What gets me though is that most of the student in high school don,t see what happens behind closed gates. How many of you knew about the initiation that we had to go threw when we were freshmen. By the way Fred I could care less if Notre Dame ever wins another game.
Fred Lucas on October 1, 2010 9:51 AM
Hi Pete,
I am really more concerned with Mike Currence and his health than I am about PHS football many years ago. So is Mike can keep his spirits up by reminding me of BHS football fifty years ago then I'm in favor of that.
I know that you and the other members of the team did your best and no I didn't know what went on in practices or in the locker room. Yes, I did go to the games and went to dances like the other teenagers.
Mike Murphy on October 1, 2010 12:42 PM
Late getting into the blog!
I want to react to Fred's suggestions for the next reunion and relate my experience with Pipestem.
18 Months past I suggested the committee look into holding this years reunion at the new Mathena center in Princeton. Got feedback that it was too expensive.
Have had problems with the rooms at Pipestem in the past but decided to give them another try this year. We had to leave after the first night due to getting no sleep, because a TV was playing all night, just loud enough to be aggravating.
The staff at PS tried to find the source of the noise twice, but was not sucessfull resulting in our missing Saturday night due to lack of sleep.
I suggest:
Hold sessions at Princeton Mathena Center or a Motel in Princeton. Hopefully in 5 years there will be one that can accommodate us.
Eliminate DJ or at least lower the volume so that we can converse. For sure don't let the DJ try to sing - aside I like Blue Grass as long as they don't try to sing!
3 years hence sounds good but I recognize the problems and appreciate the committees efforts for a 5 year rotation. no strong feelings.
I want to again thank the committee and all others who work hard to have successful reunions. These are suggestions which I think might improve the success. If it is decided to hold the next reunion at Pipestem, I, God willing, will attend but stay else where.
Ched on October 1, 2010 11:42 AM
Yep I remember that initiation... the anticipation was brutal. then there was "analgesic balm", & "tough skin". My feet have some remaining to this day !!!!
Carol Martin on October 1, 2010 2:56 PM
I hesitate to intrude on football talk; however, if you think Bluefield folks are football crazy, you ought to live in West TX. Have you ever heard of Graham Harrell, former QB for Texas Tech, Jordon Shipley who played for TX last year, Colby Freeman, backup QB TX A&M, and Kirby Freeman, backup QB for Miami? We knew all of them in Brownwood (except Shipley) and his grandmother was a friend of mine and his uncle was our youth minister in TX. If you haven't read Friday Night Lights, please do and you will understand what I am talking about. I was annoyed with their constant football talk when we first moved to TX, but after about five years, I blended in and truly love the way they strive to keep their football, country music and cowboy culture. (Don't Mess With Texas!)
Jimmy, Wilbur and Rick if you read this, please comment. BTW, Brownwood is #1 in football in TX this year. Jaxon Shipley plays for Brownwood and his dad is the coach there now. Also, Fred, when Notre Dame won the National Championship years ago their QB was Tony Rice. He played hs football at Woodruff, SC, just down the road.
Fred, I don't recall if Neil knows your friend, but I will ask him. Have a great weekend!
"love one another"
Pete Stephenson on October 1, 2010 3:50 PM
Ched. Brutal was the right word. I still feel the pain on my buttox to this day.It was brutal but i wouldnt take anything for the experience that we had together. I,m glad that they did away with that initiation. Fred. I,m not trying to come down on you. For me playing the sport of football in high school was a blast. It would have been nice for us to have won a lot of games but that is not what you remember in the long term. A brother hood that last until this very day is what it is all about. Not any scores or such. Carol - a few years ago they made a movie in wtexas called
boys of Summer. this was about Bear Bryant in his last year at A@M, I played some semi pro ball in Germany where i was stationed. Our QB was a Fellow named Terry Osborne. He was the last Qb that the Bear had at A@M before moving to Alabama. Also on that A@M team was a running back named John David Crowe. I believe he might have won the heisman that year.
Tom Dillon on October 1, 2010 4:13 PM
Brutal? Yes!!!!!
If the year were 2010, assault charges could be filed against the upper classmen and all coaches could be fired and lose their teaching licenses (or criminal charges brought).
The initiation was not sacrosanct or privilege as in a fraternity or sorority, so one of you (if you feel so inclined) should possibly share the details of the gauntlet run. In the absence of knowledge, people can generate some weird ideas.
Delores "Cookie" Hill Brown on October 1, 2010 8:38 PM
"Cookie" here! If you want Pete to dye his hair pink please post it here! Don't wager a bet you can't keep Pete!
Tom Dillon on October 2, 2010 4:22 PM
Does Pete have enough hair to dye.? If so, go for it.
Sir Pink Pete
Pete Stephenson on October 2, 2010 7:38 PM
Hey Cookie and Tom=let me in on the joke. Where did you come up with the idea of me having pink hair and making a wager on something. Let me know so I can laugh with you. Not much hair to dye,
Tom Dillon on October 3, 2010 8:21 AM
Sir Pink Pete, I am not in on any joke. I just thought you would look cute with pink hair.
Is Cookie fishing for some details about the initiation?
That is why I wrote that in the absence of knowledge, people may come up with weird ideas to fill the vacuum created by no information.
If we share that part of the initiation was our having to run as fast as we could in our tidy whities, what weird ideas will that generate?
Pete Stephenson on October 3, 2010 12:47 PM
I never thought about it before, but the way kids dress today I probably could fit right in with the croud. The only way I would stand out would be my polyester leisure suit. About the initiation when you have to run around the track at the football field in your tidy whities, and the upper classmen beating butts with belts, boards, and paddles makes a slow runner like me even faster. Did we run two laps or just the one. Sir thomas
Tom Dillon on October 3, 2010 4:18 PM
I don't remember how far we had to run, but can still picture us sans pants and shoes -- only our underwear, perhaps a t-shirt, and white socks.
Part of the nausea of anticipation as mentioned by Yearout was generated by the upper classmen who had bragged incessantly through our two-a -day practices that they were going to tear us a new one. They would pull their belts out of their pants in the locker room and "pop" them. Can you imagine some of the following on a belt gauntlet line -- Don Wandel, Ralph Repass, Zed (Buddy) Campbell, James Sayers, John Strong, Terry Tabor, Paul Askew, Larry Christian -- the list can go on and on.
The one upper classman who frightened me the most was the infamous Larry Don (Wildman) Sanders.
I remember being in the stands at a home football game a few years earlier when the message "fight, fight" rang out. We followed the exodus to the baseball field to see Larry pummel a much larger man to the ground in less than a minute -- I had never seen anything like it. There was no wrestling, only pow. pow, pow -- the man's face looked like it had gone through a meat grinder.
Any of you guys remember being with me?
Larry was a man you didn't mess with.
Fred Lucas on October 3, 2010 1:04 PM
Recently we've been discussing sports. Pete do you or Tom know what happened with coach Brown and Coach Lambert? Are they still living and in good health?
Here in Cincinnati, the people and hotels and restaurants are excited about the Reds winning the Centeal Division. They haven't done that since 1995. Their last World Series championship was in 1990. Dusty Baker was given a three year contract extension as the Reds won 90 games. Cincinnati is considered a small market area even though southwest Ohio from Dayton to Northern Kentucky has about 3.2 million residents.
This weekend was Octoberfest weekend. German bands, dancers, and singers were featured. Chuck Van Arsdale and his wife were part of the dance group. Chuck graduated from WVU and is the past president of our local alumni chapter. Jason Smith who hails from Alderson is the president of our local alumni group. We were present yesterday to watch the festivities. Food was also sold. I ate goulash and cherry strudle. I also drank beer.I took a few minutes and watch Connecticut defeat Vanderbilt in football.
Incidentally, our local alumni chapter has given eight one thousand dollar academic scholarships to WVU students from southwest Ohio.
I hope that each of you have a good week. Fred Lucas
Tom Dillon on October 3, 2010 4:24 PM
Not sure. I think brother Jim told me a couple of years ago that Coach Brown had retired from teaching and coaching. He was working as a pharmaceutical rep traveling around a multi-state area.
Will check with him.
Linda Phlegar Mills on October 3, 2010 6:22 PM
Pat the idea is great for the schoolhouse. Count me in if there is not a Hokie game at the same time. I still like the idea of the reunion every five years too at Pipestem. I think the gang on the committee do a great job. Hope to see everyone at the SENSATIONAL 60'S REUNION at the end of the month.
Pete Stephenson on October 4, 2010 12:51 AM
Tom, the Larry Sanders you are talking about was from my neighborhood. He paled around with Don And Jerry Wandell if I can recall. He was a heck of a good guy, But would fight at the drop of a hat. I never knew what happened to Coach Lambert, but coach Brown was with a pharmacy co. the last I heard. Also Tom I remember the fight that Larry had that night. I believe there was more than one fight going on.
Pat Smith on October 4, 2010 6:32 AM
I see Coach Brown at the Princeton Fitness Center occasionally. I think he goes everyday. For those not here, fall is here and winter can't be far behind - it's 43 and rainy today -brrr! As I age, I get colder and colder.
I had dinner with my cousin Tommy Goings and I asked him about the hazing. He remembers it clearly. However guys, didn't you all participate in it when you were upperclassmen and give as good as you got?
Tom Dillon on October 4, 2010 8:23 AM
Pat, er, well, you are partially correct. But instead of whips, belts with large buckles, paddles, balls and chains, and cat-of-nine tails, we as non-aggressive upper classmen each used a single feather from a mourning dove (which had been accidently killed by someone's BB gun) because of our deep concern for world peace and brotherly love.
Pete Stephenson on October 4, 2010 9:58 AM
The last year of the hazing was 1957 if I remember correctly. we as upper classmen never had the chance to retaliate. Which for me was alright. As I recall some of us had pretty large whelps from belt buckles. That is all over but not forgotten. I just thought that it was some kind of passage from one era to another. No harm done just sore behinds. I do remember John Strong giving me one special hit. Fred, ifyou find out anything about coach Lambert let me know please. Bob Lambert was his nephew I believe
Tom Dillon on October 4, 2010 12:40 PM
Terry St. Clair told me last night that Coach Lambert had died several years ago -- perhaps as many as twenty years. He will check the specifics.
Tom Dillon on October 4, 2010 2:46 PM
By the way, Terry is doing well, but expects hills and valleys for some time to come. He said that talking with friends was a very good therapy for him. I am sure he would like to hear from anyone of you -- (540) 639-2016.
Mike Farley on October 4, 2010 8:01 PM
Speaking of Larry Sanders. I remember Larry when I was a youngster at Thorn Elementery. He was very mean. Loved to fight.
I believe I was in the 10th or 11th grade when he was found lying in a ditch behind the Jungle beer joint on Rt. 52. I know everyone has heard of the Jungle. Anyway, Larry had started a fight inside and about 14 guys ran him outside and he got a logging chain out of his car and started swinging it at them and they took it away from him and beat him with it and thru him in the ditch for dead. Police found him the next morning and rushed him to the hospital. I think it took him a long time to heal.
Mary Jane Shumaker Farmer on October 4, 2010 11:21 PM
Hi there. I'm Gary Shumaker's little sister. Not sure if you all know that he passed away on March 8, 2002. He had lung cancer that had spread just about everywhere.
He spent a lot of his high school years in music, either band with Mr. Lilly or choir with Miss Moody. He continued his love of music throughout his life...singing barbershop quartet in Charleston. He was cremated, but his stone out at Monte Vista says "He sang bass".
I remember growing up with the band, made up of Ched Yearout, Sonny Goodwin, and a couple of others playing in our living room, because Mom would let them practice there. I'd love to see some of you all at the Sensational Sixties Reunion on Oct. 29&30 down at Pipestem. I graduated in 65 from Princeton High as well.
Peace to all of you - Tigers Rule!!!
ched on October 7, 2010 5:11 PM
For some reason my previous
Reply is all garbled so I will try again.
Yes I remember those practice sessions. Larry Watkins played piano and he played so hard that the piano would rock. We had to remove all of the stuff from the top to keep the breakage at a minimum.
Ialso rmember helping Gary with his paper rout especially on sundays when the papers were much larger. I also delivered for him when he could not for whatever reason. I seem to remember Gary as a trumpet player and a pretty good one at that !! I was sorry to learn of his " much too young" passing .
Mary Jane Shumaker Farmer on October 8, 2010 2:21 AM
Janie Farmer here -
Ched - thanks so much for your info! Now I remember Larry Watkins' name! Yes, that poor piano! When we sold it, it had actually fallen into the sub floor a little bit - maybe that was why! Yep, Gary delivered all the papers - Grit, Bluefield Daily, Sunset News, and then the Princeton Times! He was always working doing odd jobs to help out. You know, our Dad died when he was 16, so he really stepped up to help out with his expenses! Thanks for your kind words! I visited with your Mom at Glenwood several times before she passed. She was quite a lady! Are you coming in for the Sensational Sixties reunion Oct. 29 - 30? If so, I'd like to see you! Take care!
Janie
Mary Jane Shumaker Farmer on October 8, 2010 2:23 AM
Janie Shumaker Farmer here -
I hope you can read through all that gobbility gook that is in that first post! Sorry
ched on October 8, 2010 8:51 AM
No I will not be able to come in for the 60s reunion. As I have some other obligations which conflict. I appreciate your kindness to my mother. She was "made of hickory" !!!
Tom Dillon on October 5, 2010 9:44 PM
Fred, are you getting any info for the first e-mail newsletter?
All- has anyone had a chance to call and talk with St. Clair?
Fred Lucas on October 6, 2010 7:48 AM
Tom, I called Terry and we talked for about five minutes. Over the years, we would have lunch and visit when I went to Radford to visit my parents.
I received an E-Mail from Fran Rice Baker yesterday. The conventional treatment isn't working that well. She has seen another specialist in Tampa Fl. He is going to try a new treatment . I'm sure any personal E-Mails would be appreciated. I am working on a letter that I will send to Carl today.
ched on October 7, 2010 5:13 PM
I have not called Terry as yet but certainly will.
ched on October 6, 2010 8:41 PM
Terry is correct. Coach Lambert passed away from cancer (of the lung if I recall). I was in Princeton and had the opportunity to visit him at home a month or two before he passed. We had a great visit and talked of the old football days. It was by coincidence that I was in Princeton at the time and I know he appreciated the visit... but not nearly so much as I......
Tom Dillon on October 8, 2010 8:46 AM
Talked with St. Clair last evening. He has enjoyed hearing from some of you -- Lucas and Eddie L.
Eddie, are you on the Blog?
Terry said that Coach Brown has colon cancer, has had surgery and all that entails, and may have to have additional surgery. Coach is not doing well, has lost a lot of weight, – don't have an address or contact info.
Pat, do you know how he can be reached?
Pat Smith on October 8, 2010 1:51 PM
Here is his info from the phone book: William Buster Brown
Hillcrest Addition
Princeton, WV 24740
304-425-2024
I'm sure he would appreciate cards. Put "Class of 60" on the card to jog his memory as to who you are.
Fred Lucas on October 7, 2010 6:15 PM
I talked with Mike Currence today. He was wearing a Bluefield Beavers shirt. He explained that he is feeling better because the specialist that he saw successfully treated his lung infection. Carol Martin, tell your husband that Mike was a manager with the football team. He mentioned that Coach Bear Bryant of Alabama University came to Bluefield to recruit Richard Bourne, the quarterback. Richard didn't go because that was too far from home. Since Bear needed a quarterback he went to Beaver Falls Pa. where he recruited Broadway Joe Nameth. Gainer told Mike that Bourne was the most natural athlete he had coached. Bourne didn't play college ball because he didn't have the academic skills to do college level work. Mike said that Gainer emphasized quickness in all of his players. He won four WVa. state championships while at Bluefield. After Bluefield he coached at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke. He died in 2000.
Pete Stephenson on October 9, 2010 11:58 AM
Hope all is having a good day. I talked to Terry last evening. He seems to be handling every thing ok. He is fortunate that he has his family close by. Especially the grand kids. He is traveling today to Shady Springs to warch his eight yr old play peewee fball.we had a good get together on the phone. He also told me that he went to the monthly dinner at Ryans with the local group. I was also going but came down with the flu. Every one have a great day. Is this a great life or what.
Carol Martin on October 9, 2010 7:44 PM
South Carolina 35 - Bama 21
GO GAMECOCKS!!
mike farley on October 10, 2010 8:09 AM
Today is 10/10/10
Interesting Trivia..... This October has (5) Fridays, (5) Saturdays and (5) Sundays. It happens once in 823 years.
All have a nice day and God Bless . Hope to see you in CHURCH.
Tom Dillon on October 10, 2010 8:44 AM
service starts at 9:15 am, so will think of all of you and say a prayer.
Carol Martin on October 10, 2010 8:32 PM
Pete, I asked our #2 son, Blake, (he knows everything related to football) about the movie you mentioned about Bear Bryant and TX. He said that it is called "Junction Boys." There is a small town in west TX called Junction and it is in the middle of nowhere! Anyway, he said that he has the movie, so I will watch it this week.
Also, Fred, I was a bit perplexed about Richard Bourne not being able to play collegiate football due to academic challenges. Stephen Davis grew up in the projects here and was once named the best offensive player in the country in high school. They called him "a man among boys" in high school. However, he was extremely limited academically. Yet, he played football at Auburn and then went on to the pros. He even played for the Panthers. I again asked Blake about that. He said back in the 90's they had Prop. 48 (I think) and a talented football player who was a weak student could sit out a year, receive tutoring and then play. That is what Stephen did. You all probably knew that, but I didn't know how it worked. I just knew that Stephen played pro and made a ton of $$.
Pete Stephenson on October 11, 2010 7:53 AM
Carol,your son is right about the name of the movie.If you get to watch it you will find out that the Bear was pretty rough on his teams. Good coach anyway. Everone have a good day.
Pete Stephenson on October 11, 2010 11:26 AM
Carol talking about the usc football team meaning University ofSouth carolina,I have a first cousin that is one of the professors a the school. He has gone completely out of his cotton picking mind. He says that Columbia S.C. has gone crazy too. It would be nice if they could go undefeated but I have my doubts. Later
Ched on October 11, 2010 6:47 PM
That movie about The Bear is great !!! A coach couldn"t get away with that stuff now but he made men out of 'em !
Ched on October 11, 2010 6:47 PM
That movie about The Bear is great !!! A coach couldn"t get away with that stuff now but he made men out of 'em !
Fred Lucas on October 11, 2010 5:32 PM
Hi Carol,
Mike Currence related the story of Richard Bourne. At one time during the Jimmy Johnson era at the University of Miami, athletes played with poor academic skills. The NCAA has recently set minimum SAT standards.
Bob Huggins was fired by the University of Cincinnati several years ago. Only 30% of his athletes were graduating. His players were given an academic aptitude test. The majority read at a seventh grade level and could not do the academic work. The NCAA took a scholarship away from UC and Huggins was fired.
My cousin Vickie Pashion PHS 70 and MS University of North Carolina told me that her class had a no frills reunion. Sixty people went to the Princeton Elks Country Club and ate pizza and had beer wine and soft drinks. There was no music -only talk.
Should we consider a no frills reunion? Fred
Pete Stephenson on October 12, 2010 10:33 AM
Personally speaking Fred, I wouldn,t drive from Roanoke Va. to the Elks club to have a no frills pizza party. I kinda thought everyone in their dress ups made a quite handsom picture. You are right Ched,the bear was a heck of a good coach.All programs there inTuscaloosa are centered on what would the bear have done.
Michael Murphy on October 12, 2010 12:32 PM
Fred et al I like the format but would suggest holding reunion in Princeton at the Matheny Center, without the loud music.
Becky Novarro on October 12, 2010 4:05 PM
Mike, According to all the groups here who have tried to have functions at the Mathena Center, it isn't "outsiders" friendly. The amount of money it costs as well as the restrictions don't make it a very happy place to go. We had all hoped it would have been different. Ask the Madrigals and that was a group that Mr. Mathena's son was in. Sorry.
Becky Novarro on October 12, 2010 6:39 PM
I feel I need to add that I am only repeating things I have heard since spending time here.
The performances I have attended at the Mathena Center have been quite enjoyable.
Pat Smith on October 12, 2010 7:59 PM
To Tommy, Ched & Pete
When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass
I’m back in my helmet, cleats, and shoulder pads
Standing in the huddle, listening to the call
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall
They didn’t let just anybody in that club
It took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood
To get to wear those game-day jerseys down the hall
The kings of the school, man, we’re the boys of fall
Chorus:
Well it’s turn to face the stars and stripes
It’s fighting back them butterfliesIt’s call it in the air, alright
Yes sir, we want the ball
And it’s knocking heads and talking trash
It’s slinging mud and dirt and grass
It’s I got your number, I got your back
When your back’s against the wall
You mess with one man, you got us all
The boys of fall
In little towns like mine, that’s all they’ve got
Newspaper clippings fill the coffee shops
The old men will always think they know it all
Young girls will dream about the boys of fall
Chorus:
Well it’s turn to face the stars and stripes
It’s fighting back them butterflies
It’s call it in the air, alright
Yes sir, we want the ball
And it’s knocking heads and talking trash
It’s slinging mud and dirt and grass
It’s I got your number, I got your back
When your back’s against the wall
You mess with one man, you got us all
The boys of fall
(Repeat)
We’re the boys of fall
We’re the boys of fall
Kenny Chesney's New Country Song. Heard it today driving and thought of you all.
Tom Dillon on October 13, 2010 11:29 AM
Thanks Pat -- really a cool song.
Most every male member of our class was a "boy of fall". Organized and/or not, football was what we did, even after we discovered you fair ladies.
Our Walnut Street football games played in the middle of the road and only timed-out by a passing car bring back great memories -- regular players included Kirby S., Eddie L., Scottie R., Mike & Preston H., Bob, Jim, & Tom D. I think that Terry S. and Mokey C. may have join us at one time or another.
I also remember a time when Ronnie C. and I went head-to-head without pads in the vacant lot between Ellen & Linda F.'s and Skipper Morriss's grandmother's house (on Walnut). One of us had said that the other could not tackle the other. I still have a headache as neither one of us dodged , but tried to run over the other.
Thanks for the memories!!!!
Michael Murphy on October 13, 2010 10:18 AM
Hi Becky - thanks for the feedback - what do you mean by "outsider friendly" ?
Pete Stephenson on October 13, 2010 12:02 PM
tom-pat thanks for the song of Kenny Chesney, I sure does fit the picture of fall,Afew of us on kirk street played the same street ball, Ronnie Bailey, Jerry Smith, Jimmy Walters, Marvin Harman, Ronnie [sax] Skeens and many others from the east end. Man what memories.thanks All. We also were not prejudice against the girls either. We tried to Get Alice Sue, Becky Smith and a few other girls to play. No success though
Becky Novarro on October 13, 2010 7:12 PM
Perhaps outsiders wasn't an apt expression. The Center does not seem to be available as much as people had thought it would be. Have you been to a function there? It truly is lovely.
Michael Murphy on October 14, 2010 10:12 AM
My older brother Freeman attended their class reunion 2 yrs past and said that everything was good. I have not been inside. I still think it would be nice and appropriate to hold the reunion in Princeton.
Ched on October 14, 2010 6:48 PM
I do not have any first hand knowledge, but I have heard that the management at the Mathena Center requires the use their caterer plus other restrictions which add to cost limit flexability. Perhaps some of the Princeton reunion organizers can check is out to verify. I thought that the Mathena Center is primarily a concert venue. Anyway, Pipestem is a kind of tradition. Just my 2 cents.....
Fred Lucas on October 15, 2010 10:50 AM
I don't know that much about the Mathena Center either. My cousin, Vickie Pashion checked and found them to be more expensive than Pipestem.
One activity that we could do someday is to go whitewater rafting on the New River . Many people from the Cincinnati area have found that experience to be rather enjoyable. We don't need to include that as part of a reunion.
For those who are football fans, WVU defeated South Florida 20-6. The next opponet is Syracuse next Saturday at noon.
This final thought about memorable Princeton personalities. For me that would be Pacie. Mable, the housekeeper was his care giver. Jim Farris who lived in the neighborhood told me that some of the boys in the neighborhood learned that if Pacie became frustrated he would take off his clothes. Unfortunately, some of the boys did their best to get Pacie frustrated. He would take off his clothes and Mable would have to get him, take him inside and help him get dressed. Each day Pacie would stop George Seaver and ask him the time. We would often hear him yelling whoop whoop. He inspired his sister Suzie Pace to become a special education teacher.
Carl on October 16, 2010 2:48 PM
I just don't understand some things. Pat Smith hears a song for the first time "earlier today" and can quote every word of the lyrics in an 8 pm blog entry. I go to Wal-Mart for my flu shot and can't remember my phone number for the form.
[Of course, I've only had that phone number for 16 years.]
Carol Martin on October 16, 2010 9:31 AM
I love fall. We have been busy planting pansies and raking leaves though. Our son, Greg, was here for fall break and it was so much fun having him here, playing the guitar and doing projects with Neil. He lives in Cary and attends the same church as Becky Smith. However, she is very involved and he is part-time and the church is huge.
Now for a female perspective of "Junction Boys." I thought the language was crude and I think Bryant should have been tossed in jail for torture (assuming it was factual). He probably would have waterboarded if he had known about it. He was repentive though. BTW, Brownwood doesn't look like Junction. We had lots of water from Lake Brownwood and we all watered our lawns and we had lots of trees, especially pecan.
Pete, I am sure your cousin is estatic! The Gamecocks beat the #1 team in basketball (KY), won the national championship in baseball, and beat the #1 team in football this year. We are a house divided -- our daughter-in-law graduated from USC our youngest son graduated from Clemson. Hopefully, Clemson will improve. We have tickets to the Clemson/GATech game next week.
I again recommend "Friday Night Lights" for you football fans and another good book which we could relate to is "The Oldest Rookie" (baseball). I forgot his name, but he graudated from Brownwood High School, years before our sons were in school there. He also attended Howard Payne U and that is where our middle son went to college. We have so many connections with him -- I almost felt like I knew him. Wasn't Dennis Quaid in the movie.? I need to look this up.
"love one another"
Gene Fields on October 16, 2010 10:34 AM
I haven't checked the blog for two months. It's good to get caught up on the chatter. What a great group.
Pat, I loved your offer to the class; wonderful idea! So appropriate to gather in a old school.
Health issues are quiet for now, YEA! Ask all to continue thinking and praying for Fran. She is my comrade in arms.
Terry, I'm so sorry for your loss. Words cannot convey what you feel right now, but God is faithful.
Love you all.....
Pete Stephenson on October 16, 2010 12:13 PM
Carol I do believe that Dennis Quade starred in the movie. My cousin is estatic about the USC team. He does have a small problem though. His son graduated from Clemson. Quite a bit of competiton in the household around that game time. If Clemson would beat USC this year my cuz would have a major breakdown. Gene Fields ,glad you are feeling better. We have Fran in our prayers every day.Every have a good week end. What about them eers.
Brenda on October 16, 2010 3:30 PM
Shame on you Fred. Carl, can you remove Fred's last message? I think it is cruel and insensitive.
Fred Lucas on October 16, 2010 7:52 PM
Brenda,
I wasn't being cruel. Many of us liked Pacie. He was mentally disabled. I was trying to illustrate how cruel some children can be to those who have a mental disability. That's all.
The Pace family gave several thousand dollars to Concord to help with their special education program. Suzie not only served as a special education teacher but also as a principal.
I think that I showed sensitivity toward Pacie and his disability.
Brenda on October 17, 2010 12:20 PM
Fred, this is my last comment on this topic. I fail to see how your original "stories about Pacie" illustrate anything related to sensitivity. My main reason for deleting your comments was so that no member of the Pace family would ever have to read them. Why didn't you just relate all those positive remarks about the Pace family in your original blog. Instead of cruel and insensitive maybe you are just tactless.
Fred Lucas on October 16, 2010 8:26 PM
Brenda,
I told the story of Pacie to illustrate how cruel some children can be to those with a mental disability. That's all. I spoke with Jim Farris several years ago at Indiana University where he was employed. He was as concerned about the treatment of Pacie as I was.
Suzie not only became a special education teacher but also became a principal. The Pace family gave a financial donation to the special education program at Concord.
Pete Stephenson on October 16, 2010 10:57 PM
carol--I don,t think my cuz at USC will have to wait until the clemson game. He probably by now is wrapped up in a straight Jacket. Kentucky open up a can of whoop on them today. Carl about the phone numbers being misplaced at wal mart just think of it as a senior moment.By doing that everone will thin that your are ok. Just tugging opn supermans cloak. Have a good weekend.
Carol Martin on October 17, 2010 7:49 AM
Did the Gamecocks get too cocky?? Pete, I think I heard your cousin ripping his shirt -- or maybe that was my son!
Jim Morris was the "Oldest Rookie" and Dennis Quaid did star in the movie.
Gene, great to hear that you are making progress.
"love one another"
Raymond Jones on October 17, 2010 11:31 AM
Jones Here
Has Freddie entered his dotage? " White water rafting" we'll only be a tad over 70 for the nest reunion. Mayby we should conside having it on Bridgeday and some of us can bugee jump or whatever off of the bridge.
Fred Lucas on October 17, 2010 1:05 PM
Hi Jones,
As I said we can do whitewater rafting any time. I work out at a gym in Cincinnati. There is a man who is 83. He competes in the senior olympics. There are men who are 80 and 87who are in good shape and work out at the gym.Someof our group may not be in good shape if and when we decide to go whitewater rafting. They might enjoy a picnic along the banks of the New River.
I will probably do whitewater rafting next summer. I will let the group know when I'm going if anyone wants to join me.
Carol Martin mentioned autumn. I look outside and see the falling leaves as the trees withdraw nourishment. In rural Indiana and Ohio, farmers are busy cutting down corn stalks. Merchants are stocking winter clothes. Squirrels are gathering nuts. Octoberfests have just been held. Students at Miami University will be returning to school on Monday after an autumn break and the West Virginia University football team is 5-1 after defeating South Florida 20-6.
Winter will bring snow in my area and to Mercer County. With winter will come skiing for those who live in the snow belt.
Autumn brings a new year for followers of Judaism. The people celebrated the holiday of Sukkot. This is when the followers of Judaism give thanks fot the good harvest.
Mike Farley on October 17, 2010 6:13 PM
Here in Florida, you can tell it is autumn--- it doesn't get to 90 degrees anymore!! (Also, the daily rainstorm around 3:00 in the afternoon only comes every couple weeks now.) All the locals have ceased to predict " The worst hurricane season in decades", as it has passed rather calmly. And, slowly but surely, the beaches are filling more and more with each passing week. By January, we will be awash in tourists here on the SUNCOAST.
I hope all have had a Holy Sunday.
Becky Novarro on October 17, 2010 8:28 PM
Today was Railroad Days in Hinton. Had a big surprise when we saw Tom and Kay Dillon. Isn't it wonderful to have reunions all the time! Yesterday was Concord's homecoming and we saw a few friends from our days there. So far Fall has been a wonderful time.
Mike, we are going back to Florida soon and don't look forward to the heat. It is good that the hurricane season was kind this year.
Pat Smith on October 17, 2010 11:34 PM
My gosh - Concord Homecoming brings back a lot of memories. I was Freshman Student Council Representative and Tom Dillon & Mike Farley were Officers. As a Student Council Representative, I was Chairman of the Homecoming Dance. We spent hours getting the gym decorated. That year, it featured Buddy Morrow and his orchestra. I remember being a star struck WV small town girl helping his singer get dressed. As Barbara Streisand sang "Memories, only shadows in my mind"
Pat Smith on October 17, 2010 11:38 PM
Actually it's "Memories - light the corner in my mind" - Senior moment!
Pat Smith on October 17, 2010 11:49 PM
Now that I've had time to ponder this song for a minute, I realize it describes what we feel about our high school years:
"Mem’ries light the corners of my mind.
Misty water color mem’ries of the way we were.
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind.
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were.
Can it be that it was all so simple then,
Or has time rewritten ev’ry line?
If we had the chance to do it all again,
tell me, Would we? Could we?
Mem’ries may be beautiful, and yet,
What’s too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget.
So it’s the laughter we will remember,
When ever we remember the way we were,
The way we were.
Nuff said.
Mike Farley on October 18, 2010 8:56 AM
Becky, You should not be concerned about the heat in Florida now. The trmperature this morning at our camper in Davenport was 48 degrees. High in the day time is in the mid 80's. Also low humidity thru the day. Will be like this pretty much thru the winter, except some days, colder. I'll agree, June, July, Aug. and Sept. are pretty hot. But you know, up north thru the summer can also be scorchers. You being able to live in the north and the south would give you the best of the both. My father always said that if you could live in Florida thru the winter and the north thru the summer, you could add 10 years to your life.
Pat..... Those GREAT Concord memories were in another lifetime. (but what fun!!!)
Pete Stephenson on October 18, 2010 1:16 PM
Pat. what a beautiful song. Correct me if i,m wrong but didn,t Barbara Stresind sing that song. I have traveled all over this beautiful country of ours. From coast to coast border to border. I admit that there is some pretty territory out there but nothing to compare to the beauty where we grew up. Its like a magical place to me that keeps calling me back there. If anyone knows of a prettier place I would like to know it.
Fred Lucas on October 20, 2010 5:20 PM
As you know, college football is now midway through the season. Last week, Rutgers played Army and won. However, Eric Legrand, a player for Rutgers tried to make a tackle. Sadly, he made the wrong move and became paralyzed from the neck down. Physicians don't know how much use of his exremities he will recover.If any of you want to offer well wishes, you can send them to www.scarletknights.com. As some of you know Rutgers is the state university of New Jersey and is a member of the Big East Conference. Pete you and the other members of the PHS team were fortunate that you didn't have any serious injuries.
One of the most memorable Princeton residents was Kyle McCormick, publisher of the Princeton Observer. He published many human interest articles. One article concerned his college days. He graduated from the University of Virginia. During the summer months, he worked for the railroad. At lunch some of the workers would yell "how do you like your oysters"? Another group would yell raw, raw , raw.
Pat Smith on October 20, 2010 10:26 PM
Fred: When we were in 9th grade, Philip Selig and I were debate partners in the county debate competition. Our topic was "Should Eisenhower and Nixon be re-elected?" Kyle McCormick was very gracious to us and gave us a lot of material as a resource. He was also a historian and wrote many articles and at least one book about Princeton history. I think his help was what allowed us to win the Mercer County Debate Championship. By the way, the Republican Party also helped us, but the Democrats couldn't be bothered by two 9th graders. At that point, I decided I was going to be a Republican. It's amazing what influences you, as to what party you belong to. I just recently changed my party affiliation, but since I've been about 30, I've voted the man, not the party. Might I remind everyone to vote in this election. No matter who you vote for, just vote. That's the American way.
Carol Martin on October 20, 2010 6:37 PM
Fred, are you a Rutgers fan? Their backup QB, Chase Dodd, played high school football at Brynes just west of us. For years, Byrnes was nationally ranked and that is the team that we followed to Cincinniti a few years ago when they played in the Ohio vs. USA classic. (Neil has cousins in Ohio and we attended a mini reunion after the game.)
If anyone is really bored on October 29, Byrnes plays Dorman on national TV (ESPN). We are pullling for Dorman because our youngest son graduated from Dorman, class of 2000.
I sent Eric Legrand a note. Fred, as you know, there are risks everywhere -- especially everytime we get in a car.. It still saddens us when something so tragic happens.
"love one another"
Fred Lucas on October 21, 2010 7:37 AM
Hi Carol.
The NCAA and the NFL are doing their best to try to make football a safer sport fror the players. In the NFL, several players were fined for outrageous hits. One player from Pittsburgh was fined $75000 for an outrageous hit. College officials have been calling more penalties to stop outrageous hits.
Boston University has been studying the effects of concussions on the behavior of players.
Ryan Stancheck who was an offensive lineman for WVU played arena football in Cleveland this past year. After knee surgery, he decided to quit and become a teacher at Solon High School near Cleveland. He said that his body could no longer take the pounding.
Football is a contact sport with possible serious injuries.
I agree that loving ones neighbor is very important. Donating to a religious cause or United Appeal cause certainly demonstrates that ideal.
Pat, I would also encourage people to go to the polls and vote. Like you, I read Kyle McCormick's History of Mercer County. I enjoyed knowing him.
Pat Smith on October 21, 2010 9:27 AM
Fred: In my work, I deal a lot with Traumatic Brain Injuries aka TBI. You'll be happy to know that WVU is at the forefront of research on what happens to football players brains with repeated concussions. They are finding that ex-football players have a much higher incidence of depression later in life, because of the jarring their brain took. But it's not limited to just football. Soccer causes just as many brain injuries. The problem with most TBI is the symptoms are actually things like personality changes, such as a person now flies off the handle when they didn't before, etc. I think all the problems we're seeing with returning soldiers are making us more aware of TBI. Sorry everyone for the lesson, but I'm so sick of hearing jurors say, "Well, he doesn't LOOK like he has brain damage" .
Pete Stephenson on October 21, 2010 6:32 PM
Pat-Fred-Carol-I started playing tackle football in the 3rd grade.From the first day on the field we were taught to tackle for the belt line or the numbers. One of the main problems facing college and pros alike is a good one but a bad thing at the same time. { Its the new style helmet} they are so padded today that they have become a real threat to anyone and everyone that puts football gear. Its not so much as getting hit in the head as it is getting hit under the chin with the helmet, After looking at the play back of the two guys that were fine 50,000 each I don,t see that what happened to both of them could have been avoided. unfortunately when kids are growing up in that sport they are told to take the other guys out.There has been so many change in football over the last ten years a player needs to carry a notebook to let him know what he can hit or not.I do believe if I were playing today insted af getting a big fine I might just let off on the hit.I'm afraid thats what is going to happen a lot to this sport of American Football.
Fred Lucas on October 21, 2010 8:06 PM
Thanks Pat and Pete for the information about football and soccer. That was indeed helpful to know that WVU is doing research into traumatic brain injuries.
Changing the subject, I have another Princeton resident who was notable. That person was C.Q. Bingham. He was the family barber, a member of the Elks Club and a magician. When I was a child, he would do magic tricks for children at the Elks Club.I really enjoyed his programs. Once when I was getting a hair cut, he told me that he would be happy when my mother would stop telling him how she wanted my hair cut. His daughter was Nancy Bingham.
Another memorable person was Mrs. Bird who was the librarian of the Public Library when it was located in the Memorial Building. She was so helpful. Earlier I had surgery on my right arm at the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia. Her Sunday School class sent me get well letters on a regular basis. I really appreciated that. She died at the age of 104.
Pat Smith on October 22, 2010 2:45 AM
Fred, I remember Mrs. Bird, also. Do you remember when the Memorial Building caught on fire and they had to carry all the library books out? There was also another Ms. Bird who was the librarian at the then new library. By the way, the old post office is now the new library and it's great. Even has a cafe inside and the children's section in the basement is wonderful. The librarian is Connie Shumate, the City Manager's wife. Pat
Carol Martin on October 25, 2010 9:30 AM
It is raining in SC, tennis is canceled.
I wish to kindly take issue with Pat regarding voting. Shouldn't we vote principle - not party. Neil and I are republican county delegates, but that doesn't mean we always vote for the parrty. In 2004 and 2008, we disliked both R nad D presidential candidates, so our family's six votes went to the Constitution Party nominee. We refuse to vote for Senator Lindsey Graham(R). In 2008, the D candidate for U.S. Senate, Bob Conley, was a RON PAUL supporter and we not only supported him, we were volunteers in his campaign.
If there is one topic discussed in our household more than football, it is politics. We try to stay abreast of the issues, candidates, and their voting records. We attend meetings and feel it is our duty to hold representatives accountable. We in the Upstate fired our six term congressman in the republican primary. He voted for TARP and is not strong on border security. Sept. 2009, 15 buses from upstate SC made the trip to Washington for the 912 Freedom Rally. Neil and I were part of the tea party march on Washington.
I am very concerned about the massive debt we are leaving for the next generation -- $.40 out of every dollar the federal government spends is borrowed. The Federal Reserve prints money out of the air and buys treasury notes or we borrow from China. Will this cause hyperinflation or can this go on forever?
Why do we have troops in 130 countries, including Korea guarding their border while our borders are porous? Why did we invade a sovereign country (Iraq) which was not a threat to us as I understand they have no navy or air force?
"Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom"
Pete Stephenson on October 25, 2010 1:03 PM
Carol, I,m glad that you and your family vote the way you do. The only thing that I would ask of any citizen of this great country of ours is this. Please don,t let the politicians take over the military like they did in the Viet Nam campaigne and leave thousand of our troops in harms way with no end in sight. I can see it happening all over in Afghanistan. Please pray for peace in that horrible region of the world,and bring our sons and daughters home safely. There are a lot of us that was in or near the Viet Nam campaigne not a pretty sigh.
Michael Murphy on October 28, 2010 1:44 PM
Pete first of all thanks to you and other Vets who have kept us safe and free. Although I was never in the Military I did live 9 years in Saudi Arabia and know first hand that the threat from Muslim extremists is very real and dangerous to our freedom. They will not be satisified until we are either dead or living under Shari Law.
As far as the coming elections, I fear that if we continue in the current path of tax and spend with bigger government, we will lose the promise of a better future to the next generations. In general I think we need to throw the Bums out!!
Carol - I very much agree with your stance
on the issues.
Pete - If we go to war we should go to win at all costs and always maintain a strong military and honor their service.
To all - have a blessed year - Barach Ali Afeek - God's blessings to you in Arabic.
ched on October 25, 2010 8:27 PM
Thanks Carol for your conservative principles. I am very concerned about the debt, the deficit, TARP,, cap and tax and this incredibly flawed legislation commonly known as Obama Care. My employer ( yes I still work) is actually decreasing our coverage to offset the reported 9% increase in medical insurance cost as as a result of Obama care. The cost of insuring all children until age 26 regardless of marital (or otherwise) status, eliminating all considerations for preexisting conditions plus eliminating the lifetime max benefit comes at a cost. Arguably, these are good things but other measures shoud have been put ino place to offset these costs such as tort reform, open competition across state lines, etc, etc.
Vote !!!!
Fred Lucas on October 25, 2010 5:21 PM
On the lighter side, I opened the Charleston Gazette online on Sunday and saw a photo of a ferris wheel that was overgrown with trees. As I read the article, I learned that this photo was from Shawnee Lake.
For many years the Shawnee had an encampment on the site. Some years after they were driven out of the area, Conley Snidow build Shawnee Lake Amusement Park. Some of you might have gone swimming there.
Several years ago, Gaylord White bought the facility. He claims that he has had paranormal experiences there. The lights and television in his home go on and off automatically from time to time. Other people claim that they have seen a man sitting in the ferris wheel. Several years ago the groundskeeper said that he felt a presence while he was driving the tractor. The presence said that she wanted the tractor. He walked away from the tractor and left it in the field. The Discovery Channel sent a crew to investigate the situation. Is this truth or a good tale for halloween? Fred Lucas
Pat Smith on October 25, 2010 9:38 PM
Carol - I don't know what you take issue with. In my post, I said that since I was thirty (a long, long time ago), I've voted the man not the party. How is that not the same as voting the issues?
Fred Lucas on October 26, 2010 9:32 AM
Concerning health care reform, I was talking to a man on Saturday who told me that his daughter's health care insurance premiums had jumped from $35 per month to $75 per month. She is a single woman. She did not receive a wage increase to offset the premium increase. The premium increases were there because the law states that family members can be covered until age 26.
The health care legislation needs to be modified. Don't forget to vote. Pat, I don't have any problems with the way in which you vote. Fred Lucas
Fred Lucas on October 26, 2010 6:02 PM
This information is for the college grads and those who are fans of a particular college.
I went to Dicks Sporting Goods. This isa national chain. They told me that I can look at all of the WVU textile products in their online computer. If I should find a product that I would like, they will order that product and I won't have to pay postage. Dicks in this area carries Ohio State, University of Cincinnati, Xavier University and the University of Kentucky.
Dick in German means thick.
Have an enjoyable Halloween and a thoughtful election. The WVU football team lost to Syracuse 19-14
- - -
Becky Novarro on October 29, 2010 11:50 AM
This is the weekend of the 60's Mega Reunion. Since there has been some discussion about moving our date for the next reunion, I felt compelled to tell you that the temperature tonight is to be below 30. I am a current Floridian and do not even own a much needed winter coat. I know the heat is hard to take but it must be easier to tolerate since Florida is really a popular retirement state. Wish me luck tonight as I layer every sweater I own. ha
Mike Farley on October 29, 2010 1:23 PM
Becky, I hope you have a good time tonight. How do you dance with several sweaters on?????
By the way, temperature tonight is going to be around 72 degrees here in Melbourne Florida. Hurry home!!!
Becky Novarro on October 29, 2010 4:23 PM
Thanks Mike for the Florida update. Remember I am way down at the bottom of the state, according to my neighbor
it is still hot. Actually, 72 isn't cool, is it?
Fred Lucas on October 30, 2010 6:10 PM
Hi Becky and Mike,
I made the suggestion that the date be changed to sometime between September 15 and October 15. I did not want to go to a reunion at this time.In Cincinnati, the night time temperature is 30 degrees.
I was thinking that on a Friday evening we could go to a football game and watch the Tigers play. We can't do that in August.
I got Mike Murphy's E-Mail about nostalgia. Friday, there was a physical therapist who was dressed as a clown.I told her that she probably wasn't around when Clarabell the clown was on the Howdy Doody Show. She wasn't but she saw photos of Clarabell. She remembers that Bob Keegan, AKA Clarabell was also Captain Kangroo. She adored Mr Green Jeans. She is a positive and caring lady who is a breast cancer survivor. She has been cancer free for three years.
The WVU football team lost to Connecticut 16-13. Speaking of nostalgia, I remember when college game were usually held on Saturdays and there were no men who walked onto the field to declare a television time out.
Mike Farley on October 31, 2010 8:26 AM
Good Sunday Morning Everyone.
Quote for the day. " If you really want to love, you must learn to forgive.
I hope all of you enjoy the Word of God this morning.
God Bless
"Cookie" Hill Brown on October 31, 2010 6:37 PM
Sorry I was unable to attend the Mega Reunion. I've been busy working on the Maryland campaign. If anyone attended please update us on the Blog. Tuesday is just hours away, be sure you vote. Hopefully if you are as lucky as the folks here in Southern Maryland you can do so as many times as you want. This has probably been the nastiest election cycle I have ever witnessed. Good manners and respect have all but disappeared.
Ched on November 1, 2010 2:06 PM
I agree.. please VOTE !!! Our country desparately needs it's citizens to speak !!!
and GOOOOOO Hokies !!!
"Cookie" Hill Brown on October 31, 2010 6:41 PM
"A true friend is one who, upon seeing your old high school boyfriend, will tell you that he...........................is now a priest.
Quote from Erma Bombeck
Becky Novarro on October 31, 2010 7:55 PM
The Mega was great. I didn't go Friday nite but Saturday nite was a lot of fun with even the "old" folks dancing. It is amazing what a difference 7 years make. They just seemed to enjoy themselves so much. Kay Parsell Curry was there. Boy is Sonny a gentleman. Kay is still very attractive but has difficulty remembering things. (yes, I know, who doesn't.) I doubt she will read this but I really was glad she came. Were it not for her '61 cousin Hope Kelly Duke being there she probably would not have been there. David, aka Curly, Eskew seemed to be on the "young" people's side as well as on the dance floor all night. Maybe he'll share his vitamins. Missed the rest of you but we did see familiar faces--as long as I read the name tag! The next one is in 2013 but I don't know when.
Fred, I know you would like a lot more with our reunions including going to a football game but I have to say--I was so glad to see you and everyone else at our reunion that I am just grateful for that gift.
Fred Lucas on October 31, 2010 8:57 PM
Becky I was happy to see each of you. That was a blessing. I'm happy that you enjoyed the reunion last evening.
Like you the young lady in Cincinnati who is a breast cancer survivor and physical therapist is really quite positive and does a good job with her clients.
Have a safe trip to Florida.
ched on November 1, 2010 2:11 PM
Seeing some of the comments about our military men and women; as I travel through airports I have the opportunity to see and thank as many as possible for their brave service. These men and women ( all volunteers ) all deserve our most sincere gratitude. I can attest first hand that the " thank you" is appreciated !!!!!
Mary Jane Shumaker Farmer on November 1, 2010 4:15 PM
Gary's little sister here! The Mega Reunion was lots of fun! There were several from the class of 60, as well as 61 and 62. My class of 65 had about 30 I think. Anyway, if you are on Facebook, I have posted some photos - take a look.
And Ched, do you have any idea where Larry Watkins is? His name is on the missing classmates list. There are only a few from 60, but a lot from the other classes. 65 has 41 missing. We had a great time - can't wait for 2013. It would be nice if we have a decent football team to go to a game, they were beaten by Huntington on Friday night by a score of 43-14! Not a good year for us Tigers!!
Fred Lucas on November 3, 2010 7:36 PM
Hi Mary Jane,
I'm glad that you and the other people at the mega reunion had fun. I couldn't come to this reunion. While I was at the other reunion, I talked with a blind student at PHS. She explained that she didn't relate to her peers as well as she did to the adults in her life. She was a member of the Key Club. When I was a student there, the Key Club was open to boys. Times have changed.
She explained that this fall she would enroll in the West Virginia School for the Blind in Romney. She thought that the school had more specialized equipment that she could use .
We didn't have any blind students at PHS when we were there.
Hope that the Tigers do better next year. The football team at WVU hosts the University of Cincinnati on November 13. I hope that WVU wins. Neither team has an outstanding record.
Mary Jane Shumaker Farmer on November 3, 2010 10:13 PM
You must have talked to Sarah Allen. She is a wonderful young lady. She went to Mercer when I taught there. She got around very well, and did quite well academically. As far as I know, she is the only totally blind student in Mercer County is quite a few years. And, no, MC doesn't have all the equipment that she needed. I spoke with her father just last Thursday and he said that she is very happy at Romney!
"Cookie" Hill Brown on November 1, 2010 4:18 PM
Yea Yearout. I have been beside myself over the treatment the military is receiving with their absentee ballots. Our ABC Radio affilitate here in the Washington, DC area (WMAL at 630 on the dial) reported yesterday that 16 states are investigating the voter fraud that has been inflicted upon these brave men and women. Meaning the elections boards violated Federal law by not mailing out their ballots in time to be counted. Could it be that one of the parties feared their vote? Every generation in my family has served....my great, great grandfather served at Gettysburg and my nephew has served two tours in Iraq. Not to mention my dad's three years in the South Pacific when I was a baby living on the Old Bluefield Road with my grandparents and mother. I need to take a long vacation when this election is over. But, maybe the battle to save for our children and grandchildren the wonderful life we had is just beginning. I got an idea....if America is so bad.....try leaving.
Carol Martin on November 5, 2010 6:35 PM
Catching up. Add my appreciation to our wonderful veterans! They always rise to the occasion.
Did anyone watch Beck tonight? Five years ago when I heard folks talk about the NWO, I thought they were loony--not anymore. Our enemies know they can't defeat us militarily, so the defeat must come from within. Sometime ago, I remember hearing Dr. Paul respond to a question about our massive debt. He stated that the debt will never be paid, but that it will be liquidated. Usually, this is by debasing the currency. )Gold has shot up about $60/ounce the past two days.)
An interesting result of Tuesday's election. Dr. Paul will chair the monetary policy subcommittee. I am sure the good doctor will continue pushing for an audit of the Federal Reserve. I do fear for his safety.
One of Neil's Bluefield friends from high school (and wife) stopped by for a couple days on their way back to Naples, FL, after spending the summer with Susan's family in Michigan. Jerry R played basketball for BHS (he is 6'7" tall) and he asked about Norm Wall. Does anyone ever see Norm? Neil told Jerry that he saw Doug and Mike at the reunion. Who were the other players on the PHS team?
A note to Gary's sister. My brother worked for the Dept of SS and occasionally saw Gary at meetings. He had told me about Gary's death. I was saddened to learn of our loss. I
remember when we were in the 8th grade at Knob, he had a party and included me. He was very kind. Didn't he live in the Charleston area?
"love one another"
Mary Jane Shumaker Farmer on November 8, 2010 11:07 PM
Carol - Thanks for your kind words about Gary. He finished at Concord then went to wrok at the Dept. of Welfare. He took leave and went to Pitt for his Masters in social work. He came back to the Princeton office, then was transferred to Charleston to work in the Juvenile Detention Department. He was very instrumental in getting the detention centers built around the state. He "got off welfare and into
jail" when he transferred to the Regional Jail Authority. He passed away in 2002, from lung cancer. He has two sons, Garry, an architect in Chicago (with a darling son) and Charles, who lives in Kenova and works for Cabell Huntington Hospital (with two precious sons). Gary didn't live to see any of his grandsons, I'm sorry to say.
Cookie Hill Brown on November 5, 2010 11:23 PM
Carol? Is NWO (New World Order?) If so check out the super highway system that is planned from Mexico to Canada...by way of Kansas of course. I used to laugh at people who talked about this stuff and said, "They all need to move to Sand River, Idaho." Not any more. I am beginning to see a GRASSY KNOLL at every turn. Now you have to be a certain age to appreciate that. Kind of like when I named my Scottish Terrier "Randolph Scott" and used to sing Statler Brothers songs when I took Randolph for a walk and no one under 50 got the joke. It is encouraging Carol to know that if I'm NUTS that I have come copany. I'd started to feel like the crazy ole cousin in the attic.
Fred Lucas on November 6, 2010 4:46 PM
November is Family Stories Month. I am enclosing a poem by Pamela A. Harazin . The title is Stranger in the Box.
Come look with me inside this drawer, In this box, I've often seen at the pictures black and white faces proud still serene,
I wish I knew the people, these strangers in the box, their names and all their memories lost among my socks. I wonder what their lives were like. How did they spend their days? What about their special times? I'll never know their ways. If only someone had taken time to tell who, what, where or when. These faces of my heritage would come to life again.
Could these become the fate of the pictures we take today? The faces and the memories someday to be passed away.
Make time to save your stories.eize the opportunity when it knocks or someday you and yours could be The Strangers in the box.
Like Pat Smith, I enjoy doing family history. I have passed many stories to my family so that those who willl look at us will know a bit about who we were. Fred Lucas
Cookie Hill Brown on November 6, 2010 7:30 PM
Freddy I enjoyed your poem. Reminded me of that job I keep putting off. All those old black and photos in boxes all over my house. I've started a family history of things I want my kids to know with plans to leave it in the Safe Deposit Box at the bank. One for each of them. I started it three years ago and so far I'm still on the Table of Contents. ha! Its my project for the first snowy day when I'm housebound up here in the woods with Randolph Scott.
Linda Phlegar Mills on November 7, 2010 2:23 PM
Hello everyone. Back in Florida for a week then back to Princeton for the rest of November. (Have to go see the Hokies beat UVA).
Went to the Sensational 60's reunion. It was great to see some of our class but expecially the classmates of my sister (Gayle) who used to hang out with her. And the class that followed us through school.
Carol, hope USC does well. We like your coach. We were sorry he left Florida. He was there when our son was in school there.
Pat is working on her restaurant opening. Bob and I gave her the Bill's Drive Inn hotdog chili recipe. Stop in and see her in the old Appalachian Party Room where we all attended parties and had some fun. (Spin the Bottle, etc.)
Hope to see you all soon. Keep writing. Love reading the news. Linda
Mike Farley on November 9, 2010 2:09 PM
Hi Linda, WoW!! You do a lot of traveling from Norh to South and back to the North. Don't get to comfortable there after November, you will get caught in the snow and ice. Better get on back South. I have a love for hot dogs. Is there anyway you give me that delicious recipe??
Cookie Hill Brown on November 9, 2010 3:16 PM
Hey Farley & Linda
If its not a secret can you post the receipe on the blog? I'd rather have a hot dog anytime than a steak. As soon as I hit Princeton, my first stop is the Dairy Queen on he Oakvale Road. My all time favorite is hot dogs and they don't have a clue around here how to make them. Yum! Yum!
Fred Lucas on November 9, 2010 6:54 PM
Mike,
When I read your perspective about the sun belt, I'm puzzled. I like the snow and cold. During the winter of '76-77, the temperature in Cincinnati was -20. The Ohio River froze and people walked across to Kentucky. Last February we had 36 inches of snow.
When I go to the sun belt, I wilt.Several years ago, I was in Savannah Georgia on October 15th. The temoerature was 94 with a high humidity. I felt as though I had been swimming. Prior to that, I was in San Antonio Texas on October 15. Once again it was so hot, I wilted.
But as some say whatever floats your boat works. Have a good Thanksgiving/
Mike Farley on November 9, 2010 10:36 PM
Fred, you are absolutely correct. What ever floats your boat. But, you know what??? My boat floats on water in 94 degree weather. Your boat will not float at -20 degrees. It rocks!!!
You too have a nice Thanksgiving!
mike farley on November 12, 2010 7:10 PM
Went to see the movie "Secretariat" today. GREAT movie.
Must see!!!! Disney has done it again.
Pete Stephenson on November 13, 2010 11:59 AM
I hope that all have a good thanksgiving. I'm leaving tomorrow for two weeks in the northern mountains of Va.Some friends and I have a log cabin that we use for deer camp, Always a enjoyable time around about twenty of your hunting buddys. Farley be careful in that 94 degree temp. You two Freddie in that Cincy weather. I guess I'll take this Virginia weather here in Hokie land until I pass. Once again i hope all is well with all of you. Anyone know how Cecil Blevins and Fran are getting along?
Tom Dillon on November 14, 2010 11:08 AM
Pete, don't shoot your eye out! I have a Red Rider BB gun. May I join you?
Fred Lucas on November 13, 2010 5:32 PM
The West Virginia University football team defeated yhe University of Cincinnati team 37-10 in Morgantown. The team is 6-3 with three games remaining.
I went on the Mountaineer Sports Network web site and Bill Stewart put several thoughts on twitter. The first is a quote from the late Coach John Wooden. "Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter for a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for blessings every day.
The second came from Coach Stewart. Make the most of oneself. Make each day your master pearl. Help others. Drink deeply from good books.
The Princeton Tigers finished the season with a record of 2-8. A word of encouragement would be helpful.
Tom Dillon on November 14, 2010 11:13 AM
Brother Jim was talking with someone in Princeton about the football team after the loss to Beckley -- supposedly major unhappiness with the coach and a boycott by the seniors of at least one practice the week of the game. Is this valid?
Fred Lucas on November 16, 2010 5:31 PM
Tom,
Sorry I don't have information about the football situation at PHS. I got the record from the online edition of the Daily Telegraph. Fred Lucas
Pete Stephenson on November 16, 2010 6:08 PM
Tom,its a real shame that things get so drastic on the football team that the srs held out. No matter how bad the coach is he should held the srs out of the game. Would love to have you at hunt camp. You probably would need more than your trusty ole red ryder. Sure wish I still had mine. would be worth a few bucks if you wanted to part with it. I,ve been collecting guns since i was in school. Starting to sell them off since I lost my son. Grandsons mom wont let him have them.Have a happy turkey day on my way back to hunt camp Friday.
ched on November 18, 2010 1:31 PM
I'm real disappointed to hear of the situation on the PHS football team. There is no place for that in my opinion. Maybe the players and coaches should remember just what athletic team sports is all about. As I recall we lost a lot of games also but we had pride and we never stopped trying !!!
Pete, enjoy your hunt. If your area is like ours, there are way too many deer...they are becoming a nuisance and a safety hazard to motorists. More need to be harvested.
God bless you all and have a happy thanksgiving.
Tom Dillon on November 19, 2010 9:03 AM
Major meeting held on November 10th regarding football program at PHS. Google Bluefield Daily Telegraph and then PHS football program -- I have no idea what the complaint is
Pat Smith on November 19, 2010 10:32 PM
The story I heard from one of the witnesses is that Spadero, in a ball game, physically abused one of the players on the sideline. The Sup't of Schools asked the witnesses (all adults, including a state trooper) for what they saw. Now those people are getting threatening phone calls from Spadero supporters, including threatening to take out a family. That threat was made to an 11 year old who answered the phone. Now a Federal crime is involved and all those who are talking trash about the witnesses are perhaps guilty of inciting that threat, another Federal crime. It's getting bad here.
Fred Lucas on November 20, 2010 7:46 PM
The West Virginia University football team defeated the University of Louisville team 17-10 at Papa Johns Stadium in Louisville. Their record is 7-3.
Next week, they will play Pittsburgh at Heinz Field on Friday 26th at noon.
I got my WVU jacket from Dicks Sporting Goods today. There isn't any shipping charge.Anyone can order online.
Pat, does the Public Library have a collection of old Princeton photographs? Would they like to have donations?
Eric Legrand, the Rutgers player who was paralyzed, remains paralyzed. A fund has been set up to help with medical expenses. Put his name into a search engine and you will receive information about the fund should you want to donate.
Sorry to learn about the problems with the PHS football team as reported by Pat. I hope that a peaceful resolution to the problems will take place
Have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Pat Smith on November 21, 2010 10:19 AM
Fred - I'm sure the Mercer Co. Historical Society would love to have old photographs for their genealogical library, the only one in southern WV recognized by the WV Library Commission. You can send them to me and I'll take them there, as I am the Mercer Co. Historian. Thanks for the offer. Pat
Fred Lucas on November 21, 2010 5:15 PM
Recently, I explained that I was going to study the idea of going Whitewater rafting on either the New River or Gauley River. Jones thought that I had lost my feeble mind.
I spoke with a Cincinnati physician who has gone on both rivers. He said that the New River has fewer difficult rapids that the Gauley. I will probably go in June or July. He told me to ask for a woman guide. They are much more detail oriented than the men.
Each week I have been giving the WVU football scores because I went to school there. I noticed that other fans aren't reporting the football scores of their universities. Ched don't you report Va. Tech scores? Tom don't you want to report scores for Florida?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on November 24, 2010 6:29 PM
I wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the day with family and friends and lots of food.
Tom Dillon on November 24, 2010 6:46 PM
Ditto! Love you all.
Mike Farley on November 24, 2010 7:13 PM
"Ditto 2" Eat a lot of TURKEY. Gobble-Gobble
Becky Novarro on November 24, 2010 8:57 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! I'll bet I am the only one having an antipasto as our appetizer! We do eat Turkey! NOW! ha
Pat Smith on November 24, 2010 11:26 PM
Thanks to everyone in our class for staying friends throughout the years. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Cookie Hill on November 24, 2010 11:56 PM
Having prime rib. My kids won't eat turkey. But we are having pumpkin pie. And they always request a gallon of my special iced tea. You know the kind---1/2 pound of sugar per glass. The only way to make iced tea--southern way. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Carol Martin on November 25, 2010 10:10 AM
Happy Thanksgiving from sunny South Carolina. Oops, no sun this a.m.
Pat, are you opening a restaurant? You are quite an enrerpreneur.
Linda, I thought of you when we were in Chapel Hill the day before the UNC/VT game. We went to the Duke/BC game. Tickets were about $70 cheapter than tickets to UNC/VT. Also, Neil's BlfdHS friend, Bob, used to teach ROTC at Duke.
Brenda, I haven't seen comments from you lately. Just letting you know that you are in my thoughts.
"love one another"
Fred Lucas on November 25, 2010 2:46 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from soggy Cincinnati. I drove to Batesville Indiana and had a Thanksgiving buffet at the Sherman House Inn which was founded in 1852.
I had turkey, ham sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. It was marvelous. We even had bread with apple butter.
Batesville is midway between Cincinnati and Indianapolis on I-74.
In trading the comments, it would appear that everyone has enjoyed themselves.
Carol, I saw Mike Currence again. He's doing better. He said that when we were children, the students from Bluefield thought that folks from Princeton and Bluefield Va. were evil. But, he married a gal from Bluefield Virginia and Martin married you, from Princeton. He laughed. He did mention that there were several Martins at Bluefield High.
Take Care,
TERRY ST CLAIR on November 25, 2010 10:12 PM
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! ON THIS DAY OF THANKS I WISH TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR THE KIND THOUGHTS, MANY PRAYERS, CARDS, LETTERS, E-MAILS, PHS BLOG CONDOLENCES, SEAVER FUNERAL SERVICE WEB CONDOLENCES, PHONE CALLS AND VISITS. I HAVE ALSO HAD PERSON TO PERSON DISCUSSIONS WITH FOLKS THAT HAVE BEEN WHERE I AM NOW. THESE TALKS MAKE ME EVEN MORE AWARE OF THE DEPTH OF MY WEAKNESS AND THE DEPTH OF GODS LOVE. GODS LOVE GAVE BETTY AND I MANY YEARS TOGETHER THAT TRULY ENRICHED OUR LIVES. OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN ARE PROOF OF THAT ENRICHMENT. GALATIONS 6:2 SAYS "CARRY EACH OTHERS BURDENS" AND I BELIEVE THAT JUST AS I HAVE BEEN COMFORTED, I WILL FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO COMFORT OTHERS. AS I WROTE IN CLASSMATES TODAY, I BELIEVE "WE CARE FOR EACH OTHER". BE KIND TO EACH OTHER!!!!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR KINDNESS, TERRY
Michael Murphy on November 26, 2010 10:16 AM
Terry - A most happy belated Thanksgiving to you and your family. Your faith and friendship are an inspiration.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back and till we meet again may God keep you and yours in the palm of his hand.
Your friend - Mike
ched on November 28, 2010 9:44 PM
Terry I am happy you are finding some peace. We will continue to pray for your continued comfort.
Carol Martin on November 26, 2010 4:43 PM
Terry, it is great that you took time to comment. Neil's high school friend in Durham that we visited recently, Bob, lost his wife in July and he is struggling. Neil thought it would be good for him to go to a game and Bob gave us a terrific tour of Duke. We had been there about 25 years ago, but the chapel still took my breath away. Also, we were able to visit our son in Cary.
Fred, I have no idea why anyone would think of us (and folks in Bluefield,VA) as evil. I have spent a lot of time in Blfd. and there is a "snooty" element there. I suppose it is because years ago Blfd. was the elite place to be. As Becky wrote and I have found true, people are people and you will find nice folks most everywhere. Mike Farley's sister-in-law, Beth, (Robert's wife) grew up near Neil in Blfd. and her family has always been so kind to us. When Neil and I lived in Montgomery, WV, we lived in her grandmother's house after Beth and Robert moved out. Just one example of the good side of Blfd.
"love one another"
Fred Lucas on November 26, 2010 4:48 PM
Mike, and others
We has a dusting of snow last night in Cincinnati. The temperature was a cool 27. When I looked out the window this morning I saw our resident squirrel searching for food. Like the squirrel, I too need to continue to prepare for winter.
This afternoon, I watched the WVU-Pitt football game. Today was the one hundred and third time that they met. WVU won 35-10. The game known as the Backyard Brawl was played at Heinz Field. Folks were bundled up in parkas. WVU defeated the three schools on the Ohio River:University of Cincinnati, University of Louisville and the University of Pittsburgh. Their record is 8-3.
Terry, I read your note and want to wish you and your family a happy and prosperous year.
Wednesday, I went to the funeral of a co-worker who was 84. We celebrated his life as we recalled for his wife the many wonderful stories that he told us. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, he asked me what is the capital of Kentucky: Louisville or Lexington. I bit and said Lexington. He said no Frankfort. Whenever we went to lunch he ordered a rusty nail. He was fun. His memory will live as long as I am alive. Betty's words and deeds will live in our memories as we are alive.
Fred Lucas on November 26, 2010 6:35 PM
Hi Carol,
I fear that I wasn't explicit enough when I discussed the observations of Mike Currence. He said that the negative feelings that he had came in his childhood. But as an adult he recognizes that there are kind and compassionate people in all communities. He found a lovely wife in Bluefield Virginia and has a friendship with me. Life isn't easy for him since he has to carry an oxygen tank wherever he goes.
Regarding our next reunion, I want to have a reunhion that is more inclusive. I'm not certain that asking people to stay at Pipestem at $97 per night and pay a registration fee of $120 per couple is as inclusive as we might want. For example, I have a friend who went to an all class reunion in Chicago. They had 1700 people and ate at the high school. In Cincinnati, people who celebrate high school or grade school reunions generally go to a banquet facility for an evening meal. They don't drive 35 miles to Houston Woods State Park. My cousin Vickie Pashion '70 went to the Elks Country Club where the classmates ate pizza.
Do you believe that we should keep costs low to enable as many as possible to join us? I am a fiscal conservative.
Becky Novarro on November 26, 2010 7:49 PM
Well Fred, I really thought you had finished planning or complaining about the class reunions. So, as a classmate who has lived away and paid her fee and walked in, picked up my name tag, talked to a lot of friends, danced, drank at my own cost, bought my own girtle, and was one of the happiest reunion visitors there, I can say that I am just grateful to all the people who have worked so hard to give me a wonderful time and I pray that I will be at the 55 reunion. I hope you are well and survive the Ohio winter. Be thankful for each day as the gift is not offered to everyone. Sincerely, Becky
Pete Stephenson on November 27, 2010 1:16 PM
Becky. You go girl. I can't believe there is so much bitching going on about our reunion. I know our 50th was my first . But I pray that the next reunion will be as good for us as the last one. Fred,I have a suggestion that might work for you. Go to Bluefield, Stay at the Holiday inn and envite Your friend Currence to go to the pizza hut and have a five dollar pizza together. I think that would just be 2.50 per person. All this other stuff that is being brought up does not even pertain to us as classmates. I think after 5 years people could save enough to have a good time at Pipestem. Go eers.
Pat Smith on November 27, 2010 6:35 PM
Carol - yes, I already opened the restaurant on November 18. It's called Pattycakes and is in the Law Building, the one with the clock across from the courthouse. It's funny how life comes full circle. back in 1954, I took cooking lessons at the Appalachian Room, the exact same location as my restaurant. We also used to go to Kerby Smith's Birthday parties there. Lots of memories in that room and I guess I'm making more. We are open 7:30-3:00 for breakfast and lunch. Being so near the courthouse and other governmental entities, we have a lot of delivery business. On the fifth day we were open, we have over 25 take out orders. Our specialties, so far, we are hearing are our hamburgers, meatball subs, Philly cheesesteaks and our signature Pattycake, which is chocolate cake with a hot fudge icing. So, when anyone is in town, try us out. We seat about 50 and we have two separate rooms dedicated to WV and VT. I'm also doing custom baking for Christmas. I hope all the classmates are doing well and enjoy Christmas and the Hannukah season. Pat
Pat Smith on November 27, 2010 6:38 PM
Gosh, I didn't proofread the last message, so I guess Ms. Vermillion and Ms. Shumate would fail me in punctuation and tense structure.
ched on November 28, 2010 9:52 PM
Pat, nice to hear of your successful restaurant opening. Sounds nice. I.am anxious to visit...
ched on November 28, 2010 9:47 PM
Agree
ched on November 28, 2010 9:55 PM
My "ageeement" post is in the wrong place. I agree with Pete. I and most every one I have talked to are very happy with the location and "format" of our reunions. There is a rather long tradition....
Pete Stephenson on November 29, 2010 12:26 PM
Thanks Ched..Pat do you give senior discounts? I'm going to be in Princeton in the next week or so.to visit cemetery and my lil sis that lives up on Ingleside road. I might stop in to say hello and have some lunch. If you see a big dude about 6ft and 260 with a fu man chu mustache that will be me. Good luck on the restaurant hope all goes well. See you soon. Merry Christmas everyone.
Carol Martin on November 29, 2010 7:38 PM
Pat, put my name on a couple of pieces of chocolate cake with coffee. However, we avoid WV from December through
March. Hope to see you in the spring.
Mike Murphy on November 30, 2010 12:29 PM
Pat - best of luck on your Restaurant. The cake sounds delic.
I will alert my Brothers who live in Princeton, one within walking distance.
Merry Christmas to all - Mike
Mike Farley on November 30, 2010 6:15 PM
Hey cuzzz!! Pattycakes sounds good. I agree with Carol, it has to be at least 70 degrees before I come north.
I bet your cuzzzz Robert will be there from time to time, since he is only steps away at the Chamber. I'll be up sometime next summer.
Everyone have a Merry Merry Christmas.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 1, 2010 8:22 AM
Sounds like you and Carol are getting kind of wimpy...maybe all the sunshine did that to you.
Tom Dillon on December 1, 2010 5:17 PM
I agree. Currently, the temperature here is 28F with a wind chill of 16F and snow flurries. Invigorating!!!!!
Mike Farley on December 1, 2010 7:35 PM
The first 34 years of my life was spent in the wonderful WV mountains. That is half of my life at 68. Would much rather be warm and warmer than cold and colder. I know that age has a lot to do with it. My father always said, if you can live the summers in the north and the winters in the south, You could add 10 years to your life.
All have a nice evening.
PS Darla, I'm not getting wimpy, just old.
Carl on December 2, 2010 4:52 PM
Heeeee's Back! Carl here. Been away from our website for awhile and am very pleased to see all the Blog activity.
Someone asked about the identity of our basketball team. Note that the "Photos, Misc." page of our website has yearbook photos of the teams and other groups. The PHS 1960 basketball team photo consists of (left to right) Jim Dillon, Ron "Sleep" Lively, Wayne Christian, James "Dobber" McCabe, Gene Fields, Norm Wall, Don Brohard, Dean Richardson, Doug Neal, Wil Wilhelm, (forgive me, I've forgotten -- help!) & Mike Herring.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 3, 2010 9:54 AM
Glad you are back...have you missed us?
Tom Dillon on December 3, 2010 10:23 AM
Primarily for Farley and you other "old" wimps. High tomorrow here forcasted to be 32F with wind chill measurements in the teens and 2-4 inches of the white stuff. Cranked up the snow blower yesterday for the first time this winter to be prepared. Do you even know what a snow blower is?
Cookie Hill on December 3, 2010 11:39 AM
Last night I was putting my favorite ornaments on my tree when I stopped to read the literature that was included with the Mercer School ornament my late Aunt Doris Hypes gave me a few years back. It read: Historic Mercer School, standing majestically at 1200 Mercer Street continues its tradition of academic excellence and services to the Princeton Community.
The three story brick structure opened in 1912 as East River High School. It became Mercer Street School in 1923 when the new PHS opened its doors on Straley Avenue. Mr. G.G. Auvil who served as principal from 1928 - 1964 is the person most associated with the history and tradition of the school. (Being a retired educator, I can't even imagine that kind of service on the part of an administrator. He lived across the street of course and must have watched the school like a hawk.
I vividly remember the night my father decided to take his flashlight and a bucket, put the whole family in his famous 1939 Olds and drive down to the school. You see, he was going fishing the next day and needed night crawlers. Suddenly during our search and in pitch darkness a figure stepped from the shadows and it was G.G. What are you doing on my school yard? Looking for nightcrawlers, said Daddy. And who are you. I'm Garlin Hill and this is my wife Pauline. Oh! I remember you, you were here about 30 years ago and you are Mrs. Neal's nephew. Well, good luck fishing. NOW THAT, CLASSMATES, IS A PRINCIPAL!
Mercerites proudly remember the school yard, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the state, the 32 foot fish pond held more than 500 goldfish, the winning basketball teams and the famous marching band. Laura, the South American Macaw made Mercer her home and now sits in the front hallway in her original cage. The school moto---: If it is to be, its up to me.
On a personal note, Mercer holds a special place in my heart. Every member of my extended family on the Old Bluefield Road attended Mercer. My parents met there in third grade around 1930 and spent the next 75 years together. Duck Neal who taught 6th grade in the balcony classroom was married to my Uncle Hugh Neal. (Doug Neal says he is also related to Uncle Hugh but we haven't figured it out yet.)
My aunt Janice Hypes Surface was famous for pushing a tormenting male student into the fishpond during lunch one day. The best part of lunch was walking around, and around, and around the building on the sidewalk.
Frank Price drove our school bus and no matter the weather....if Frank stopped in front of the house it was a school day. School never closed for snow and Frank was always on time. If Brush Creek flooded and the Willowbrook Bridge was covered in water, Frank drove over it anyway...we all cheered! What a guy! At Christmas and on the last day of school he gave us all a bar of candy.
What glory days, by the 5th grade I had a shiny new Rollfast bike and would leave in the morning, ride it all the way to the Princeton Pool....alone. The only rule was I had to be home by 5:00 because that was 'supper' time. Could you let your kids do that today?
So many of the beautiful, historic structures in Princeton have been destroyed, I sincerely hope Mercer School stand for many, many years. A few years back I walked through the building one day and it seemed so small. I guess I just got so big. Oh yes! Every Christmas Daddy & Mother would take us for a drive to see two special things....Dr. Hale's decorated window and the holiday scenes painted on the classroom windows at Mercer. The interior lights were left on at night so you could see them. It was a sight to behold. And, Mercer School didn't call it a Winter Holiday....Mrs. Lilly even taught us Christmas songs.
Merry Christmas to all my classmates.
Carl on December 3, 2010 7:54 PM
Cookie, take heart. Among the "beautiful, historic structures in Princeton" that endure to this day are Doug, Darla, . . . , the list just goes on and on.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 4, 2010 6:16 AM
Thanks Carl...
Cookie Hill on December 3, 2010 11:42 AM
On my Mercer Street blog.....I don't know how all that extra garbage got in there. I didn't type it that way. Please accept my apologies. If someone can explain, please do so.
Sorry about that.
Carl on December 3, 2010 4:29 PM
I'm not certain, but I think that the "garbage" that shows up in some blog entries is the result of "unacceptable" formatting (e.g., underlining, italics, etc.) by the MyEvent software.
Anytime you see such, just email me and I'll try to remove it.
Thanks Cookie for sharing wonderful memories so lovingly described. And (dare I say it, living as I do, in the heart of PC Land) "Merry Christmas" to you too. Also "Happy Hanukkah" to my Jewish friends, and "Happy Holidays" to all who prefer that sentiment. Oh yeah, "Bah Humbug" to you, Goodall.
cookie Hill on December 3, 2010 7:23 PM
Thanks so much Carl for cleaning up that mess I wrote about Mercer School. When I tried to read it my first thought was that my classmates must be wondering if in reality I had dropped out in 7th grade. The new information will be very helpful in the future.
I live just down the road from you and I know all to well the PC environment in the DC area. I've just reached the point that if its politically incorrect then SO WHAT. Someone once said that the problem with common sense was that it was so uncommon. Thanks again.
TERRY ST CLAIR on December 3, 2010 8:33 PM
MY BROTHER TOM TOLD ME THAT TED (GOOSE) GILLESPIE INFORMED HIM THAT THE TROUBLE WITHIN THE PHS FOOTBALL TEAM WAS CAUSED DURING A REGULAR SEASON GAME IN WHICH A PRINCETON PLAYER MADE A MISTAKE IN PLAY ON THE FIELD AND WHEN HE CAME TO THE SIDELINE THE COACH HIT HIM, WITH SOME FORCE ON THE TOP OF THE HELMET WITH HIS CLIP BOARD. TED SAID SOME PARENTS ARE OK WITH THIS AS IS THE PLAYER INVOLVED AND HIS PARENTS, STATING THAT THAT IS PART OF THE GAME. OTHERS ARE LOOKING AT THE INCIDENT DIFFERENTLY. I WILL KEEP EVERYONE UPDATED.
HOPE EVERYONE HAD A SAFE HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
TERRY
Pete Stephenson on December 4, 2010 11:07 AM
Terry I know that some parents accept the coaches actions,but recently in the ncaa and pros alike they are trying real hard to do away with that crap that some coaches do. One real example lately of those kind of actions was from Bo Pellini the head coach of Nebraska. He kept jamming his index finger in the chest of one ofhis players that had made a mistake. The real mistake in my belief is that the coaches themselves forget that these young men are still just young men. In my belief these coaches actions should not be tolerated. Fire the gusy that are doing such things. Happy Holidays. Terry hope you are coping ok.
Mike Farley on December 4, 2010 5:34 PM
Tom, I'm glad your snow blower is operating. I fired up my lawn mower this afternoon after the WV/ Rutgers game and got my grass looking real good. A good ole cold G2 gatorade (orange) tasted mighty fine.
Tom Dillon on December 4, 2010 7:27 PM
Who should I pull for this evening? I graduated from Florida State (not Florida, Fred), but love Va. Tech -- purchased hat and jersey when we visited Terry in Radford a few weeks ago.
Carol Martin on December 4, 2010 8:04 PM
No, Tom, I don't want to know what a snow blower is and I hope you had as much fun blowing snow as I had playing tennis in a T-shirt yesterday while Neil suffered through nine holes of golf. Darla, if you look up "wimpy" in the dictionary, you might see my mug. Isn't it wonderful that we can live where we want to live and say what we want to say and have the Constitution that protects our liberties.
Fred, I applaud you for being a fiscal conservative! Fifteen years ago if you could breathe, you could find a decent job in upstate SC. BMW built a huge plant here, Dennys moved their corporate headquarters here, WABCO and half of PA moved here and life was wonderful. Then we got NAFTA and plants, especially textile plants, started closing. Now our unemployment isn't far behind Michigan and Ohio.
Mike Murphy, you stated some time ago that you lived in Saudi. I had a friend in TX whose parents lived there and they hated it. Her dad worked in the oil fields and she said that they had to watch a public hanging in Saudi. However, I know a couple who retired here who lived there 13 years and loved it. He was an engineer for one of the oil companies and she talked about living near the beach and a golf course. They apparently lived in high cotton. How did you like it?
The gamecocks got an old fashion behind kicking tonight! Congratulations WV!
"love one another"
Mike Farley on December 5, 2010 8:33 AM
AMEN CAROL!!!!!!!
Tom Dillon on December 5, 2010 12:01 PM
Becky, if you only had one residence, then you wouldn't have difficulty remembering your address.
Thank you Fred for the update on our classmates.
Mike Murphy on December 5, 2010 1:15 PM
Carol, my wife Aretta and I did spend 9 years in Saudi Arabia; 2 tours 4 and 5 years; first tour we both liked SA but second not so much for Aretta. I did learn that everything you hear is probably true or not. I never heard of hangings but many beheadings, which was main form of capitol punishment; stonings for women who were unfaithful were rare or hidden. Punishment for homosexuality pronounced 'maniach' in Arabic was to be thrown from highest building. Some Americans went to see beheadings, but not me.
We did shop in the Suiks near chop chop square in front of the Ministry of justice in Riyadh but never on Friday the holy day and day for executions We were there when Bin Laudin first struck with bombing of Saudi Arabian National Guard in 95. American advisors were working there; some were injured but no American deaths.
I was fortunate to have a Diplomatic Passport and PX and Commissary privileges which afforded us more freedom and protection plus a tea shipment. We spent most of our free time partying in our compounds (homes) and planning our next home leave. We traveled around the world 10 times and visited over 50 countries. In SA I visited nearly every town and berg including Median Sala where you can still see the train from the wreck illustrated in the movie Lawrence of Arabia, also saw where Eve was supposedly buried in Jeddah and traveled with one of my counterparts to Jordan and saw Petra after we conducted a seminar in northern SA.
Work was good but sometimes exasperating -- it usually took about 3 times longer to accomplish tasks. It was said SA had an IBM management philosophy: Inshallah (God willing) Bukra (Tomorrow) and Mallash ( it doesn't Matter). Most of the Saudi's I worked with were educated in the US. My counterpart had his Doctorate from Florida State.
Americans were treated with respect for the most part, but there are radicals who want to see our way of life eradicated or for all of us to live under Sharia law, which is interpretations of the Koran. The problem is that the government is a religious government. For instance, the Koran does not require veils; veils came about when the Turks were stealing their women and they covered to protect.
You guys have been talking about the weather. It could get to 150f in the sun and as low a 20f in the Asir mountains. You had to carry a towel to turn on your car because key would burn fingers if car left in sun. It felt like a Pizza oven at times, although when it did rain it usually flooded and many people were drowned driving into underpasses.
In general I enjoyed SA and met many good people. My observation is that for the most part people in every country are good, some and their governments are not so. My wife Aretta has an infectous smile and personality, so were were almost always welcome.
On football - WV has a mess with the lawyers trying to decide who should govern HS sports. AAA playoff game has been delayed by courts overruling SSAC. Between courts and politicians wanting to and running the schools we have a mess.
Carol I agree with your conservatism, why don't you come back to WV and straighten out our courts, legislature and administration! I will vote for you.
Fred - thanks for the reminders about our classmates and although I dont always agree with your positions, please keep at it.
Carl - thanks again for the web site, good to have you back where have you been? - keep the faith.
Merry Christmas Mike
Becky Novarro on December 5, 2010 6:42 PM
Haven't done that before! I had a bunch of junk in my emails too but knew it was from the security code. Why do we have to keep submitting it?
Tommy, I haven't worried about where I was as Jim had my address sewn in my clothes when we left West Virginia in 1963. ha I have had so many people make fun of the way I talk I just have a good laugh. When I go back to New Jersey, it's usually to get my attitude back. We lived at the Jersey Shore in Central Jersey so we were considered pretty "lame."
Cookie I loved your writing about Mercer School. Made me homesick.
I think our chatting is wonderful. Fred, I am sorry if I offended you but I have never had to even lick an envelope to get ready for a reunion and truly appreciate the hard work. It is never an easy task trying to get people together even for dinner.
Hope all of you are well. Sheila and Jerry have been on the phone with us trying to plan a Bowl Trip. We hoped for Miami but won't know anything until later tonight. If any of you see Sheila or Jerry remind them they promised to come and visit me. I think the New Jersey thing scares people.
Oh and Carol and Mike, I join you with the snow blower. Today we had on shorts and watched our poinsettas bloom. I don't know about the cold. I don't like the "ovens" but I sure don't like Zero or minus.
Keep up the good news. You northerners can send us some recipes for your favorite soups and we'll send you ours for our fruit salads.
cookie hill on December 6, 2010 8:14 AM
I hope all the snowbirds get a sunburn and a very large air conditioning bill. I have on a robe plus sweats and then pajamas. It is so cold my dog refuses to go outside.
Pat Smith on December 6, 2010 9:34 PM
well, having lived in FL for 35 years and now back in WV for five, I've gotta tell you, I LIKE IT BETTER HERE! Even though today, we have about five inches on the ground and more predicted. Schools were closed today and tomorrow. As far as I remember. FL's weather is hot, hotter and blazing. Up here, we have diversity. Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukah to all. May 2011 be a good year for all of us.
Brenda McDonel Persin on December 7, 2010 7:19 PM
Thank you, Carol, for inquiring about me. I am doing all right--my husband is getting a little worse each day, but I'm keeping busy doing things I enjoy. I'm hosting two luncheons and one big Christmas party over the next two weeks, so I'm pretty busy right now. Fran, you will relate to this I am sure.
Mike M., I enjoyed reading about your Saudi Arabia experience--interesting. I've read several books lately about Saudia Arabia.
Pat, I will try to visit Pattycakes at some point when the weather allows.
I love snow--the present one is beautiful. I spent 16 years in Florida at Christmas and even though I always had a wonderful time, lights in Florida don't look the same as they do twinkling out of the snow covered trees outside my house right now. Here I am snug and warm with four cats around me and the snow piled up outside--what could be cozier?
I didn't attend Mercer School as I didn't move to Princeton until 9th grade, but I loved Cookie's description of it.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, or whatever. I attended a friend's Hanukkah celebration the other night with the lighting of the fifth candle (Am I saying this correctly?). The menu included chicken soup and latkes. It was beautiful.
Mike Farley on December 8, 2010 9:02 AM
I will have to admit the snow is beautiful. I have the Jefferson Weather Cam programmed on my favorites. It is located on the corner of Jefferson street and College ave. in Bluefield. It is live and I can watch it snow as we speak.
Brenda Persin on December 8, 2010 4:44 PM
Mike, that is amazing! You can enjoy the best of both worlds. Hope you and Barbara have a Merry Christmas.
Mike Farley on December 8, 2010 6:20 PM
Thank you Brenda!!! Merry Christmas to you and your husband. OOOPS!! And the cats.
Fred Lucas on December 8, 2010 9:18 PM
I forgot to report the WVU-Rutgers football score. WVU won 35-14 and will go to the Champs Bowl in Orlando Fl. on December 28. The game begins at 6:30 pm and will be televised on ESPN. According to the athletic department 90% of the football seniors last year graduated.
You probably received my communication about classmates with challenges. I will do another communication in February. Would you like to have that issue devoted to successes that children and grandchildren are having? One of the trainers at my gym told me that her class will celebrate the tenth anniversary next year. She is making a list of those classmates who are married and have children. She is single and enjoys running. Saturday she ran in a ten k event in the snow in Bloomington Indiana. She came in fifth among the women. There were four inches of snow on the ground. I am reporting her success. Her name is Cristy Doll. She did her collegiate work at the University of Cincinnati. She was a cross country runner there. Mike, the temperature this morning was 8. This afternoon it was 23.
Have a good week everyone. Fred Lucas
Mike Farley on December 9, 2010 8:38 AM
Thanks Fred for the report on the classmates with challenges. Yes, the successes of the offsprings would be nice.
Carol Martin on December 9, 2010 4:16 PM
We received a Christmas card from our State Representative, M. Forrester, which I think is worth sharing.
"This Christmas season many families across South Carolina are struggling to pay their mortgages and put presents under the tree. Sometimes it is difficult to be in a festive spirit when the economy matches the cloudy weather. However, we must all keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas by spending time with family, counting our many blessings and remembering our Lord's birth. When viewed through this prospective, all the monetary woes and trivial worries melt away to reveal the true holiday spirit.
When I think about the wonderful people that fill our district, I am overwhelmed with such a deep sense of gratitude that I thank God......"
Merry Christmas to all. Carol & Neil
Cookie Hill on December 14, 2010 10:57 AM
Where is Al Gore when I need him?
Tom Dillon on December 14, 2010 3:12 PM
Jack Frost here...
We thought we would send our Florida classmates a taste of what we are enjoying. Sure hope all the produce, etc., is not severly damaged.
Becky Novarro on December 14, 2010 9:15 PM
Greetings from Florida. It is supposed to freeze tonight but the farmers are hoping not. No one can stop Mother Nature. Let's all hope it doesn't freeze so we our veggies stay safe. Most of the winter tomatoes are from Naples. We have our heat on! That is most unusual. "Baby it's cold outside."
Becky Novarro on December 14, 2010 9:18 PM
I'm glad our teachers don't read our blog.
It makes sense until it is sent. Oh well.
Stay warm and safe.
Pat Smith on December 14, 2010 9:33 PM
Back here in West, by God, it was 7 this morning when I left for Pattycakes. Baby, it's cold outside and still snowing!
Merry Christmas!
Pat Smith on December 14, 2010 9:35 PM
That's 7 degrees, although it was 7:00, when I left!
Cookie Hill on December 14, 2010 11:56 PM
Its 84 degrees along the Chesapeake Bay in Southern Maryland. I am busy cutting my grass and putting in new plants. So why am I wearing a robe over my sweat suit. That is in addition to the pajamas. Even the dog won't go out to do her business. The wind chill this week has been terrible. I can't remember a December being so cold. AL GORE, I'M STILL LOOKING FOR YOU. He just seems to have dropped off the face of the earth. Even his state Global Warming offices are closing. Last time I heard there were only seven offices left nationwide. I guess someone got the message.
Mike Farley on December 15, 2010 9:23 AM
Will be traveling over to our campground in Davenport today. Staying in our camper for the next few days. Temp. now is 42 degrees. Should reach 57 this afternoon. Will be working at Disney tomorrow. Temps tomorrow should be in high 60's. Barb talks to her sister in Princeton about everyday, so we know what you guys are going thru. Have a Merry Merry Christmas.
PS Tom, how is your snow blower holding up???
Tom Dillon on December 15, 2010 10:50 AM
Up to 4 inches of snow expected overnight so will get to fire her up again.
Pete Stephenson on December 15, 2010 2:20 PM
Hey Tom, Mike, Cookie. No snow yet here in the Roanoke valley. I still think that the best snow removal is simple. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Can,t beat that formula. I bought a new blower 5 years ago and last winter I finally got to see that sucker do its thing. All you guys have a very Merry Christmas. Be careful out on the highways, it’s a jungle out there.
Fred Lucas on December 15, 2010 6:42 PM
In Cincinnati, we have had 7.9 inches of snow this month. We are expecting another 3 to 5 inches tonight. This reminds me of the song,"Let It Snow". The weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful let it snow let it snow let it snow. Then there is that old song by Bing Crosby, " I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Monday, I saw children sliding down a long hill in Devou Park in Covington Ky. They were soo excited. The videos were on television. It reminds me of the times that I would take my sled and go down the hill behind Jack Honaker's house.
Pat, if you have a chance talk about your restaurant. I thought you might call it Chez Patrice. Fred Lucas
Becky Novarro on December 19, 2010 7:54 PM
Just returned from Orlando and my granddaughter's college graduation. Mike Farley you could drive in New Jersey. That place is crazy. It's beautiful here but we are expecting it to get cooler. I don't dare say colder, it can't come even close to the north.
Stay warm.
Fred Lucas on December 19, 2010 10:21 PM
Hi Becky,
The other day at the gym, I spoke to a woman who can't wait to get to a ski slope near Syracuse New York. The area has had seventy two inches of snow so far in December. They also ski on the slopes in Colorado. Her husband is an orthopedic surgeon who takes care of injured athletes. They have been on the slopes of Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia
In the summer months they have done whitewater rafting on the New River .
We have about 7 inches of snow in Cincinnati with a temperature of 28.As they say different strokes for different folks . Do have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
One of the employees at the gym was at Epcott Center in Orlando last week. She took a winter outfit as well as a summer outfit. She said that toward the end of the week the temperature climbed to 77.
Don't forget to check with Fran Rice. The chemo leaves her energy depleted. Thanks.
mike farley on December 20, 2010 10:13 AM
Yes Becky!! If you can drive in Florida, you can drive anywhere. I feel sorry for the cycle people. Most "OLD" people down here are programmed for( 2 )headlights. If they see only (1) headlight coming down the road, they will pull right out in front of you. "BANG"!!!!!
Fred Lucas on December 20, 2010 6:43 PM
This message is for all who are using the blog. Fran Rice Baker informed me by E-Mail that she has changed her E-Mail address. It is franbaker2010@aol.com. Please make a note.
Miami University of Ohio sells a shirt that says" Miami was a university when Florida was a colony of Spain. Thanks
Tom Dillon on December 24, 2010 7:59 AM
Santa Claus here... I shaved off my beard a couple of weeks ago. Why? I have done this every so often over the years thinking I might look younger. I don't look any younger, actually older, but very much like Bob Lambert which isn't too bad -- no, I am not Lambert.
Do not fret, however, the beard has grown back significantly enough so that I can do my thing tonight. The sleigh is packed and ready to go.
Remember the true meaning of Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!Love you all -- Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Have a great holiday season.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 24, 2010 8:20 AM
I bet you make a good Santa. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
TERRY ST CLAIR on December 24, 2010 11:57 PM
SANTA HERE, BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER AND REMEMBER WHO'S BIRTHDAY THIS REALLY IS; IT IS NOT TOO LATE, YOU HAVE 5 MORE MINUTES BEFORE YOU HEAR THE HOOFS ON THE ROOF!!!!! LOVE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE, HAPPY NEW YEAR, TERRY
Michael Murphy on December 25, 2010 9:30 AM
We all should be grateful to be in the land of the free because of the brave at Christmas, even though Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, in many lands Christmas Trees and Crosses are forbidden.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Classmates and Friends - be well prosperous and happy!
Fred Lucas on December 25, 2010 10:55 AM
Hello all. As the Bing Crosby tune I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas. We have four inches of snow in Cincinnati.
I would like to wish each of you peace and happiness in the coming year.
There is an old Irish Toast. "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And may the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again,may the Lord hold you tenderly in the palm of his hand.
Ched on December 25, 2010 10:58 PM
Ive been "off" for a while. I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2011. I enjoyed Cookie's memories of the days at Mercer School. I had forgotten our bus driver's name but I can remember his face. The pond and the Macaw in the glass case are all memories. I had Mrs. Neal in the 6th grade and can remember her old car as well. It is Christmas day and for the first time in many many years we have a white Christmas. The snow adds a little magic to this very special day and the temperature is a "mild" 30F.
Tom I am happy to lear that you love the Hokies (me too). They run a great program there. Frank Beamer won the Joseph Paterno award given to the Division 1 coach which best demonstrates athletic program excellence, academic performance (79% grad rate) and public service. (kinda makes you proud to be a Hokie.
Let's all keep Fran, Cecil, Sarah, Kay and others suffering in our prayers.
Pat Smith on December 25, 2010 11:43 PM
Well, as Christmas day draws to a close, let's remember to keep the spirit and good will of Christmas alive throughout the year.
Cookie & Ched: I rode your bus in 6th and 7th grade and Mr. Bird drove that bus for awhile; I remember he had the first Volkswagen "beetle" in Princeton.
Terry: I hope you got all those cakes delivered.
One more time everyone - Merry Christmas!
Becky Novarro on December 27, 2010 2:33 PM
Today it is "cold" here. The high is 54. I know, brag, brag, brag. For all of you with a white Christmas, you are very lucky. Make a snowman for all us Floridians. We have forgotten how. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Pat SmithJURYLINK@AOL.COM on December 28, 2010 3:42 AM
Becky, when I came home at 6 pm, it was 16 with a windchill of 2! Who has the guts to go out in that and make a snowman? Not me. I'm staying inside with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Happy New Year everyone.
Fred Lucas on December 29, 2010 6:07 PM
I have a correction to make. The phone number for Ed Laufer in the 2010 Directory is 212-861-7818. That phone number is incorrect. The correct number is 212-861-7817. Please make a note.For all of those who have studied German, Laufer is a noun meaning runner. The verb is laufen.
Princeton High School didn't offer German . I have studied German in Cincinnati.
West Virginia University Football team lost to the football team from North Carolina State in the Champs Bowl 23-7. Oliver Luck, Athletic Director told the offensive coordinator that this game would be his last for WVU. He also related to Bill Stewart that next year would be his last year. The offense sputtered.
Eric Legrand the injured player from Rutgers now has feeling in his hands. There has been a good response from appeals to the public for funds to help with expenses.
Pat Muldoon from Cincinnati will be in the starting line up for the Wisconsin Badgers who are playing TCU in the Rose Bowl.His uncle Brian Muldoon who was a member of the Lasalle College basketball team when Ralph Sampson played for Virginia, told me about his nephew.
Pete Stephenson on December 30, 2010 2:00 PM
It is my wish for the new year that all of my friends and classmates have a very Happy New Year filled with joy and happiness without pain and suffering. I pray that Sarah, Fran, Gene,and Cecil have a year without any pain and suffering. For the rest of us that have any aches and pains i hope we can tolerate them and have a very prosperous and happy new year. Those of you that are in the south stay cool. Those of you in the north stay warm. And those in between just manage the best that you can. Gooooo Hokiessss Love all you girls and guys stay well.
Brenda McDonel Persin on December 30, 2010 5:06 PM
Yesterday, I had a phone call from Brenda Martin Sword--first time in 50 years she has called me. Then this morning, I met Barbara Fields at Pattycakes for breakfast. We had a very low calorie and healthy meal of sausage gravy and biscuits which was very tasty. We chatted with Pat, and it was a delightful morning. As Barbara and I were leaving to visit the new library, we ran into Darla who had just come from Pat's funeral. Imagine connecting with four classmates of 50 years in two days! Happy New Year !
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 30, 2010 7:47 PM
Brenda, it was good seeing you today and you look great!!! Let someone know when you are coming the next time and we will get a group together for lunch.
Cookie Hill on December 30, 2010 10:42 PM
You guys are making me homesick. Wish I could have been there. I could have heard Brenda say "How embarrassing" as she ate the low cal meal.
Cookie Hill Brown on December 31, 2010 6:44 PM
Are we still on the class reunion? My goodness as I continue to read the Obit pages lets just all hope we are all alive for the next one. It is not the venue that counts, it is the people. If someone else is doing all the work, usually the locals, God bless them. It’s a difficult and time consuming process and the pay is terrible so I hear. Hope everyone has a happy, healthy 2011 and remains kicking until 2012.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 1, 2011 10:16 AM
The "pay" is seeing everyone having a good time reuniting with each other and all the good comments we hear. Hope each of you have a very happy 2011.
Pete Stephenson on January 1, 2011 3:08 PM
Happy New Year Everyone. May your year be filled with joy, happiness and good health.
ched on January 3, 2011 5:14 PM
Hear, Hear Cookie !!! And A Happry and healthy new year to all !!!
Ched on January 3, 2011 5:16 PM
Goooooo Hokies!!!! Orange Bowl tonight
Pat Smith on January 7, 2011 12:02 AM
Gene Fields came into the restaurant today. He looks great and said that he had gained almost all his weight back. Such good news.
By the way, HERE COMES THE SNOW AGAIN!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 7, 2011 7:39 PM
Glad to hear that Gene is doing well.
Michael Farley on January 7, 2011 11:03 AM
For those of you who LOVE Southern Gospel Music, I don't want you to be jealous, but Barb and I are going to see and hear the Booth Brothers in Lakeland, Fl. tonight.
Carol Martin on January 9, 2011 10:23 PM
Oh my! It looks like we might be "snowed in" for a couple of days. Cookie, did you find Al Gore? I read recently that German scientists say we are entering a mini ice age...
We have been busy and our computer died. Fortunately, Greg was home for a couple of weeks. He fixed our computer, strung my tennis racquet, helped Neil update our bathrooms, and they found time for a round of golf.
Cookie, your info regarding Mrs. Neal reminded me that the Oney Cemetary is on the hill behind my sister's house. There are about 20 markers including a Confederate soldier and a grave marked "Neal infant 1918" which was Mrs. Neal's baby. I remember my grandmother saying that she went to school with Mrs. Neal, my sister says we are related. I don't know, but my grandmother was kin to a lot of folks. She and Connie Elmore's grandmother were first cousins. Darla, I think she and your grandmother were cousins too. Mike Murphy, I really enjoyed reading about SA. BTW, when did you teach at WVIT? Do you know my dear friend, Nancy Giacomo? She and I worked together from 1963 until the end of 1965 and she just retired from Tech last year. She took several years off when her children were small so you might have missed her. Montgomery was never anything special, but there was a lot of activity when we lived there. Several years ago we stopped by there on our way back from Ohio, and I don't think they have updated anything in 45 years and buildings were vacant. We didn't even see many students.
I sure hated to learn about Patricia's death. I admired her tenacity.
Pete Stephenson on January 9, 2011 11:45 PM
Carol, when we were in 6th grade mrs neal must have been in here mid 6o's. do you remember Vincy Watters? I,ve always wondered what ever happened to him. I know that his family moved to Florida but never heard anything about him after that.I left mercer and went to thorn after sixth grade and never heard anything about him after that.Maybe some one else might know also.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 10, 2011 10:35 AM
Pete: Vincent Waters rings a bell. Help me out someone. Carol: I think we are related to the Wyricks on my mothers side. Mrs. Neal was married to my paternal grandmother's brother Uncle Hugh Neal. He is also related to Doug Neal but we can't figure it out. My maternal grandmother was a Belcher/Hambrick. I will get in touch with my Aunt Janice in Princeton and find out the connection. She knows everything. Somewhere along the line I think they said there is a Hypes family connection to the Wyricks. This is all such a hoot! To think so many of us went through school and never knew we were related but I guess back in the day we weren't concerned about that stuff. As I've gotten older it has become more important and I've learned a lot about my heritage and its fascinating. We are gearing up for another snow. I'm all stocked up with dog food and pinto beans. Yes, when I get homesick I just go buy beans, fatback and cornbread mix. My kids just shake their heads and wonder how I stomach those things. Good eating until the next day.
Pete Stephenson on January 10, 2011 12:59 PM
Cookie, there is nothing wrong with a good bowl of pintos, cornbread, a few onions and a large glass of milk. yum. Vincy was in my sixth grade class, and Mrs Neal was my teacher. Vincys dad ran watters jewelry store down by the Lavon theatre. The left Princeton midway through sixth grade. He is the kid in the scout uniform in the class picture. All you guys in the mid south be careful in the ice storm you are having. Storm moved all across mid south to the cost. Cookie be careful in the snow.
Michael Murphy on January 10, 2011 2:14 PM
Carol- I taught Voc Teachers to renew their certification at WVIT during the summers of the 70s. I did not know Nancy G. My son graduated from WVIT. The college went down hill in the 90s after WVU took it over in my opinion. It is now known as WVU Tech.
We have about 7" of snow here in down town Kenna WV. Have been trying to find Al Gore. The only thing I remember from Durr's and Carpenter's classes - trees (at night) and people give off carbon dioxide - so we should probably do away with both!
Pete I just brought home some corn bread and beans w onions and will pour some butter milk - hog heaven for a 300#+ PHS Grad. Happy New year - Mike
Cookie Hill Brown on January 10, 2011 2:05 PM
Pete: You have to add mustard and catsup. I can remember when we raised our beans and shelled them out in the fall. My mother and grandmother would then can them in Mason jars. Thats after they finished making apple butter in the huge cast iron kettle that now sits on my front porch, and putting up a hog and a steer for the winter. Calvin Belcher (Buddy's dad) was my grandfather's best bud and he always mowed the hay in the bottom. That was before 460 decided to go through the middle of it and broke my heart. We got to ride in Daddy's truck and gather the hay to put in the barn. I tell my kids this stuff and they say WHAT? ARE YOU NUTS. No, Becky, thats the way us bus-riding kids grew up and it was great. Got ya! I'm still looking for an Easters' hot dog and the Princeton Dairy Queen is the closest I've found although they haven't quite gotten there. Easters toasted their buns and they were the regular hot dog bun, not that slice of bread they now use that gets all soggy. When I top the hill at Walmart I go straight to the DQ before I go out the Old Bluefield Road and its the last thing I do as I leave town on my way back to "Nutsville." "Nutsville" is alive and well and if you don't believe me turn on the television. I stay away from downtown unless the grandchildren come for a visit. I just stay out here in the country and watch the geese fly over. Gonna go clean my house because the girls are coming for lunch this week. The nice thing about living alone and with a dog is that you don't have to clean up unless company is coming. Frankly, I have reached the point in my life that I don't do anything unless I FEEL LIKE IT. Man, that statement feels better and better all the time. I call that my "earned" rebellion since I missed out on the Hippy Movement.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 10, 2011 4:19 PM
Looks like PHS60 is on a beans and cornbread roll. Sometimes I go upscale (ha!) and have Chesapeake Blue Crabs at Mike's Crab House in Annapolis. I hear that is favorite haunt of Sammy Goodall but I haven't seen him there yet.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 10, 2011 4:22 PM
Mike Murphy: Do you crumble up the cornbread and put it in your buttermilk? I have been known to do that but have not yet started to pour my hot coffee in the saucer and slurp it out. LOL
Carol Martin on January 10, 2011 5:54 PM
We are definitely in for another day or two. I can always find things to do like clean out closets and files. I must remember to soak my beans tonight. You all are making me hungry.
Cookie, my maternal grandmother was the one who was kin to just about everyone in Mercer County. She was a Taylor and a wonderful, caring woman. She was also kin to the Whites, which probably includes Linda.
I too remember my grandparents had an apple orchard and we would pick sacks of appIes, peel them and make applebutter in a huge copper kettle. My aunts would take turns stirring it with a huge wooden hand made stir. We children would wash the jars and help fill them.
I didn't know much about my grandfather's (Wyrick) side of the family. His parents apparently died quite young because I never knew them. He worked for the railroad.
Mike, regarding WVIT, my husband said that he has worked side by side with graduates of Yale, Harvard, Georgia Tech, University of TX, etc. and he never felt his education at WVIT was inferior. Back years ago they had very strong Engineering and Math departments.
Mike, did you live in Montgomery? I have remarked that Jeff Shumaker also graduated from Tech. Dean Richardson was there when we were there, but was a year behind Jeff and Neil.
Pete, I remember Vincent Watters, but didn't remember when he moved. I attended Knob in the eighth grade. I really liked Knob, probably because it was smaller. Mary Lou, Brenda Martin, Rita, Ginger, Pam, Aloma etc. went to Knob.
Stay warm
Cookie Hill Brown on January 10, 2011 6:00 PM
"Knobs are snobs but Mercer is worser." Sorry! Sometimes the devil makes me do stuff and I just can't help it.
Tom Dillon on January 10, 2011 7:20 PM
I had the best of two worlds attending Knob from 1st through 6th and then Mercer in the 7th and 8th. Probably knew more classmates as a result when we got into jr. high.
Love beans and cornbread, but could never do the buttermilk gig , although I do like cottage cheese. I remember my Dad and his cornbread and buttermilk as well as his oyster stew. And yes, his bourbon.
Up to 7 inches of snow projected beginning at midnight through tomorrow evening. Went out this morning to go to the gym and car would not start. Jumped it and let it run for awhile, but alas, it won't start again. Maybe I can ride my push snow blower in an emergency.
Hope everyone is having a great start to the new year!
Pete Stephenson on January 10, 2011 7:59 PM
Mike I can't quite take the buttermilk but sweetmilk and cornbread now thats the stuff. I used to help grandpa stir apple butter with the large ladle when I would go to his farm at Tazewell in the fall. Nothing like applebutter on a good grandma made biscuit.yum yum. you guys in the snow be careful, dont fall and break a hip. Dillon its been my experience over the years of trucking that when a battery goes down, might as well throw that sucker away and get you a new one.
Pat Smith on January 10, 2011 10:01 PM
We have brown beans and corn bread on the menu at my new restaurant along with fried bologna sandwiches. I like sweet milk and cornbread, also. Never could do the buttermilk either. Tommy, I'm like you, I went to Knob 1-5 and then Mercer 6-8. I had Mrs Neal also. She used to invite me to her house for dinner sometimes. I also used to run errands for her. One time I took a radio to be repaired and I said it was for Mrs Neal and the repairman said "Oh, you mean Duck". He wrote that on the ticket and she thought I told him that. I had never heard that before. Can everyone from Mercer remember these names: Walthall, Stanley, Crockett, Dalton, Roles & Bishop? I'd put my education in Princeton up against anyone in America. And Carol, my ex-husband graduated from WVIT in 1961 and he felt the same about his education. I guess this winter is a repeat of last year's. We are expecting treacherous roads tomorrow with an ice storm followed by snow Wednesday. My grand opening is Thursday; that ought to be interesting cutting a snow covered yellow ribbon! If you're in town, come on by and get a free piece of Pattycake and a cup of hot chocolate. Stay warm and safe, everyone.
Pete Stephenson on January 11, 2011 11:54 AM
It saddens me greatly to hear of the passing of our friend and classmate Calvin E Roland. He always had a smile on his face and joy in his heart. I don,t think he ever met a stranger. He is surely going to be missed not only by his family but by all his classmates and friends. The Lord called another good soul to his service. I pray for Bean, his mother, and all the family.
Michael Murphy on January 11, 2011 12:15 PM
Carol - I lived in Charleston when I was an Adjunt Professor at WVIT. Also I need to clarify my statement about WVIT going down hill in the late 90s. At one time WVIT had one of the top 20 undergrad engineering programs in the U.S. and is still probably the best undergrad engineering program in WV.
I worked with Bob Gillespie who was President of WVIT from 1997 - 2000 and my down hill statement was probably influenced greatly by his thoughts on WVU taking over the admin. WVU emphasied less costly liberal arts programs over the engineering programs.
Cookie - I lived in Rockville MD for 7 years and worked in Nuttsvillle. Hated every day of it especially the traffic and liberalism. By the way my Mom once said we were distantly related to you. She was a Winfrey and was related to the Belchers, Whites, Faulkners, etc. I think that is one reason why our generation looked out for and respected each other. I do like my corn bread crumbled up with buttermilk. It is also good to drink with Camel, Goat, Lamb and Alligator.
Keep the faith - Mike
Cookie Hill Brown on January 11, 2011 5:39 PM
Good Lord! This mystery gets bigger and bigger. Well, I guess back in the days of the Irish mountain men there were only so many people to spread around so its possible that half or more of the Class of 60 is related. It must come from my maternal grandmother's side. She was a Belcher and they had a dairy farm on what is now the Mercer County Airport. My great grandfather had inherited the property which was originally land granted. I understood soime time back they were talking about putting some type of equine business up there. Her mother was a Hambrick. I have also heard we were related to the Faulkners as well. When someone posts that I'm related to Al Gore or Keith Obermann thats when I draw the line. LOL Al, speaking of which, when is the global warming supposed to start. My driveway, all 300 feet of it--straight down a hill with a nice curve at the bottom is solid ice. I could barely get to the mailbox.
Ched on January 12, 2011 1:06 PM
I was told, also, that my family was related to Mrs Neal at Mercer. I know I am related to Darla as my paternal grandmother was a Winfrey.
Brenda McDonelPersin on January 11, 2011 12:43 PM
Pete, I moved to Princeton in the 9th grade, and I remember both Vince Waters and his younger brother Bobby, so I don't think they moved permanently in the 6th grade. Didn't their mother die when they were in grade school or junior high? That is probably when they moved. I think their father remarried a woman named Ruth Belcher. Ruth's sister-in-law (Sara) and I taught together at Graham High School in the 70's.
Pete Stephenson on January 11, 2011 1:24 PM
Brenda, You probably are right on this About Vincy. I just don,t remember him being around after 6th grade. I did move to Thorn school after 6th though. I could have lost out there. thanks
Carol Martin on January 11, 2011 3:29 PM
Mike, it was just so obvious when we visited Montgomery a few years ago that WVIT wasn't high on the budget list. Of course, Montgomery is a dying town and there isn't much room for expansion there. Dr. Nelson was President when we lived there and he was extremely competent.
A year or so ago there was a picture and article about one of the supplier companies here for BMW. The article stated that the plant manager received a Mechanical Engineering degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology and a Masters from Rutgers. I don't recall his name, but it caught my eye. Nothing stays the same and perhaps it isn't cost efficient to pump money into a dying school in a dying town.
I wonder if Al Gore is basking in the sun in Puerto Rico?
I understand that he has raked in about $100M.
Michael Murphy on January 11, 2011 5:56 PM
Carol - Montgomery never was the most attractive town. I did like Falls View where Leonard Nelson lived. He and I played golf at the Hawks Nest Club which combined golf with mountain climbing. Some of the WVIT grads called the school Leonards school for wayward boys. Also it was know as New River State College when first started.
My son got a good education there and is now IT manager for the WV Housing Authority. He went to HS at The Notre Dame Academy in Rome Italy - one of the perks of my tour in Saudi Arabia.
Snowing here - expect 2-4 inches.
Carol Martin on January 11, 2011 9:20 PM
Newsflash: Al Gore's mother was a Winfrey whose cousin was a White who married an Elmore whose grandmother was a Neal married to a Belcher. Cookie, I think we are safe, one of my friends here is from Nashville and says her mother grew up with Al Gore's mom and they went to church together...
We are all getting cabin fever! How about another bowl of pinto beans with cornbread.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 11, 2011 11:32 PM
Carol: LOL LOL LOLNow that’s funny. I was reading this blog a little earlier and said to myself, "Self, I believe us old rock n' rollers have cabin fever, too much time on our hands and the beans and cornbread have seeped into our brains." So, I've decided to drive up to Annapolis
tomorrow with my gals, have lunch, a nice cocktail and watch the midshipmen walk around town. They look like middle school students. In the day they were MEN. Or at least it seemed that way then. OMG Your blog was right on!
LOL
ched on January 12, 2011 1:09 PM
I am from Nashville and Al Gore is not to be found. I think he is in denial !!!! Pass the beans, cornbread and turnip greens !!!
Carl on January 13, 2011 11:47 AM
Now folks, I'm just about the last person on earth who would jump to Al Gore's defense, but being devoted to truth, honor, virtue and fairness -- no doubt the result of a solid Princeton, WV education -- I remind you that had Al not invented the internet, we wouldn't be carrying on this conversation.
Ched on January 12, 2011 1:15 PM
I was saddened to learn of "Bean" Rolands passing.
I was in the scouting program with him and his dad Calvin Sr. was our scoutmaster. I still have the picture of us all at my Eagle ceremony
Cookie Hill Brown on January 12, 2011 4:05 PM
Lets see now! Ched is related to Darla, Mike is related to Cookie, Cookie is related to Doug and the whole class of 60 is related to Aunt Duck Neal. What a gene pool. Anyone for the family tree??????
LOL
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 12, 2011 4:54 PM
I am also related to Carol Wyrick Martin. And last summer, Pat Smith and I found out we are related through the Baileys.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 12, 2011 5:43 PM
LOL I'm also from the Bailey line. Does anyone have the Gore (as in Al) family tree. LOL Next!!!!!!!
Pat Smith on January 13, 2011 12:11 AM
Since I've been back in WV, I've been really working on my family tree. Maybe a good group project or even one I could take on for our 55th reunion is to gather family info on the whole class and put out a family tree actually linking what we can. I went to school since first grade with Tommy and Ginger and just found out a couple of years ago that we are double cousins, as is Mike Farley to all three of us. All of the Baileys are related, because there is only one Bailey ancestor, the first resident of the Bluefield area, Richard Paton Bailey. His wife was a Belcher, so that brings in that group, which makes Buddy Belcher related to anyone with Bailey in their line. I could go on, but it's late and I've had a busy day. It's still snowing, with more expected. Had to cancel my grand opening tomorrow. Stay warm everyone.
Carol Martin on January 13, 2011 9:19 AM
I asked my sister about Mrs. Neal since we all seem to be related to her. Mrs. Neal's maiden name was Straley and her mother was an Oney. My grandmother was distantly related to the Oneys.
Darla, I think our grandmothers were cousins. Are you related to the Elmores and Whites too? How are you related to the Baileys? I have connections by marriage but don't know of any kinship.
I vaguely remember when Darla's grandparents (Pruitts) used to have the big gatherings on the Old Ingleside Road near Irwin's house. Last summer we tried to find the location, but I assume the house had been torn down. Is your uncle, Dr. Dennis, still alive? Darla's uncle was the first missionary that I knew. After medical school he lived in Africa for years sharing the gospel and caring for the ill.
Pat, thanks for the ancestry update. I look forward to learning more.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 13, 2011 9:42 AM
My Great-Grandmother Winfrey was a Bailey. The log house burned down several years ago. Yes, Uncle Dennis Pruett is still alive and living in the Winston-Salem area. He owns a Clinic and is still practicing medicine. He is also still preaching. He was a Medical Missionary in Africia for 18 or 19 years. His daughter is still over there working in an HIV Clinic. One of his sons was working there also, but as since passed away. I think he had sugar real bad, not sure. Uncle Dennis came in for Daddy's funeral last April. He is such a sweet man.
Carl Thomason on January 13, 2011 1:42 PM
As a follow-up to my email announcing the death of Cecil Blevins, a response from Terry St. Clair prompted the following:
I don't recall ever crossing paths with Cecil in high school, and knew him only as a member of the football team. We didn't share any classes or school organizations nor have mutual friends, so for me he was just another PHS name and face. However, his comments for our 2005 Reunion Book struck me more powerfully than anyone else's. He wrote, "My memories of PHS are when I played football and other sports and all the people who wouldn't give me the time of day." He went on to say, "I would like to be able to see all my classmates."
I think that, in virtually every high school, there are people who never attend a reunion because of experiences in which they felt that "people...wouldn't give [them] the time of day." But to Cecil's great credit, he came to reunions, often sitting alone for seemingly long stretches, but apparently happy to be there. I chatted with him at the 2005 reunion and was impressed by how strong and healthy he seemed. That may have been my first-ever conversation with him. I told him how I appreciated his remarks for the Reunion Book and how glad I was that he had come.
Last August, as I was making my way to the reunion room on Friday evening, I overtook a stooped, frail-looking, slow-moving, unfamiliar individual wearing a PHS Class of 1960 cap. I apologized for not recognizing him and asked his name. It was Cecil. He told me that he wasn't doing too well, but left it at that, then stated proudly that he had made one more reunion. Now he's gone . . . and late in life I came to appreciate him.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 13, 2011 2:30 PM
That is three in a matter of about 3 weeks. I enjoyed talking to Cecil at the last several reunions and I was glad to see many others doing the same. We never know what tomorrow may bring, we just need to live each day treating each other with love and kindness.
Pete Stephenson on January 13, 2011 2:48 PM
It saddens me greatly to hear of the passing of Cecil Blevens, I,ve known Cecil from grade school. Cecil was raised in the area behind Allens market there at the Athens turn off. He lived in a house that at the time I remember of not having any floors. I believe he lived and was raised by his grandmother. that area at the time was a rough place to live. Cecil told me at the reunion that a lot of evenings on his way home after football practice he had to carry rocks and a big stick to fight his way home. Unfortunately for me he did not remember me and did not remember playing guard beside me on the football team. I am definitely saddened by his death. The lord has called another good soul to his kingdom. Cecil was a good man and a good family man also.
Carol Martin on January 15, 2011 6:35 PM
I don't remember Cecil in high school and he probably didn't remember me. However, at one of our reunions, if memory serves me correctly, a prize was awarded to any 1960 attendee who wore his/her class ring to the reunion. Cecil won the prize. I felt a little guilty that years ago while we were living in Texas, I gathered up jewelry that we no longer wore and sold it (including my class ring). Obviously, Cecil had a sentimental attachment that I did not have. I spoke to him in August at the reunion. He never initiated conversations, but was polite.
When I read Cecil's obituary, I thought about how successful his life was. He had served in the Air Force, had a long marriage, a steady job, four children and eight grand children!
Tom Dillon on January 18, 2011 12:09 PM
Has it begin, began, begun? I don't remember.
Went to an ATM machine yesterday to get some cash as I was down to only change.
A couple hours later, I pulled out my wallet at the dentist's office to pay for my exam. No credit card to be found!!!!
I went home, but before telling Kay of my fear, I again searched my pants and jacket pockets, my wallet, and the floor of the car. Immediately called to report the card lost, but was concerned that no one would be working on the holiday -- no problem, card canceled, and new one to be here by Wednesday.
I now vaguely remember pulling out of the ATM lane with cash, a receipt, but no card. I blamed it on being in a hurry, not old age.
Anyone else had a senior moment recently?
Cookie Hill Brown on January 18, 2011 2:26 PM
What is a credit card? What is an ATM machine? Do I have one? Can I buy an ATM machine for my kitchen. Do they come in colors to match my appliances? Where did you get your ATM machine? Is it Christmas yet? I think I just missed the school bus.
Michael Murphy on January 19, 2011 12:18 PM
I have heard that ATM are good for mashing taters, but you first have to PIN them. Also Gore and Edwards use them for $700 massages and $500 haircuts.
Beware Global Warming & well coifeured Politicians.
4' of snow on the way here.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 19, 2011 1:23 PM
Now that theres funny I don't "ker" who u r.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 20, 2011 8:43 AM
Senior moments, no way. lol
GENE LAW on January 20, 2011 9:12 PM
I read your chatter with berry on the platter thought for a minute I was back in 1960. enjoyed the mirth.
gene law on January 20, 2011 9:52 PM
I just wanted to say afew things about CECIL BLEVINS we grew up as neighbors went all the way through school together, we called him tank he was built like one those rocks he carried was for me and mine sometimes he was raised inLily Highway add. I was raised in Shackletown when Cecil was little he was big we couldn't knock him down cause he was built so close to the ground, when he was 14 or 15 he got shot we all thought he was going to die but I guess he was so tough he just pulled through, we all fought till we grew up, maybe we thought more about other things, maybe we just mellowed out, any way it seemed like one day, I was in 11th or 12th grade,it seemed like the neighborhood wars were over. I for one didn't miss it, of cours now that I think about it my 2 brothers went in the service, the Oxly boy also signed up the Farley's moved to Ohio,several of the other families also moved kids grow up and pursue opther things,funny when I read those comments about Cecil memories started flooding my mind,I thought I would share some of them with you.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 21, 2011 7:00 AM
Gene, It is good to see you on the Blog. We would loved to have seen you at the Reunions. We get together the first Tuesday of every month at Ryan's in Princeton at 6:30 p.m. If you are still in the area, please try to join us.
Pete Stephenson on January 21, 2011 9:37 AM
Gene=It sure was good to hear and read your comments on the blog.Am i correct in what I said concerning the floors in the house where Cecil lived?I,m getting like Dillion,I have my senior moments.I do recall that the lilly addition was a hard place to live.I recall meeting you the first time in 6th grade.I lived on hines avenue at that time.Are you still in the princeton area?I,m living in the Roanoke Va.area myself. Its good to hear from some of the old Thorn school bunch.We have traveled near and far.
gene law on January 21, 2011 2:20 PM
Pete good to hear from you, moved toanother country huh, Va seceeded from the US in 1860 something is it hard to get a passport back to WV ? been wondering about that. As for Cecils house never was in it couldn't go in that neighborhood without a mob with you, turf rules you know, I had to walk through that area few times but I always went through the woods and over hill behind Lilly took about 45 minutes longer but it was worth it. Funny we would all meet in Clark's bottom and play ball all day on Sunday, had a few disagreements, but nothing serious, and we all got along going to school together, Cecil and I were friends outside the neighborhood I look back on those days and there were certainly some strange times, Oh well I guess things were like that everwhere, or maybe not. We would quarrel and fight but never held grudges. Any way I was surprised to see an answer from you, last time I saw you was at the ten year reunion I guess. I haven't been to one since, I see a lot of folks around town they don't remember me, guess I've changed so much or something, but keep in touch. Do you still hunt, I quit at the age of 60 shot my last deer just before the sun came up, almost too dark to see time I got that rascal back to my truck almost 9 am coverd in sweat knees weak like to never got him loaded, I sat down on side of truck, said "I'M not having fun" haven't been back and don't miss it. later geno
Carl Thomason on January 22, 2011 6:30 PM
I think you folks have given me an insight. All these descriptions of Cecil's neighborhood help me realize why he may have found comfort at PHS among "all the people who wouldn't give [him] the time of day," since near to home someone was always ready to clean his clock. [Please, no offense intended.] As I said before, I was privileged to come to appreciate Cecil late in life. And I appreciate the memories shared on the blog by people who knew him at PHS.
gene law on January 21, 2011 2:45 PM
Darla, good to hear from you, meet at Ryan's huh, well I just might show up there, thanks for info. write back update me on the going ons. geno
Tom Dillon on January 21, 2011 8:39 PM
Gene, glad you have joined us on the blog!!!
Sure would like to hear from some classmates who I know read, but never write and to those who have been silent for awhile.
Lambert -- Are you still miffed at us?
Fields -- Health update?
George -- Book? -- You sure are a man of a few words to be an author.
Mokey Crawford -- Are you there?
Herring -- Are you and Dorothy going to move?Etc., Etc.,
gene law on January 22, 2011 10:41 AM
dillon if I had known so many would have answered Ida got on here sooner makes ya feel good when someone responds tnks
Pete Stephenson on January 22, 2011 6:53 PM
Pete Here--Gene great to hear from you and to know you are still around. I get to Princeton every now an again.Try to get to the cemetery as often as we can not only to visit parents but to visit mine and Judys only son that is there at roselawn also. I,m kinda like you on the hunting. I still go for three weeks every nov. whether i have any luck or not. at this stage in life its more luck than skill. Do keep in touch with all on the blog. Its a good feeling to know that those of us that are still around still care for one another. Hope to see you soon and talk about old times. do you remember when east Princeton was named Goochville? Or does anyone on the blog remember?
gene law on January 22, 2011 10:35 PM
I remember Goochville, hey I didn't know you had lost a son, please accept my condolences, how long ago? if you feel like talking about it.
gene law on January 22, 2011 10:55 PM
by the way remember whisky row, how many rem. wallingford farm, Waddell bottom, those places families have died out, been resold divided up, they have even changed Boot Hill, and you wouldn't recognize Tank Hill now.
Brenda McDonel Persin on January 22, 2011 11:38 PM
I saw Marguerite and Bus Brown tonight, and they both looked wonderful! I told Bus that he was one of the topics of our Blog, and I'm going to give him the address if it's okay with everyone. What do you think, Carl? Can people other than our class log on? Gene, I'm glad to see you on the Blog. I don't mean to sound dumb, but where is the Lily Addition?
Carl Thomason on January 23, 2011 12:29 AM
I, for one, welcome comments from ANYONE who cares to join in our Blog. Always remember than I'm merely the custodian of our class website. I take great satisfaction when anyone uses the site to express an opinion, share a memory, or simply make a silly comment. [That last element is a cheap, open-ended point to cover my irrepressible attempts at humor.] So welcome all to the free-wheeling, open-ended, unencumbered, give-and-take that the PHS60 Blog page encourages.
gene law on January 23, 2011 5:31 AM
brenda, Lilly Highway Add. is on the Athens rd. very next turnoff above the Grants sm. that went in where Allens sm. used to be, got it now
Pat Smith on January 23, 2011 6:12 AM
I don't know why we are different, but the closeness of our class seems to be very much the exception, rather than the rule. I talk to other people about it and they are amazed. We're just SPECIAL, I guess. Hey Gene, welcome aboard. Pat
gene law on January 23, 2011 2:25 PM
Hi Pat, thanks for welcome, I am constantly amazed, this blog is great read the patter this class got class, I never knew we had such shark wit and keen sense of humor amongst us I do have a question is cookie blonde? geno
Cookie Hill Brown on January 23, 2011 2:58 PM
LOL Nope Gene, Cookie "ain't" blond! She is sharp as a tack but I think she suffers from "Old Timer's Disease" and an advanced case of cabin fever. A winter inside the house in sub-zero weather hasn't helped her. Cancellation of her annual winter trip to Marco island because the new redistribution of wealth robbed her of her annual cost of living raise (we probably shouldn't go there on the blog) didn't help much either. And, living with an incontinent Scottish Terrior has pretty much pushed her to the edge. You might want to check on Brenda McDonel & Becky Arney--someone told me they were really blond but Ole Cookie "ain't" never been blond.
Good to hear from you on the blog!
gene law on January 23, 2011 4:51 PM
very good, enjoyed, read about the ATM when i realized you didn't know its A THOUGHT MACHINE, invented one year before Al invented the internet geno
gene law on January 23, 2011 4:58 PM
just thought, don't ever say you're sharp as atack makes you a pin head
Anonymous Surname on January 24, 2011 9:12 AM
Cookie, I don't know why Gene asked the question. Are there indicators? "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Also, there is a famous Italian saying that was in vogue a few years ago -- "If you look like a blond, walk like a blond, and talk like a blond, ... you must be a blond". We can't speak for Brenda M. as she was not at the reuninion last year, but you and Becky A. need to check your hair roots again.
I came as close as possible to a blond color for the text that was readable.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 24, 2011 12:38 PM
Dear shy person (as in Carl). Cookie can't be blond. She didn't fall off the cabbage truck yesterday, won't fall off the cabbage truck today and unless "Ole Timers" catches her she won't fall off the cabbage truck tomorrow. Thus - not blond! Let's just call her-- well -- interesting. Next! Show yourself!
Cookie Hill Brown on January 24, 2011 1:34 PM
Oops! Wrong shy person. We know who you are. Been in the house too long? The Italian part gave you away.
Anonymous Surname on January 24, 2011 2:07 PM
Anonymous here ... You are not even close. Only the Shadow knows. I cannot reveal my identity as I was afraid of girls in high school and you women scare me to death.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 24, 2011 2:43 PM
Come on shy person! Man-up! 50 years later and you are still shy? Hum!
Here Here on January 24, 2011 3:29 PM
Not shy!!!! Cautious. I don't wish to have you, Becky, and Brenda mad at me for my Blond comments.
gene law on January 23, 2011 10:07 PM
I would like to take this time to announce we have the super bowl teams picked, envelope please. thank you oh surprise Steelers and Packers.
Pete Stephenson on January 24, 2011 10:34 AM
The way I look at the hair color is like this, If it feels good go for it. who really cares at this stage in our lives. If it makes you feel sexy like Marilyn Monroe go for it. Cookie go for it if it feels good. Do it because it makes you feel good. The hell with what people think.Men and women are always changing their hair color to remove grey or their original color. I,ve been married to a hair dresser for 36 years and for a long time I never knew from day to day what color I would see when I got home. Kinda liked the changes for sure. Took Judy to hair dresser yesterday, went in a red head came out red with a frost.110 bucks shot to h---. Oh well what can I say.
Pete Stephenson on January 24, 2011 10:44 AM
Gene me thanks that the super bowl this year is going to be a smash mouth type of game. I,m a Steelers fan, but the pack is playing awsome ball right now. I think defense will win that game. Both teams deserve this game. Its unbelievable what the pack has pulled off being a 6th seeded team playing on the road all games, includeing the up coming super bowl. the Jets are a good team, Rex Ryans mouth is too big though.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 24, 2011 11:17 AM
My daughter is a long time Packers fan and my son is a long, long time Steelers fan. One lives in Newport News, VA and the other in the Clemson, SC area. They have already started their little texting Super Bowl war. It is so much fun to hear about the fun they are having with each other.
Pete Stephenson on January 24, 2011 11:41 AM
Darla its hard having your kids spread apart. MYoldest boy lives in Norwalk Conn. and commutes every day to NYC where he works. MY daughter lives in Halifax Nova Scotia. My 9 yr old grandson lives In Atlanta. Figure those miles out. A real bummer.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 24, 2011 2:59 PM
Yes, Pete, my oldest Grandson and his family are in California. Dylan is in the Coast Guards and has been stationed there for 6 years. We got to see him a couple of weeks ago. It was a great surprise.
gene law on January 24, 2011 3:37 PM
Hey this should be good game, packers always tire out 3rd quarter, but should be good fun anyway. geno
gene law on January 24, 2011 3:32 PM
I don't understand the fuss over hair color some turns one color another another color minturned loose. geno
Pete Stephenson on January 24, 2011 6:34 PM
Geno, I've often wondered how you dye a bald head blonde. you and Goings should try it and let me know the outcome. You are right Darla it is tough on grandparents for sure.
gene law on January 24, 2011 9:20 PM
Pete I tried tinting my scalp but the doggone shoe polish kept running in my eyes, I couldn't see next thing I knowed I had a black neck, then I got it all over the mirror then on the sink basin, almost had a black bathroom, after cleaning up I took another look and to my astonishment, I declared HEYYY flesh don't look bad, I just think all the waves are gone now there's just beach. geno
Anonymous Surname on January 24, 2011 7:17 PM
Anonymous here --- Mr. Law, it was you who started the questioning regarding hair color. Is Cookie blond? Or were you inferring something more than hair color?
You almost got the rest of us in trouble.
gene law on January 24, 2011 9:12 PM
with my heart in my hand, as long as I have been married I should have known it would be my fault as soon as it came down to it, ah me I do miss that quick witted light hearted bunch that I had just renewed association with, famous "Alas poor Igor I knew him well" but as must all things come to an end so does mirth. MEA CUPPA MEA CUPPA, tHIS IS MY WISH FOR ALL OF YOU, YES ANONYMOUS ALSO MAY YOUR LOCKS BE PRETTY, WITH JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF CURL, MAY YOUR TRESSES GROW WITH PROPER SPEED TO KEEP YOU RADIANT AND NO FRIZZ WHATSOEVER....APOLOGETICALLY YOURS geno
Cookie Hill Brown on January 24, 2011 10:20 PM
Non-Blond Here! Gene: Don't let the "shy" one get you down. Tell him (it HAS to be a him) to man-up and identify himself. We need your quick wit on this blog -- at least until the Spring thaw. I've got an idea who you are "shy" one. You weren't THAT shy.
P.S. Everything in my house was my fault from the leak in the roof to the crab grass. Scottish Terriers don't complain nor do they ever cast blame. They just do their business on Oriental rugs.
Anonymous Surname on January 25, 2011 10:27 AM
Anonymous here again. Cookie, Cookie, Cookie, what makes you think that I am of the XY type? I truly went to my beautician last week.
gene law on January 25, 2011 2:17 PM
now I'm confused uh h h h llloook wwwhat yooouuu dddone iiiim stttutteering aaasggggain iiii bbbbeettterre gggo.ggeeeggeeenno.
gene law on January 25, 2011 3:08 PM
I just realized all I had to do was change the finger I typed, well I didn't actually change fingers I'm just using a different one, that explanation just in case there is someone out there with the old blonde roots uh oh forget i said that this new finger types what I think and not what I intended to say, any way, Anon. what are you hiding from, are you afraid to show your true feelings, or maybe as Cookie says just shy maybe you're afraid of slip up, then no one will know its you, had a friend once went to ER told nurse she wanted to see an upturn nurse said you mean intern, well upturn or intern I need a contamination. you mean an examination the nurse replied, she said well upturn or intern contamination or examination I haven't demonstrated in two months I think I am stagnant.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 25, 2011 6:06 PM
Non-Blond here! Enough about blonds.....why don't you guys pick on the redheads for awhile or better still, those with no hair.
gene law on January 25, 2011 8:20 PM
this time in no nonsense mode. has any body out there heard from Fran Baker, last night while lying in bed I saw her face as plain as could be and felt an overwhelming urge to pray for her and I prayed feverently for her. By the way Cookie do you know Lou Belcher? One other thing on my mind, back to nonsense, do you know why redheads have so many freckles?
Pete Stephenson on January 25, 2011 8:30 PM
Cookie that doesn't work. I took a red head to the salon yesterday and she came out a blonde with red roots. Anyway I'm sorry if I got you in trouble with the x person. personally i think the x person should face up to the rest of us.Or maybe he or she whatever is wearing a red wig. thats cool.
Cookie Hill Brown on January 25, 2011 10:45 PM
Non-Blond here. Ok! Here's the real deal! I was born a brunette! I dye my hair that original color and will until Michelle my Belle decides its "unhealthy" and bans hair dye from the market. But, the best part is my teeth, face and flabby body are ALL MINE as are the roadmaps on my legs. A few years back I was saving money for a facelift (preparation for a reunion you know). In the meantime the front porch almost fell down so I spent my facelift money on a new porch. A few days later as I sat on my new front porch, faithful Scotty at my feet, sipping a mint julip and pretending I was Scarlett O'Hara waiting for the field hands to come in, the sad facts slapped me square in the face. If I had gone ahead with the facelift I could probably have found someone to build the porch for nothing. Duh! Hindsight is 20-20. They didn't talk much about "critical thinking" and "problem solving" when we went to school. "Just the facts Ma'am, just the facts."
Tom Dillon on January 26, 2011 5:58 PM
I must admit that I check the blog several times a day. Starting with the weather, next Facebook (to see what kids and grandkids are doing), progressing through e-mails, and then for dessert -- the blog. If there has not been any new activity for a day or so, it is a downer and I typically send another plea for the seldom-writing c-mates and the never-have-written c-mates to submit a comment. If the topic du jour is not of interest, suggest another.
Farley, where are you? Is your new moniker Anonymous and you have been present, but we didn't know it? Or is it you, Mr. Lucas? Perhaps Becky or Brenda? Dottie? Ginger? Carol?
Again, JK George, Gene Fields, Mike Herring, etc., please update us.
Carol Martin on January 26, 2011 7:21 PM
Cookie, I just had a phone conversation with our favorite senator, Lindsey Graham. It was civil, of course, actually, he was quite charming. A couple of times a year his office calls and if one doesn't mind waiting, we can talk to the senator. He said that he is NOT going to vote for any more bailouts. (nevertheless, he won't get my vote next time around.)
For those of you who are snowed in -- again, (This one missed us. It was sunny and 52 degrees today). please take time to read Walter Williams column 1/26 - Can Our Nation be Saved? Just google him and pull up his archives.
When we were snowed in a couple of weeks ago, I did youtube "Creature from Jekyll Island." I had been meaning to pick it up at the library, but this was easier. It is in 12 segments and very informative. I confess that until about three years ago (when RON PAUL woke me up) I had never paid much attention to the Federal Reserve.
I don't know anything funny. We have been watching a little Australian Open. BTW, have you all seen the neat GE commercial "Good Times" (Alan Jackson). I like it and we recently learned it at line dancing (at the Presbyterian Church). They have activities for us old folks. We have great churches here! One of my favorite times is Global Impact Week at First North Baptist. Missionaries from around the world come here, stay with members, dress in clothing from different countries, have booths with cultural items, etc., talk about what is happening in their ministries, etc. The music is always fantastic!
Delores Hill Brown on January 26, 2011 11:28 PM
Delores here! "Cookie" is unavailable but that’s another story. I may let you know what happened to her but I have not decided definitely to do so. They have her under wraps so to speak. More about her later. It's so pathetic. The whole neighborhood is talking about it.
Carol: You talked to Lindsey? Wow? I live in the Socialist Republic of Maryland and almost all our elected officials are so far left they fell off the map. They wouldn't give us conservatives the time of day much less talk to us. We are probably the most disenfranchised people in the country. I once liked Ole Lindsey but he crossed the isle too many times on issues that I personally felt were no-brainers. So, I can only hope you kick his sorry butt OUT. Do you know he used to be the significant other of commentator Laura Inghram. Doesn't seem like a good match to me. Just a little trivia. The thing about common sense is that it is so uncommon in Washington. I just shake my head sometime. And, when Pelosi spoke following the State of the Union address last night and said that the President has "always been middle of the road, this is nothing new" my head went into a spin and rolled off my body. I spent the whole morning trying to find it. WOW!
Keep dancing. It's nourishment to the body and soul.
Pete Stephenson on January 27, 2011 10:39 AM
Hey Dillon, I'm with you on the blog. I click over here several times a day to see what is happening with the group. I can't wait to hear from Delores on the status of Cookie. I,m really worried about her, I'm afraid she went off the deep end.all you guys and girls take Toms advice and join us here on the blog. I was away for some 50 years but have had a great time here on the blog. Tommy Goings and i have had several conversations since the reunion. Good to be in touch with old friends such as Tom, Doug, Carl, Terry, Cookie, Ched, Carol and recently Gene law. Lets all encourage the others to keep the chatter going. And Fred thanks for the updates.
Delores Hill Brown on January 27, 2011 12:06 PM
Delores here! Well, since you asked I will share what I know about "Cookie." It is all just community gossip and nothing has been verified but according to her friends from the Gray Goose Quilting Bee/Bowling/Bingo Team it had something to do with a barricade, County Swat Team, State Police Helicopter, K-9s, a loud speaker tied to an oak tree in her yard and 36 hours of non-stop playing of "Big Girls Don't Cry." The Gray Goosers claim she has only spoken once the episode. When asked why she kept playing that record she said, "I did for the Shy Tigers." She is currently residing on the 5th floor of the County Hospital. Lets hope she stays there.
gene law on January 27, 2011 1:14 PM
just plowed 10 tons of global warming off of drive way start on yard next, where's everybody at so much of wet snow out here tree limbs drooping power lines sagging ice built up in gutters, call al gore tell urgent send some global warming real stuff to green valley, not green any more white, where piled up looks like the white cliffs of dover, no wonder cookie went off deep end feel like it myself, I think I,ll become the shadow, no brenda done that I,ll be phantom,but not of the opera, I always wanted to be a cowboy I,ll be the phantom of the west(VIRGINIA) TYPE, HA HA HEE HEE, OH LORD I'VE CAUGHT THE BLOG PLAGUE, LATER WHEN I COME BACK TO REALITY GENO.
Tom Dillon on January 28, 2011 2:41 PM
Geno. thought you had killed the blog with all the , ///, etc., characters. Actually, Father Carl has had to fix the problem for other c-mates before.
I too have snow-blown to the nth degree and wish I knew anyone who lives in Florida. Don't know why I ever left there years ago. Actually, Kay and I are going to visit her sister in California for a couple of weeks mid-March.
Don't know if you are aware, but another c-mate is a cowboy at heart. Terry St. Clair has a library of old cowboy movies like you cannot believe plus a room filled with museum quality guns and holsters, rifles, saddles, whips, cut outs of famous cowboys, – it is something to see. Check with Terry if you ever have a cowboy trivia question. He's probably in his room now watching Johnny Mack Brown.
Terry, how are you doing , man?
gene law on January 28, 2011 3:15 PM
I always thought you were kin to Matt Dillon you know on Gunsmoke, you're not are you I can tell how distanced you are from the wild west. geno
gene law on January 28, 2011 1:22 PM
just finished plowing snow once again, but good news its melting I saw water running down my drive way ah nothing gives a mans spirit rise as much as a glimmer of hope. Ol Buck didn't want to run this morning, that's what I call my Deere backhoe, but I patted the dash board told him he didn' want to bring shame upon his race, started purring like a kitten, odd thing for a deere to do, what I heard your thoughts you don't talk to your car, that's why they break down you know. well any way it don't hurt anything, I'm cheered up now I see drips coming off house I see snow fALLING OFF TREES , my valley will be green again, the robins will come bob bob bobbing along am entering my poetic phase now I shall pick up my trusty guitar and sing and play something besides the blues. HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU, until we meet again. geno
gene law on January 28, 2011 3:19 PM
Terry, who was first singing cowboy?
TERRY ST. CLAIR on January 28, 2011 9:31 PM
GENE, IN 1930 KEN MAYNARD WAS THE FIRST COWBOY TO SING ON THE SCREEN. BY 1934 IN THE OATER "IN OLD SANTA FE" MAYNARD'S SINGING WAS SO BAD THAT HE WAS MADE TO LIP SYNCHED. HIS SONGS WERE DUBBED BY BOB NOLAN OF THE SONS OF THE PIONEER FAME. THAT 1934 FEATURE "IN OLD SANTA FE" IS BETTER REMEMBERED AS THE FILM DEBUT OF GENE AUTRY AND LESTER ALVIN "SMILEY" BURNETT. I GUESS THE REST IS HISTORY. REGARDS, TERRY
gene law on January 29, 2011 2:32 PM
Hey Terry thanks for the info and answering good to hear from you, Dillon said you were an expert on that kind of stuff, this is a good day for me I learned something new, if a man can learn something every day tis good for brain cells, How ya been getting along; good I hope, I fell down this morning jarred every bone in body didn't break any thing though thank God knocked wind out of me, I'm getting old and brittle, I guess. Good hearing from you. geno
gene law on January 28, 2011 5:33 PM
"square bear", Sir "Oaky dokes" do you blog are you out there? geno
Brenda Persin on January 30, 2011 12:48 PM
Blond Brenda Here:
Marguerite Brown emailed that she and Bus were enjoying the Blog. If anyone wants to send them a message, I think they would enjoy it.
gene law on January 30, 2011 3:17 PM
here A great big hello to Marguerite and Buster Brown, two wonderful building blocks at PHS welcome and may you be blessed. gene law
Pete Stephenson on January 30, 2011 5:46 PM
Hey Darla, Doug, don,t give up on me attending the dinners that you have. Was going to attend this month but have landed in Sumter South Carolina this week. I will try to attend the march dinner if I don,t land somewhere else. Give my regards to all that attend. get Geno there he will be a good addition to the gang. A hardy hello to coach Brown and mrs Brown. Glad that you join us here on the 60,s blog. A pretty good bunch of boys and girls from the class of 1960 just having fun together.
gene law on January 30, 2011 6:27 PM
Hello Pete, what are you doing there? don't start no trouble, you know that's where the civil war started, please be careful, don't want another blue and grey thingie. Just kiddin' good to hear from you on the blog, miss your comments wish you were going to be there, I'm going to try to make it, how bout you Jones boy? geno
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 30, 2011 8:00 PM
Pete, I look for you and Judy every month. I'll keep watching. Enjoy your time in the South...we will probably still be shoveling snow.
Pete Stephenson on January 31, 2011 3:05 PM
Darla thanks, I will be there in March if all goes well. Gene you need to attend and get re aquainted with everyone there.Enjoy you guys and gals. Will be back home tomorrow. Nice weather here in South Carolina.Like.Brenda,are you a blond now for sure? You were always close anyway. Darla, does Tommy Goings attend the dinners?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 31, 2011 3:38 PM
Tommy has come to only 1 or 2 of the dinners.
Tom Dillon on January 31, 2011 3:55 PM
Geehole Goings does not have a computer, so misses out on many communications about class activities. Ginger does read the blog and keeps him updated. I talk with Tom frequently.
Another storm heading our way beginning this evening through Wednesday night. The weather people are afraid that this will be the biggest of the season -- we are to receive 12 to 16 inches of snow (up to 24 inches near Chicago) with the added possibility of up to 1 inch of ice. A friend of ours told me at church yesterday that he thinks it is all a conspiracy funded by those who sell milk, bread, and eggs. The grocery stores were packed this morning and the hardware stores were having a run on generators.
Brenda, I knew it!!!! Now, will Becky come clean?
gene law on January 31, 2011 6:11 PM
just curious, how come you fellows can talk blonde, all I did was ask a question, one little ol' question, mind you and I thought a war was going to break out. I had a blonde friend once well she still is, but she's in jail. she bought a permit to kill 3 alligators, wound up killing 10, judge asked why she went on an alligator killing spree, she told the judge all she wanted was a pair of alligator shoes, none she shot was wearing any, and she just kept looking. geno
Becky Novarro on January 31, 2011 7:30 PM
Miss Clairol Becky here, I have been looking in the mirror trying to decide if I am blond or not.
Jim says I wouldn't know my real color as I have been frosting for so many years. OK, Gene, I didn't comment on the beans and cornbread as I cook lentils with Italian sausage, oil and garlic and most Italians call their cornmeal mush, polenta. If you missed that segment, just look back. Loved the blond joke about the alligator shoes. Enjoy Ryans. I go when I am in Princeton and we have a lot of laughs, especially when David aka Curly Eskew shows up. Happy Plowing folks! Our roads are full of "foreign" tags.
gene law on January 31, 2011 9:29 PM
If you realized that was a joke, Becky, you're not a blonde, maybe Miss Clairol is playing a joke on you and just tricking you into thinking you're a blonde, glad you chimed in on the blog always good to hear a friends thoughts. Foreign tags on our roads...not so important as to how we treat them, and in return how we are treated. Did Cookie ever come back? Ginger tell Tommy Gene Law said hello. Hello to you and tell Pat I said hello. geno
Delores Hill Brown on January 31, 2011 11:51 PM
Delores here! "Cookie" is still on the 5th floor. She escaped about three days ago, was found frozen solid so I heard they had propped her up by the dumpsters hoping she will thaw out come spring.
I have been cold since Thanksgiving. I'm also going through heating oil like I own a Greek oil tanker. Is anyone in the market for a Scottish Terrier? She is a lovely incontinent dog and has learned she can eat snow since I refuse to give her water any more. She has become a wonderful alarm clock....every two hours all night long. She enjoys eating snow under the moon light. I haven't slept since she acquired this new taste so I'm beginning to look like Betty White's mother.
The mid-west storm is headed East but it looks like we are going to miss it. Freezing rain tonight.
Carol Martin on February 1, 2011 12:47 PM
Pete, I don't like to gloat but we had a beautiful sunny weekend, 67 degrees. I think all of the cars on the street were washed, neighbors were grilling and my pansies look like spring has sprung!
Delores, glad to hear about Lindsey and Laura. There have been rumors on talk radio about him. You know when Lindsey comes home he likes to talk about growing up in a double-wide mobile home. He is the only U.S. Senator who is a member of the Guard (Major, I think). To his credit, he is an achiever -- very smart and worked his way through USC and Law School. However, my opinion is that he is self-serving. Anyway, I applaud you for being so informed. Most folks are not interested.
"The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us bind the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become a legalized version of the first" T. Jefferson
Delores Hill Brown on February 1, 2011 2:28 PM
Carol: The thing people need to watch carefully over the next few months is the Congressional Redistricting. With the 2010 Census completed they will shortly begin the process of determining the new districts and the number of Congressional represenatives you will have. This affects people in dramatic ways. Since the party in power determines where the lines are drawn on the map huge groups of voters are disenfranchised (as are we in the northern half of our county.) You can be assured that the party in power will always take pencil and pen to hand and draw the districts to insure their continued re-election. Our district contains geographic jurisdictions that we don't even border. A piece of this county, a piece of another county, etc. It makes no sense to a rationl person. This is how the opposing party has stayed in power here for so long. Former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is our representative and we ran an up and coming unknown Marine against him in November. His name is Charles Loyer--look for him down the road. I think he has a great future. He carried us by about 80% but due to the way Steny and our former corrupt governor Parris Glendenning set up the district in 2000 Steny is unbeatable. Our local party is gearing up for a battle over this. Wish us luck here in the Socialist Republic of Maryland. I am sure all my classmates do not share my conservative views but regardless of what side of the fence you are on I urge each of you to get involved. There is much at stake. P.S. My retirement check went down again January 1 and my insurance premiums went up.....didn't they say somewhere in the 3,000 page health bill that my insurance would go down and there were no death panels. Joe Wilson shouldn't have apologized. I think he was on to something.
I think the 2,000 mile blizzard is going to miss us and Princeton but it looks like its going to hammer Anomyous.
Pete Stephenson on February 1, 2011 3:11 PM
Hey Carol ,we decided to stay here in Sumter SC another couple days. Very nice day here yesterday morn,cooled down pretty good last evening,Judy would move here in an instant, if I would.I still prefer the shenandoah valley though.hey Dillon did you get that battery taken care of?Get plenty of gas for the snow thrower and be careful in the blizzard that is supposed to hit your way. Cookie unfortunately some of the redistricting is hard to compete with when you are going up against a stacked deck.Its the pits but hard to do anything about.I,m afraid that in your area of the country you have a contigency that is hard to cope with.Keep on banging on the keyboard though.I see that George Allen is gearing up for another run at the senate here in Va.He was a good governor and senator but just lost contact with the people of Va.Hope he turns things arond here in my state.You boys and girls in the snow belt be careful and take things easy.Also remember to not text and drive please.the life you save might be your own.
Delores Hill Brown on February 1, 2011 3:40 PM
Pete: George & Susan Allen spoke at one of our meetings last fall and I was impressed with everything he said. When every word you utter is disected they will eventually find something to hang on you.
Pete Stephenson on February 1, 2011 4:35 PM
Cookie you are right about Mr.allen,I think us conservatives need more like him in the limelight.I just don,t know what direction the party is heading.Now for some nostalgia for all to look up and hear.since i'm the only teenager amongst us.Go back in time if you like and look up a Buddy Holly song and play it.the name is true love ways.That song really rocks the boat.If that doesn't do it then Rave on should. Let me know what you think.If you are on the country and western side Martina Mcbride has a recording of true loves ways.Awsome
Delores Hill Brown on February 1, 2011 5:19 PM
Sounds like Ole Pete is getting ready for Valentine's Day. Woo Hoo! I just shared this with my daughter, Betty White and she said Woo Hoo also.
Pete Stephenson on February 1, 2011 6:33 PM
What about it all you sixties teeniebooperes out there,did you look up the songs I suggested for a very cold winters evening.Sounds like Cookie remembers B.H. music.great listening have fun thats all that matters.
gene law on February 1, 2011 8:57 PM
Pete those are good , remember "It's so easy to fall in love", B H tune, those were good ol' days, "oh boy", just thought of that one, well I just got home from the dinner at Ryan's fun was had by me, I can't speak for the rest of them but I and my wife had a good time, we talked about you Pete, did your ears burn? nuttin bad. geno
Pat Smith on February 2, 2011 12:15 AM
Geno, I think you can speak for all of us that we had a good time at Ryan's. It was great to see you after all these years. I'm heading to Miami and Palm Beach on Friday. I've actually decided to leave Thursday night and spend it in Atlanta with son & grandkids, then on to Miami Friday. I have to attend the winter convention of the American Association for Justice (lawyers) to drum up some business. It's a tough job to go to Miami in February, but somebody's got to do it. The snow has almost melted here, although there's some ice remaining on the sides of the streets where they plowed it and piled it up.
Cookie - Every time they re-district, whatever party is in control does it to their advantage. Both parties are guilty of that, neither one is innocent. You are right, we don't all share the same views - I feel like I am like the majority of Americans, a centrist who sees good and bad in both parties, but hey, that's what this democracy is all about. If you look at the Founding Fathers, you'll see that the Massachusetts delegates detested the Virginians, Thomas Jefferson hated Patrick Henry, etc., but somehow this all works. I'll get off my soapbox now. Stay warm everyone.
gene law on February 2, 2011 3:31 PM
Pat I'm sorry you have to go south, I know that's got to be a real sacrifice, but I'm sure with your fortitude you put your chin up and make it all right. Ha and a Hee Hee, Good seeing you again enjoyed, when you get time run a check on the Farleys to the Akers and Goodalls, sure enough we might be kin.
Tom Dillon on February 2, 2011 8:38 AM
Often wish I still lived in Princeton so I could see many of you at the monthly meetings at Ryan's.
Pete, purchased a new battery -- sure makes a big difference. Have plenty of gas for the snow blower, but it doesn't work on ice.
All schools, including universities (Purdue, IU, Butler, etc.), non-essential government offices, churches, and many businesses have been closed for two days and I would expect that we have at least one more day of major problems. Our county has declared a "state of emergency" this morning limiting travel to only emergency vehicles.
Our lights have flickered several times, but so far no loss of power. Again, lots of ice and sleet, but not much snow as yet.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 2, 2011 9:09 AM
50 degrees when I got up this morning in Princeton. Yes, we had a very good time at Ryan's last night. It was good to see Gene and his wife. I had not seen him since 1960.
Pete Stephenson on February 2, 2011 1:47 PM
Darla good to see that maybee the big storm stayed above Princeton and Roanoke this time.I,m still here in South Carolina,on way to VA.tomorrow for sure.I'm glad to hear that you had a good get together last evening. seems like Gene and his wife enjoyed the festivities.Dillon be careful in that storm,don't take any chances.I hope you guys don't think i'm crazy about the Buddy Holly chatter.Just trying to add a little joy and happiness to everyones lives.on the oher hand i've always been a litle bit crazy,kinda like Carl.Pat enjoy your trip to the south.
gene law on February 2, 2011 3:39 PM
thank ya thank ya very much good seeing you too, enjoyed very much. Traveled over high mountains, through snow filled trenches, through a pack of wolves, wound up in a den of TIGERS, well worth the effort. geno
gene law on February 2, 2011 3:43 PM
Dillon sounds like you got the brunt of the storm, I watched the weather channel, and it looked bad, I hope you and your neighbors fare well, stay safe geno.
Delores Hill Brown on February 2, 2011 3:57 PM
60 degrees here along the Chesapeake Bay today. I actually went to the gym and for a long walk with the "Terror Terrier." Found the driveway finally.
gene law on February 3, 2011 1:20 PM
Delores if you can find your driveway, surely you can find COOKIE. Becky are you out there or did you run away with cookie, need some wit here on the blog, the politics and the weather news is like a ball and chain and about to drag me down, laughter doth the heart good like medicine. Terry did you make it home, it was good to see you again, other thand the frost bitten hair thou hasn't changed. Darla lay some of those remarks on the blog let us get some mirth going, Pete I know you are basking in the sun, remind us again of the good ol' days, geno needs cheering up and you are the bunch to do it.
Delores Hill Brown on February 3, 2011 8:00 PM
Gene: All I know is that it got up to 60 degrees yesterday and Cookie started to thaw out. You will recall that she froze and was propped up by the dumpsters down at the hospital. They say as she started to thaw out she mumbled something about ANONYMOUS THOU HAVE FORESAKEN ME. I LOVE YOU. Thats really all I know. I try to stay as far away from her as I can because she is so unpredictable. I just stick to my politics. She on the other hand runs the streets in that convertible creating havoc all over the county.
gene law on February 3, 2011 8:11 PM
One day at 60 degrees and you get so up in the air, not wishing you any will ill but I would like to share this 11 degree weather with you, I miss cookies kooky comments, Delores you will have to work on getting kookier, o.k.
Delores Hill Brown on February 3, 2011 8:32 PM
Gene: Sorry but I have to maintain my dignity. I've worked so hard to develop this tight...... persona.
Anonymous Surname on February 3, 2011 10:27 PM
I am back!! Cookie, I would never forsake you. Can't believe all the complaining about the weather. If all of you would have saved your money and not spent it on RC Colas and Moon Pies while cruising Mercer Street, you could be in a tropical paradise, today. Sell your snow shovels, snow throwers, winter clothing, etc., and enjoy the gentle sunshine.
Cookie Hill Brown on February 3, 2011 11:52 PM
I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCK!. Gotta be quick they don't know I'm out of my room.
You mean enjoy the paradise, like in NAPLES.
I think I hear them looking for me. Gotta go!
Gene Fields on February 4, 2011 12:00 AM
Hey, you guys! Sorry I havn't been on here for several months, but I have tried to keep up by reading your comments regularly, and I must say that after all the family tree connections, I have decided that Tom D. is his own Gran' Pa and I have no idea who the rest of us are. Personally, I am going to stay away from the shallow end of the West Virginia "gene pool".
Seriously, LaVerne and I are so appreciative for each one of you who kept me in your prayers over the past year. I am proof of the power of your efforts. My most recent scans {Nov.} indicated that there were no active cancer cells remaining. I will have to stay that way for five years before the Cure word can be used. For now, remission will do fine.
I consider myself blessed to have been born when I was, and be a part of our generation. I truly believe we share a rich history and ties that have endured over five decades. Let's continue to love and support one another in every way we can. The value of these gestures cannot be overstated!
Carl, thank you for this site. It's a wonderful way for us. to stay connected and keep up.
Your friend and classmate
gene law on February 4, 2011 10:36 AM
Cookies back anonymous showed up Gene is healed, thank God for remission, what a site, Carl you have done a blessed work, what a great site, it does this ol' man's heart good just to get on here read the witty comments, who says the art of conversation is dead, not , it's unbelievable, nothing but joy running over, Dillon have you dug out yet? Pete, you back home again? I suppose Pat's in mi. after 50 yrs. I can keep better track of you folks now than when we were in high sc. Blessings for everybody, Delores stay well.....later geno
Tom Dillon on February 4, 2011 12:00 PM
Fields, glad you are back in the loop. Doubt that I am related to any of my c-mates either as my maternal grandparents came through Ellis Island from the USSR.
Sorry Neopolitan about the carping, but have been iced in for 3 days now. Snow blowers will not work on sleet and ice. The emergency- travel-only restriction was lifted at noon yesterday after being in effect for 50 hours. Schools were open again this morning with a 2-hour delay. Guess what? More snow tonight and then Sunday into Monday, and perhaps another larger storm mid-week.
Kay and I have cleaned and organized every closet and drawer. How many pairs of dress socks does a retiree need? Are Argyles still in style? Goodwill will replenish its inventory when we get over there.
Delores Hill Brown on February 4, 2011 12:19 PM
To Gene & LaVerne: That’s GREAT NEWS. Keep up the good work and keep all the "Raging Tigers" posted. My good thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
Pete Stephenson on February 4, 2011 6:52 PM
It sounds to me that Delores has that Cookie on the run with that Terrible terrior. That must really be a terrior. Good to know all are ok in the storms of the centuries. Tom take it easy in the snow and ice stay in and let it take care of itself. Clean out some more closets. Gene fields ,God does miracles every day and you must be on his list. keep the faith we love you bro. Geno you keep the home fires burning and stay safe. Don't fall anymore and break a leg. I just have one bullet left and wan,t to use it on a worthy cause. I,m back home for now but in two weeks have to make the atlanta trip again to get K.C. All you guys and gals have a good weekend. Just remember, God loves you and so do I.
Fred Lucas on February 4, 2011 8:55 PM
Its been awhile since I've been on the blog. Along with Carl, I have been getting out information about illness and deaths of our classmates.
If any of you have a long term illness or have a loved one who has died please let me know. Use my E-Mail address rather than the blog. I can get the information out quickly so that we can be supportive.
While I'm writing, here's what I do to try to stay healthy. I am a member of a fitness center connected with Mercy Hospital It is similar to the Princeton Fitness Center. I work out five days per week. I do cardio on the walking track and the elliptical machine. Then I use free weights and resistance machines for strength training. I also do lap swimming in the pool. I usually spend one and one half hours per day. Regarding diet, I follow the one suggested by the American Cancer Society. That is five servings of fruits and vegetables and a serving of fish or chicken.
This summer, I still plan to do whitewater rafting on the New River. Also, there are some new residents in Summers and Monroe Counties. Wildlife officials from Pipestem State Park have seen several pairs of bald eagles. One eagle was fishing in the Bluestone Lake. The on line edition of the Charleston Gazette had that information.
Finally, I spend the hours of being inside from the snow, reading novels. I bought an electronic book from Borders Bookstore. The E-Book comes with 100 novels. I'm reading Madame Bovary .
pat smith on February 5, 2011 11:43 PM
I called my daughter in Princeton tonight to share the news that I was at a party outside at a hotel on South Beach, it was a balmy 80 degrees, the palm trees were swaying, the surf was swishing, a band was playing reggae music and the food was delicious. She informed me it was 25 degrees, 25 miles per hour winds and it was snowing and then she hung up!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 6, 2011 7:24 AM
I guess you will be coming home with a "bikini tan".
Pete Stephenson on February 6, 2011 3:41 PM
Pat, when I first started trucking in the late 60s I used to stay at a resort on south beach called castaways.have you ever heard of that place.Real niceplace back then.Darla,some places on south beach don,t wear bikinis.maybee no lines at all just saying.Just pulling on wonder womans cape, Pat. What a beautiful day we are having here in the Roanoke valley.mid 50s.Hope everyones favorite team wins tonight.Fly those terrible towels.
Carol Martin on February 6, 2011 4:14 PM
TOM, Brenda M, Mary Lou, Mike, and I (with spouses) sat together at the reunion. Mary Lou had said that when her son was in graduate school at the University of SC, one of his professors thought that he was from Portugal and began conversing in Portuguese. Mary Lou said that her father in law came to the US from Lisbon when he was a teenager. Mike mentioned that his grandparents came here from USSR and that they had a number of children, the father died and she raised the children, remarried etc.
One of our sons once stated that he had attended schools in SC and TX and had never heard of anyone with my last name. He asked where my (paternal) ancestors came from. I replied I had been told Germany or Poland that he ought to research it. He said, "I hope it was Germany." I replied "what difference does that make?" He said, "you like driving Mercedes and BMWs don't you?" I said "of course." He said "how many Polish engineered cars have you driven?" BTW, a couple of years ago he spent a month in Belgium and was able to drive a BMW on the autobahn.
PS: Watch for BMW commercials filmed in SC during the super bowl tonight.
Tom Dillon on February 6, 2011 8:23 PM
Mike Herring & I are 1st cousins. Sorry, I forgot that.
Have you ever seen a worst halftime show? Have you ever seen a good one in years?
Pete Stephenson on February 7, 2011 11:58 AM
Dillon, not only bad halftime show but the national anthem was pretty lousy in my estimation.on the other hand game was pretty good. I,m a steeler fan but can live with the outcome. The Rodgers kid did a fine job. Green Bay deserved the victory.
Tom Dillon on February 9, 2011 9:39 AM
Pete, evidently our other c-mates like black-eye peas. We didn't mean to offend.
Where is Anon from the west coast of Florida (per Cookie)? What's going on with the rest of you?
J.K. George, do I have to threaten with kicking your hindquarters for us to get an update on the book?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 9, 2011 9:52 AM
I agree with Tom and Pete. I thought all of the music was bad.
Pete Stephenson on February 9, 2011 11:01 AM
Dillon, all these years of being friends with you and fish, I didn't know that you were cuzs. I guess you never get to old to find out something new. I watched a little of the Purdue game last evening, not too bad of a ball club.UVA and WVU cant get it together.
Fred Lucas on February 9, 2011 5:06 PM
Pete, this year was Huggins first recruiting class. He has a number of players who are learning his system. His record is 15-8. His players should do better.
Recently, I was listening to a discussion of former professional football players. Are you and Carole Martin aware of the plight of former running back Earl Campbell. An outstanding back at Texas, he played eight years in the NFL. Now he must use crutches to get around. He's had three back surgeries and two knee surgeries. He has pain from arthritis In 2004 there was a documentary concerning the problems of former NFL players.
Recently, a study of NFL players who had concussions revealed that some players lost their inhibitions and either committed suicide or became alcoholics. Several had problems with dementia which were related to concussions.
March 31st the Reds open the baseball season. The pastime is a little bit safer. Pete Rose unlike Earl Campbell was able to play for twenty two years. Ted Williams and Sandy Kofax had good long careers.
Pete Stephenson on February 9, 2011 8:45 PM
Fred you are entirely right about huggy bears 1st recruiting class. I do think that he will bring better players to WVU. But its going to take some time. No matter where life takes me I"ll always be an eers fan. I saw on espn today about the hits to the head that several NFL players have an the consequences that it has on them. Many aren't letting their boys play fball until high school. Many of the ones interviewed said it was lack of good knowledgeable coaches in peewee and middle school. The discussion was where is football going to be in 20 yrs. I hope we all are to find out.
Becky Novarro on February 10, 2011 8:44 PM
Cookie knows I am not anonymous--I can hardly spell it. I own up to what I say. You guys need to watch one of Brian Gumble's special on HBO. It is sad to see the lack of help retired players get. Harry Carson, a Giant, works a lot trying to get disability for the injured. Now at least they get better helmets, health policies and monies. The league is also cracking down on deliberate hits. Glad to see it. Do any of you remember when LT broke Joe Theisman's leg? Awful. And not a deliberate attack.
Yes I like the Black Eyed Peas and Usher, should see him do Singing in the Rain, however, the sound was absolutely dreadful. I did like the graphics. I saw Up with People at the Silver Dome and Diana Ross sang the National Anthem. One of the best versions was by Whitney Houston--now there's a sad story.
OK, now we need some jokes from Gene and Cookie. Anyone else? The winters make even us Floridians cranky.
BTW, the Boston Red Sox and Minn. Twins are in spring practice in Ft. Myers. It's almost baseball time. Well, for my Florida grandchildren, it already is. Saturday is opening day. Cool!
cookie on February 11, 2011 12:34 AM
Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee shut your mouth about your warm weather. Just remember the rest of us don't have to pack up and move every summer to escape the heat! Got more snowwwwwwwwwwwww last night. OMG If I find Al BORE I'm gonna kick some serious butt. His viewing audience this week was 18,000 and he added Keith Obermann to increase his ratings. Good job there Einstein.
gene law on February 11, 2011 11:47 AM
Becky I cannot believe you remember Joe Theisman when he got his leg broke and yet I read it with my own eyes, that was some sight , it is etched into my memory, as I write I can vividly see it on my tv screen, just like it happened yesterday, good to hear from you, here's a joke what do u get when you cross a football player with an ape? A retarded ape. aw lighten up it's just a joke, everybody rejoice, cookie is back with clever wit, I for one have missed it. Way to go on the AL bore bit, if you want something to worry about, check out the falling down of Egypt's govt. our illustrious Mrs. Clinton thinks the Muslim brotherhood should have a big part in their govt. Time is growing short methinks.
Becky Novarro on February 11, 2011 6:12 PM
Thank you Geno and Cookie. Glad to see your hands aren't frozen too solidly to type. I probably wouldn't have seen the Theisman play if I weren't a Giant fan and if I didn't live in New Jersey. It was one of those awful plays that you don't soon forget but wish you could. Miss Cookie, at least you are back on line keeping everyone or a few of us, amused. I have the news on and believe me, we all can use a few laughs. Don't get so low you don't write. Have a great weekend.
Pat Smith on February 13, 2011 2:29 PM
My granddaughter just saw Never Say Never and is swooning (Do girls still swoon) over Justin BIeber. When we were 13, it was Elvis Presley. I still think he was the sexiest man alive (well, not so much alive now.). Remember, ladies?
Tom Dillon on February 14, 2011 11:26 AM
Happy Valentine's Day to All.
Do you remember when we gave valentines to all our classmates, boys and girls included?
I think it was in the 7th grade when I gave the same necklace with a heart to two girls. Do you remember Jane Hanger? She and her family moved away before we were in jr. high.
Things were great until the two girls compared notes and realized that they were both wearing the same necklace given to them by me. Young, young, young love.
Carl on February 19, 2011 3:51 PM
Tom, I've often wondered if you voted more than once in our Class President election. You've further fueled my suspicions with this 2-necklace memory. (: }
Delores Hill Brown on February 14, 2011 2:18 PM
Today is my parents Anniversary. They were married on Valentine's Day 1942 after being Sweethearts since 3rd grade at Mercer Street School. When they passed in 2005 within 78 days of one another they had been together 76 years. Every year he gave her a heart-shaped Valentine box of Candy--the beautiful kind. The only years he missed were during World War II when he was in the Pacific Ocean on the U.S.S. Wasp. I have them in my garage in plastic tubs. About every six months I go out and start toward the trash can with them...then I put them back in the tubs. I can't throw them away. We found them in the attic lovingly saved all those years. Now there is a love story.
gene law on February 14, 2011 4:02 PM
yes yes yes, right on.
Anonymous on February 14, 2011 4:12 PM
I'm back! Great story, Cookie. So, you think I'm from the deep, deep south? You never know!!
Anonymous #1 Surname on February 14, 2011 7:08 PM
Only you know who you are -- copycat!!!
I am the number1 Anonymous!!!
Anonymous on February 14, 2011 8:57 PM
Copycat Here:
Ha! Gotcha out of hiding! Fess up and tell us who you are, and I'll tell you who I am.
Cookie on February 14, 2011 10:28 PM
Well--you anonymous guys scared me to death for a minute. Half asleep I misread your post and thought it said, "Show me yours and I'll show you mine." These heavy meds they keep me on here on the 5th floor cloud my cognitive thinking something awful. Never mind!
Anonymous # 1 on February 15, 2011 2:40 PM
I want to blog, but.
gene law on February 16, 2011 11:30 AM
anon you got to get your but out of the way and blog blog blog......
Anonymous #1 on February 16, 2011 9:29 PM
Mr. Law, you are getting a little fresh. A sophisticated person like myself, takes offense to your mentioning a part of my anatomy.
gene law on February 17, 2011 6:56 PM
you must truly be blonde, I did not mention any part of your anatomy, read it, you said you would blog but..... Now if you get that but out of the way you would blog. by the way at my age being accused of being fresh on brings a smile to my inner self, I will close now and muse. geno out.
Pete Stephenson on February 15, 2011 9:44 PM
I know all you guys think i'm crazy but in truth I kept getting false email on the site and wouldn't let me post.I sure hope that each and everyone had a good valentines day.Took my sweetie out for mexican last evening. Was a hot time in the old town for sure. Cookie be careful running around on the fifth floor and don't go out a window, wonder woman cannot fly you know. Everyone have a good evening. Dillon I also got in touble one time at Thorn over the valentines.
Delores on February 15, 2011 10:46 PM
To all you Tigers out there. Have any of you ever had a dog with Canine Cushings Disease? It seems that;s the root of Randolph Scott's problems. If so, I would like to hear from you in terms of your experiences, how you handled it and the long term effects on the dog. My on-line research doesn't sound too encouraging or promising for either the dog or the master.
gene law on February 16, 2011 11:38 AM
that's doctor geno to you, canine cushing disease, that not only happens to dogs, but old men and women also, the only way to stop it is to take all the cushions out of the house, put running shoes in their place, and a picture of a trim body on top of the shoes. works for people, now dogs you have to take a broom to them, actually when they run you run after them both of you get the running syndrome, both get fit. the doctor is out now....
Delores on February 16, 2011 12:27 PM
Thank you Dr. Geno! Your expert advice explains everything now! The whole Class of 60 has Cushings Disease. I have my running shoes on as we speak. LOL
Pete Stephenson on February 16, 2011 2:12 PM
Dr.Geno, Cookie.I'm not for sure if I know what cushings disease is, but I think it hits people about our ages. My Dr. told me that i had a middle age disease called sittingonmyassitus.and that it was a curable disease. Just had to get some running in and other outside activities. I could play Alice Sue and CarolM. some tennis but would probably be hanging onto the net for life support. As for the pictures on the sneakers thingie I don't know if I could see down that far while running. while running and trying to see the picture on the sneaks I probably would fall and break a leg. hey Dillon maybe since Cookie has her sneaks on we could chase her around the neighborhood like they did us a PHS'
"Cookie" on February 16, 2011 2:24 PM
Woo Hoo! Catch me! Catch me! I'll run realllllllllllllllllll slow.
Delores on February 16, 2011 2:32 PM
Please classmates, ignore her. She is just an aging tramp. Cushing Disease is a disorder of the pituitary gland most commonly caused by a tumor. The problem I'm facing is the medicine is very toxic which requires almost weekly blood workups to insure it doesn't kill the dog. Randolph Scott, a female, is 10 years old and happy as can be. The disorder, if treated, requires a Canine Cushing specialist which means a weekly trip to Annapolis. Gas, meds, blood work, office visit....the cost is off the chart. I'm a retired school teacher! Duh! Besides which caring for "Cookie" has become a full time job.
gene law on February 16, 2011 4:15 PM
are you serious about your dog being sick? is there such a thing as cushing disease? I've been around animals all my life, never heard of such a thing. If you're serious, I beg your pardon and forgiveness, I would never make fun of some ones animal being sick, heaven knows we get to love them as a family member. geno sorry, as for cookie, honey before I could catch you, you would have to move like a snail, slow won't do. Pete, good to hear from you again, went MEXICAN HUH? that's heartburn city for me, ol' belly ain't what it used to be. geno gone
Delores on February 16, 2011 6:51 PM
Yelp! She is sick. People get Cushings too!
Anonymous #1 on February 16, 2011 5:53 PM
Almost compromized my identity with frustrations about the computer. Am back now and will comment in the future. Can't believe it. Catch me if you can.
gene law on February 16, 2011 6:30 PM
almost lost your identity huh, it would be a terrible shame for an anonymous writer to lose his/her i.d. reminds me of a friend of mine, everywhere he went he put a paper bag on his head, I asked him why? He said "well if I make a fool of myself no one will know its me". makes sense to me. geno gone.
Brenda McDonel Persin on February 16, 2011 6:57 PM
I am enjoying all the crazy comments. Only people our age can act like this--otherwise we'd be where Cookie is. You know the saying that when I get old, I'll wear purple and a red hat. Now I am not a member of the Red Hat Society, but I love this concept. Most of our inhibitions are irrelevant after a certain age.
Now for Anonymous No. 1--Geno is right--if you make a fool of yourself, no one will know. The rest of us are just out there vulnerable with no place to hide.
My analysis of Anonymous is that he is male and writes well. He attended the reunion, and he may be from the southern part of the USA, but one thing for sure, he is a CHICKEN. Tell us who you are, and we will embrace you. What do you mean you'd like to blog, but . . . .
Hang in there Cookie, I'll try to visit you soon.
gene law on February 16, 2011 7:06 PM
Brenda please don't tell cookie to hang in there, she might use a rope to do it, or maybe a finger nail, Cookie don't hang in there or any where this is your psycho, short for psychologist, talking just be around not round, AROUND, O.K. GENO THE PSYCHO OUT.
Anonymous on February 16, 2011 8:24 PM
Today was a hot one--55. How was it where you are?
Anonymous #1 on February 16, 2011 9:21 PM
Check your spelling -- copy cat. There is only one true Anonymous Dude.
Brenda, aren't we all from the south? I did miss reunion. I prefer beef, pork, or seafood to chicken. Had to go to my beautician again this week which suggests Female. Real men go to a barber, or we did in our younger years.
Pete Stephenson on February 16, 2011 10:19 PM
Brenda, for the sake of me not getting my butt whipped by my better half I decided to write in red the same color as my wifes outfits when she goes on the prowl 1 thursday night a month. She also wears jewelry that looks like she won it at a carnival. Yes my dear my Judy is a queen in the dogwood dames of vinton virginia. every time she goes out on one of these excursions I blow red and purple feathers around the house for a week or more. she and her group have a lot of fun together. Always something crazy going on around. What the h---.Have fun eat dessert first is their motto.
Cookie on February 16, 2011 10:45 PM
I'm backkkkkkkkkkkkk. It just appears to me that Anonymous 1 is having an identity crisis. That’s ok! Its popular these days not to be able to tell what you are. Its called never having to take responsibility. Oh! A lucid moment. Gotta go. I hear Nurse Ratchett coming down the hall with the tray of meds.
Tom Dillon on February 17, 2011 7:32 AM
Fred, I had a premonition that when you announced the purchase of an E-book, the demise of the large-chain book companies had been sealed. A Border's gift card was always welcomed by the kids and grandkids.
Speaking of books, JK George ???????????????????
Anonymous, it was almost 70 here yesterday. I think you must be from the WVa., Va., Maryland, or Ohio area. . . . maybe Tenn.
gene law on February 17, 2011 4:05 PM
SHERLOCK geno here; ahh it took awhile but anonymous I now know who you are. I'll have to admit it took longer than I expected, Columbo would not be proud of me, but after all its all in writing, but your ego leaves as many prints as your fingers do, your secret is safe with me I'm content in just knowing, here's a tip for you anon, when you use an alter ego you must go to the edge, and not the mainstream of your thinking process, otherwise it’s just like writing traits, we all have ego that's the identifier of who we are, I had to go a long way back on the blogs, but it was worth it. SHERLOCK GENO OFF, geno here remember Betty Matney, her mother died yesterday or day before, not sure, only one sister left in that family, youngest died in '07, great family. I have no more news so REPORTER GENO is gone.
Copycat on February 17, 2011 6:14 PM
Anonymous 2 (Copycat) Here
Ok, Geno knows who you are, Anonymous 1. I don't know who you are, but Geno gave a clue--it must be someone who has blogged before. Another thing, there is now an Anonymous 3. The last posting with anonymous spelled incorrectly was not me. The mystery deepens.
gene law on February 17, 2011 6:46 PM
sherlock geno here: anon 2 be careful of your ego it will leave prints of your identity. No mystery now, and I'll have to admit it took some snooping through the blogs to find out, if you look carefully you will see the alter ego blend in with the ultimate ego, which is in truth the true personna of aforementioned person, now write some more and we will see if I can see who copycat is......HMMMM sherlock geno is out.
Delores on February 17, 2011 10:08 PM
Delores here: Well Sherlock it isn't Delores nor is it Cookie. So take both names out of the pot. Cookie probably isn't lucid enough to think of such a thing and Delores doesn't operate that way. She tells you what she thinks and signs her name cause she ain't CHICKEN. (Should that be a hyphenated word?) LOL
Anonymous #1, #2,or #3 on February 18, 2011 10:49 AM
I have heard of dual personalities, but this is giving me a headache -- there are now 3 Anonymouses or is it Anonymii? Education point-- when a Lass is young her derriere may be crudely referred to as her "butt", but after nearly 70 years of wear and tear and children, there is some loss, ergo, "butt" becomes "but" -- still crude and rude, but synometricaly correct.
Therefore, Mr. Law, you do owe me an apology for referring to a part of my anatomy!!!! telling me to get off my "but and to start blogging again.
Cookie on February 18, 2011 11:01 AM
Is this about butts or just a bunch of asses?
gene law on February 18, 2011 1:36 PM
mea culpa, mea culpa, "I'm sorry, so sorry I didn't know I hurt you so I'm sorry". Is that good enough? I cannot do any better than using Brenda Lee's old song. remember, now sing it slow and mournfully, it will soothe and heal all those misdirected feelings, Cookie you're back, how was your trip? are you lucid enough to read this, because I now know who anon #2 is. but we won't tell, because I can now blog with your picture in the windmills of my mind. My friend Tony went missing yesterday and I went to find him, I asked some of the neighbors if they had seen him, they said he went up the railroad tracks, I said which way they said up the ones that go up the hill, so I set off I walked about half a mile, and I saw a boot, I said that looks like Tony's boot, I picked it up, there was part of a leg and foot in it I don't know what Tony's leg looks like soI put it down and went off again, about 50 yards further I saw a ring, I said that looks like tony's ring, I noticed a finger in the ring and a hand attached, looks like Tony's ring but I don't know what his hand looks like, so I put it down, I walked on and I saw Tony's head, I walked over and said "whatsa the matter Tony no feela good" Geno out
Anonymous #1 on February 18, 2011 4:13 PM
Did someone miss their morning constitutional?
Pete Stephenson on February 18, 2011 9:36 PM
Anonymous or annoy us who really cares. It seems to me someone is trying to keep the s---pot stirred up. geno stay on course I believe you have anonymous us on the run. Here in Atlanta again for the second time this year. Getting grandson for another week in Va. About 70 here this afternoon, the daffodils are coming up. spring getting ready to spring. On way home tomorrow. Delores, please keep cookie on the right track. Please give her meds on time, I worry about her.
gene law on February 18, 2011 9:42 PM
Well thank you for being so polite, very polite way of saying I'm full of it. Well if you can't dazzle with brilliance, then baffle with bull s__t. Went to breakfast with my friend, noticed he couldn't hear too well, I looked and said is that a suppository in your ear? He pulled it out and said "now I know where my hearing aid is" geno gone, (maybe where the cookie went).
Cookie on February 18, 2011 10:01 PM
Dear classmates: We have discussed butts, morning constitutionals, human anatomy and spineless bloggers. Delores came to visit me today and I summarized it for her. I told her that they were all full of crap. Nurse Ratchett came in during her visit to dispense medication. She was so upset over all this that she pretended to be a patient and received someone's allocation. I must say her stuffy, tight----- was much more relaxed upon departure. She thinks I'm crazy but it isn't so. I'm just doing everything she always wanted to and didn't have the nerve.
Pete Stephenson on February 18, 2011 10:57 PM
Cookie U go girl=======
gene law on February 19, 2011 9:56 AM
psychologist geno here, cookie cookie, you may have some splinters in the windmills of your mind, but you certainly are not crazy, you're just a wild child who should of smelled the flowers instead of inhaling them, ha ha? pshyco geno out.
Anonymous on February 19, 2011 2:31 PM
Gene, You ain't nothing but an old hound dog! I knew you would eventually sniff me out. After my Cookie pas earlier this week of sharing the local temperature, I might as well have given you the coordinates of my location or GPS directions to my home office.
But did you rat me out, even though you had promised not to do so? I have it on excellent authority that the FBI has obtained warrants to confiscate all the computers in my office and will be here shortly. Through "Project Vigilant" (look it up), a semi-secret agent contracted by our government has had complaints regarding references to anatomy parts, being chic-ken, annoying, and a mindless blogger as well as stirring the s_ _ _.
I was only trying to bring some MIRTH to some old f_ _ _s.
The front security guard just called up to alert us that the Feds are in the elevator and on their way up. See you later, Alligator! It was great while it lasted.
gene law on February 19, 2011 3:04 PM
hound dog geno here; I did not rat you out and you did bring some mirth, I called the white house you have immunity from the feds, code word is "I'm immune" and you will be safe, that sounded like goodbye, don't leave loved exchanging witty remarks, of course the white house I called is my neighbors, it used to be beige, but they repainted last year, but that's another story for another time in another place, as the world turns, so do our lives as sand through an hourglass, but a long time ago in a faraway place, wow that sounds like a good story, all good stories start like that, but I can see by the shadow on the wall I must go, that shadow blocks the light and I can't see the screen, but that's another story for another time, oh you did say later gator didn't you or is that another story, I feel like cookie sounds. geno
Carl on February 19, 2011 3:39 PM
This is just a test of the PHS60 early warning blogosphere gremlin.
gene law on February 19, 2011 9:17 PM
HELLO PAPPY CARL GODFATHER OF THE PHS 60 BLOG. GOOD TO HEAR, READ FROM YA.GENO
Becky Novarro on February 19, 2011 3:50 PM
Miss Cookie, who are you calling an old f--t? I also think that you, Geno, are really funny. Keep me laughing, please. We still haven't identified the Anonymous but I agree with Cookie, they are just chicken s---t. Potty mouth here!
Cookie on February 19, 2011 4:09 PM
Hey Arney
I haven't called anyone an Old anything. If I were going to I wouldn't post it under "Anonymous". For me to call you an Old ____ would be like the kettle calling the pot black. Pot...Oh that reminds me. Gotta go. Have to take care of some business.
Becky Novarro on February 19, 2011 6:55 PM
Sorry Miss Cookie, I thought the comment was from you. No, you would never mince your words nor hide behind a skirt! or Shirt? I don't think Geno knows who anonymous is but isn't he having fun trying to figure it out! Drop me a line sometime.
Tom Dillon on February 19, 2011 7:25 PM
For the first time in months, I walked in the park early this am. Anonymous and/or Cookie, does that constitute a morning constitutional? (there has to be a word for using both a verb and noun form in the same sentence).
gene law on February 19, 2011 9:12 PM
ah miss becky, you are so wrong, listen, or read, I became a detective at an early age, I was about 12 and somewhere between Cahill's woods and Wright's bottom, lost and in the darkness, it was raining, know how I knew? I was soaked to the bone take a step foot would slosh, I put my hand out rain drops fell in it I knew it was raining no one told me I took the clues given to me by nature, I knew then I was a detective, wow I figured it out all by myself, cause you see I was alone, then I knew why it was so dark, it can't rain without clouds, the clouds were hiding the moonlight and the stars, how.s that for detective work, as I walked on I saw a fork in the road, I walked over and picked it up, instantly I knew someone had either thrown it away or they had lost it, either way I knew somebody had been there before, they got out so I knew then that I could get out, if you were a detective you would know that I got out too, or I would not be writing on this blog, How's that for detecting? Pretty good huh? I know who anon is, 1, 2, and 3, now that I have shown my credentials, I would like to take this time to welcome you back to the blog, enjoyed the banter, little potty sided but humorous, now I,m going to the kitchen and detect me something to munch on(why I'm so fat) see how I can put clues together, sherlock geno gone.
Pat Smith on February 20, 2011 1:05 AM
Did everyone in WV notice how I brought the warm weather back from Miami Beach with me? No thanks necessary!
Fred Lucas on February 20, 2011 8:42 AM
Pat even on a cold day, you bring warmth and cheerfulness.
When I mentioned my love for crepes, I didn't understand that there is a preparation time that a cook needs. Usually about twenty minutes. You probably don't have that time at Patty Cakes.
I was talking to a gentleman the other day who was a graduate of Elder High School in Cincinnati. Elder is a Catholic high school. He graduated in 1950 in a class of 200 boys. This school isn't co-ed. Last summer the class held a sixtieth reunion. He said that fifty men had died and one hundred and fifty remained. He said that the reunion committee held a two day event at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Only twenty five classmates attended.
He was a Korean War veteran and did not attend college. Instead he went to work for his dad who was a builder.
I hope that those of us who are alive at 78 will try to come to a reunion.
Carole Martin you didn't mention that Michael Feldman who has a show on National Public Radio on Saturday afternoon featured Spartanburg last week. He mentioned that Wades Restaurant is the place in Spartanburg to dine. He spoke about the BMW plant providing much needed employment for the people of the area since the textile plants closed several years ago. The show was informative.
Pete Stephenson on February 20, 2011 1:34 PM
Wow what beautiful day here in the Roanoke valley. Carl good to here from you here on the blog and also in your email to me. You are like house said on his program, and i quote, You are like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. Thanks for what you do for our class and classmates. Becky it,s good to hear from you down there in the sunshine state. cookie hope nurse ratchett gave you the right meds this morn. To the rest of you have a great day. Kirby smith where are you. Are you outside working on you vette. Does anyone ever hear from frankie Ferguson. also hated to hear about Mrs Dunigans death, {betty Matney’s mom. I've said enough, lets go racing.
Carl on February 20, 2011 6:05 PM
Friends, I can't tell you how gratified I am that you've taken to blogging like a _____ to a _____. I never imagined that our website would generate such lively, informative, humorous, silly -- I love silliness -- and moving commentary. I have a couple of items:
1. Pete has suggested -- and I agree -- that some/lots of the older Blog comments be deleted. I can do that, but would like your feedback before I destroy such wisdom and moving narrative. Give me your thoughts.
2. Being a lifelong sports fan, I've enjoyed all the jock talk on the Blog. I've often recalled how blessed PHS60 was to have some pretty good teams, including our sophomore and junior years with Rod Thorn as the basketball star. It was here that I first witnessed athletic genius firsthand. The thrills of watching the "Pride of PHS59" still resonate with me, including going to Morgantown for our State Championship loss to Parkersburg. What a time! What an adventure! Some of us sang hit tunes of the time -- a capella, of course -- on the bus. The tone of the return trip was rather muted. Even my present paltry memory retains those images (and sounds). Anyone out there share that nostalgia?
Delores on February 20, 2011 6:54 PM
I remember going to Parkersburg for the game. We left home at 4 a.m. with snow piled high along the road. When daddy stopped at the Exxon station at the Court House to gas up he said to the attendant, "I guess we are the first ones out of town." The attendant replied, "No, you are the last one, they've been leaving all night."
gene law on February 20, 2011 6:59 PM
I remember that time well as well as the thrill of victory to get there and alas the agony of defeat as well very very painful was that loss to Parkersburg, Bobby Worrell, Roger Bradley and myself went into a little store there in Morgantown, some hick was making fun of our Princeton boys, that situation almost got out of hand, as there was a lot of hurt feelings on our part, we left after a few colorful comments, probably a good thing on our parts I was the heaviest at 150 lbs. we had hippopotamus mouths and mouse hind ends, oh well young and dumb at that time, I still recall the agony of it all, but suppose we had never got to go at all? geno
Tom Dillon on February 21, 2011 8:01 AM
Pete/Carl, I guess purging the blog of old comments would be ok, but why? Is there a limit to our postings? Does everyone know how to right click on your mouse and get to the most recent comments in one move and not have to slowly scroll through the entire body of info? Can we save and/or archive what is deleted for posterity?
I am not sure that I went to Morgantown -- somewhere in my memory is a trip north with Farley?, D. Askew?, Mokey Crawford?, Coleman? It was the 1st time we had every gotten out of town on our own and there may have been some beer purchased. Farley, Coleman, and I did go to Daytona with Rod Thorn and Boozy Wyrick after graduation for spring break after having seen the movie "Where the Girls Are"
Herring, Fields, Neal, Wilhelm, etc., help with this --I also have a vague memory of almost the entire basketball team -- Thorn, Strong, Sayers, coming back from an upstate game all with sprained ankles. The team had gotten their first pairs of low cuts, were used to high tops, and we failed to tape well -- was this Parkersburg? Charleston? or the state tournament in Morgantown?
Carl on February 21, 2011 5:38 PM
Tom, that's some string of questions you pose. I had many of the same ones and was hoping that you'd have the answers.
gene law on February 20, 2011 7:07 PM
welcome back I wondered why it suddenly got springlike. Pat how does it feel to come out of a make believe world into a real one?
Delores on February 20, 2011 7:10 PM
Oops! A senior moment. It wasn't Parkersburg. It was Morgantown. Thanks Geno.
gene law on February 20, 2011 7:37 PM
strange you remembered the snow, and it was terrible, but you didn't remember where you went, wonder what it all means? geno thephysco out.
Pete Stephenson on February 20, 2011 11:05 PM
Talking about senior moments, I don't remember why I didn't go to the game in Morgantown. I know when Roger Hickman was playing that i drove Mrs. Hickman to all the away games. Man was that something. Me driving her black Cadillac filled with her and a bunch of girls. Now that I think of it, it was a pretty good deal. Lot of fun was had by all. Mrs. Hickman was a real dear to me. She was a tough business woman but Roger and Carolyn had a swell mom.
Carl on February 21, 2011 5:54 PM
Brother Law, I don't have a clue what "the physco" means, but after reading your analysis of who "Anonymous" is, I think you must be the Human Geneome.
gene law on February 21, 2011 6:31 PM
Pappy Carl it's short for psychologist, I thought everybody knew that. By the way nice of you to visit the blog, I hope you have fared well this past winter, a lot of folks get the blues this time of year some never get over them goes into mild depression then deep, one sure cure for the blues is daily pushups for the mind, a lot of people don't know it or never think about it but the mind needs exercising just as the body does, maybe more so. but on the lighter side, I have been seeing red breasted robins all around my back yard, some deer have been coming in and eating the apples I dumped out for them, and the other day I saw a big ol' gobbler and two jakes, things are looking good here. geno out
Delores on February 21, 2011 4:50 PM
Harry Reid needs a new car. He goes to a local D.C. dealership, picks out the one he likes, confers with the salesman and they agree on the price of $45,000. Harry signs all the papers and says to the salesman. "Thank you, may I have my keys." "Well no, it doesn't work that way. You pay on it for 4 years and then its your." Harry was beside himself saying how unfair it was. No S--t says the salesman. Kind of like the Health Care Bill. That;s the way it works here.
Have a good day. Its snoooooooooooowing again! No Florida weather reports. PLEASE!
Becky Novarro on February 21, 2011 8:04 PM
I'll not say a word Cookie. I am sorry you have snow again. Doubt you'll postpone your trip down here next year. BTW, the movie was "Where the Boys Are" but I am sure you, Mr. D, remember it the other way around. Sure wish I could think of a clean joke to tell! Also wish I could work this website better but really appreciate hearing from/about all of you.
Delores on February 21, 2011 8:12 PM
Darlin'
I'm heading south next winter if I have to ride my bicycle and bring pinto beans. Can you scrounge up some fatback? This is for the B I R D S. At the rate things are going up here I may only have a bicycle left by next winter. I hope it was a "Perfect" day for you.
Pete Stephenson on February 21, 2011 11:32 PM
As far as the previous blogs on the sight it doesn,t make any difference to me how the sight is run. I just thought it would be better for some of the storage space that some might have on their PCs. i,m not a computer nut so I don,t know, no snow here in the valley so far.cookie how much are you getting there? hope all are safe and warm this evening.
Delores on February 21, 2011 11:52 PM
Right now we are in the midst of an ice storm. Just took the dog out and you can't stand up. Not a good omen for tomorrow since my drive is straight down for about 300 feet. They are calling for about 2-3 inches of snow on top of a couple of inches of ice for southern Maryland but substantially more north of the city. I'M GONNA KILL THAT GROUND HOG. I always knew he was just an over-sized rodent. AL, WHERE AREEEEEEEEEE YOU!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 22, 2011 6:16 AM
We had several robins and a cardinal in the yard yesterday. A sign of spring...sure hope so. Becky, you may have a lot of house guest next year if we have another winter like the last two.
gene law on February 22, 2011 9:00 AM
a brand new day a good start for the day is meditation first, then exercise the mind with a good crossword puzzle, or some other kind of puzzle, go down the list of people you have hard feelings for and make a point to forgive, now exercise your face and smile. here's a smiler, phone rings, a blonde answers, yells"HOW DO I KNOW I'M NOT A WEATHERMAN’ husband asks "who was on the phone" blonde says some dumb woman keeps calling, wants to know if the coast is clear. dr. geno out
Brenda Persin on February 22, 2011 11:00 AM
I also remember the trip to Morgantown on the bus, Cookie. It was snowing like gangbusters, and if we'd have had any sense, we would have been scared to death! If there is no limit to how much info we can have on the blog, I vote not to delete. There is only one thing I'd like to have deleted, but that was a previous story I won't revisit. Cookie, I'm with you next winter--Becky, get ready for us. Cookie, can we take that little red convertible or will it be in storage?
Cookie on February 22, 2011 11:13 AM
It’s a white convertible and I never leave home without it. You Just weren't seeing very well the morning you saw it.
Pete Stephenson on February 22, 2011 12:26 PM
Carl it seems as though I opened up can of worms on the previous blog deletions.didn,t mean to offend any body. the best solution is to leave it be. cookie what kind of white convertible?
Cookie on February 22, 2011 1:33 PM
Toyota Solara. Love it! White body, tan top. Nothing like a convertible and rock n' roll music with some Motown tossed it to make it interesting. Tina Turner works too. I wear a baseball cap so people won't know I'm older than dirt. Covers up my face real good. Delores on the other hand thinks I'm childish and low-class but she doesn't have as much fun as I do. Gotta go--times wasting.
Carl on February 22, 2011 12:28 PM
OK folks, for the time being, "what happens in the Blog, stays in the Blog." If webspace becomes an issue, I'll deal with it then. And thanks to all who resisted the urge to suggest that all those stupid comments of Carl's be deleted.
Tom Dillon on February 22, 2011 3:01 PM
I support. Again, does everyone know how to move to the most recent blog entries without having to slowly scroll through all the previous submissions? My grandson showed me how to do this with one click.
To move to the botttom of the Blog entries:
1. Right-click the scroll bar at the far right of the page.
2. Left-click "Bottom" in the pop-up menu.
NOTE: These instructions now appear near the top of the Blog page.
Delores on February 23, 2011 3:31 PM
Anonymous comments?
You Know Who on February 24, 2011 2:09 PM
I am trying to get a message out, but security is tight. They are monitoring my every move! Perhaps, if they fall asleep.
Tom Dillon on February 22, 2011 3:07 PM
Can't believe that Farley, Coleman, and I went to Daytona looking for girls, when that is "Where the Boys Are'. Becky, you are so right. We got significantly sunburnt.
What do you expect when the Three Stoogies take a road trip?
Tom Dillon on February 22, 2011 3:17 PM
Let's make it the Three Stooges. How did we ever make it out?
Michael Farley on February 24, 2011 9:15 AM
Tom, how well I remember the trip to Daytona. Do you remember Rod Thorn getting so sunburned??. He had fair skin anyhow. He was in soooooooo much pain. What a time that was. I believe the ratio was 10 guys to 1 girl. The beach parties were enormous. WOW!!! That seemed longer than 50 years ago. More like a hundred.
Michael Farley on February 24, 2011 4:32 PM
To my PHS family of friends.
I am writing this note to share with you that I have been diagnosed with a low grade prostate cancer. In the next couple of weeks I will go through a treatment called Cryoablation of the prostate. It is a freezing procedure that will kill cancer cells. It is around a 2 to 3 hour process. Release and go home in the same day. Recovery time is a week to 10 days. My oncologist is teamed with his father and together they have performed hundreds of these procedures. I was given several options, watched reviews via DVD's and decided that the freezing was the best. Barb and I have prayed that we must have perseverance and above all, Faith in our God, Doctors, Family and Friends. Everyone of your Prayers will be appreciated. Always remember, " Weave in Faith and God will find the thread"
I love you all!!!
Tom Dillon on February 24, 2011 5:42 PM
Mike, missed you on the blog -- thought you were working at Disney World.
I know many men our age and older who have had prostate cancer. If there is a best (if you can use any kind of adjective) form to have, this is the one that has the most success rate.
I am so thankful that your and Barb's faith is so strong. Can you even imagine facing life without knowing that "If Christ is for us, who can be against us?"
All of your classmates and friends will pray for you two. Please keep us updated.Love you also man -- we had some great times together.
Pete Stephenson on February 24, 2011 6:06 PM
Mike/Judy and I will also have you on our prayer list. I have had friends that have had that procedure and are doing well. Keep your faith strong and put all your trust in the lord. You have many friends like Dillon, me and many others that have loved you as a brother. If you need me for anything, I will be here for you. Be strong and everything will be ok thru Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 24, 2011 6:35 PM
Mike.... Johnny and I will keep you and Barb in our prayers. Keep a good attitude, it seems to help in these situations. Lean on God and He will take care of you.
Brenda Persin on February 24, 2011 6:28 PM
Mike, You are in my prayers.
Tom Dillon on February 25, 2011 10:50 AM
Farley, do you remember the road trip you and Curly Askew took to St. Pete, Florida to visit me? It was over Labor Day in 1961 and we primarily drank beer and played tackle football on the beach. I cannot believe that we picked grapefruits off of the trees and broke the windows at that factory that was open. I remember our hiding in the bushes from the police who responded and slipping in the back door of my house before we were caught.
Do you think one of the officers may have been Joe Trupo (sp.?)?
Michael Farley on February 25, 2011 7:53 PM
Tom, I remember that trip as if it was yesterday. Joe Trupo was always after us so it could have very well been him. Curly and I also went to see a gal that we new that went to high school in Tampa. The ole country boys that we were, like Princeton, we thought Tampa would have only one high school. We stopped at a phone booth and called information to ask the operator the number of the Tampa High School. She asked, which one??. At that time I believe she said they had 5 or 6. Curly and were impressed. We had to call back home to find out which HS she was attending. Seems longer than 50 years ago.
Tom Dillon on February 25, 2011 10:59 AM
Yearout, where are you? "I stand before you to address you, not to undress you" an old , but not forgotten salutation you wrote. Requesting for the 100th time – J.K. George, ???????????????????????
Dillon on February 25, 2011 9:41 PM
Ched, Happy day, young man.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 25, 2011 1:24 PM
After reading some of the comments about a road trip to Daytona...1959 - to see pretty girls!!!
2011 - to see favorite cars and drivers!!!
How time changes things.
Becky Novarro on February 25, 2011 7:14 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHED.
Pat Smith on February 26, 2011 2:57 AM
Cousin Mike - Prayers are going up from WV for you and will get there quicker, since we are "almost Heaven". If you need anything, all you have to do is ask and many will respond. Keep your chin up. Love, Pat
pat smith on February 26, 2011 1:04 PM
Okay, I'm going to steal a Reply from Ched's facebook page and share with the rest of you what J.K. wrote about his progress on his book. ",,,I'm completing a full (and the final) revision of the book. The eleventh!! Willl complete typing in the changes (they are extensive) and get them to a proofreader in about three weeks. After she reviews it, I'll go full court on finding an agent. Hope to make the decision on finding a contract or self-publishing by... the early fall. Still shooting on a 2011 date for this baby to see the light of day!". Okay, straight from the horse's mouth, via Ched's page. Sorry, J.K., you should have answered yourself. We are all anxiously awaiting publishment!
Tom Dillon on February 28, 2011 7:33 AM
Pat, thank you, but this "update" looks very similar to the one J.K. posted on the blog last September. Perhaps, we should not rush a true artist. Did you coin a new word "publishment"?
Geno, our friend, where are you?
Tom Dillon on February 28, 2011 7:40 AM
I should not ask a learned person like yourself the question, before researching it myself. I thought you were being cute and suggesting that there might be a "punishment" component to the book if J. K. "tells it all". I am not as sharp as I once was.
Becky Novarro on February 27, 2011 7:15 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETE STEPHENSON. HOPE IT WAS GRRRREAT.
Michael Farley on February 27, 2011 7:59 PM
Happy Birthday Pete!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Farley on February 27, 2011 8:09 PM
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU JEFF GORDON FANS OUT THERE IN NASCAR LAND!!!!!!
ALWAYS REMEMBER, DRIVE STRAIGHT AND TURN LEFT.
Becky Novarro on February 27, 2011 10:50 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARA STEPP RUMBURG! GLAD YOU ARE STILL AROUND.
Cookie on February 27, 2011 11:25 PM
On my last birthday my kids called the Fire Department.
Tom Dillon on March 2, 2011 1:56 PM
El Presidente here --- I have held this office for more than 50 years. Rebellion will not be tolerated and all unrest will be harshly addressed.
Today's edict for my people -- Blog, blog, blog, -- I miss your comments -- even yours "person without a name".
Fred Lucas on March 2, 2011 5:35 PM
For you sports fans, the present PHS basketball team finished the regular season with a 12-11 record according to the Princeton Times. They will start tournament play at Greenbriar East High School. When I sent out the letter about Mike Farley's illness, I said that by summer he can do whatever floats his boat. That's a slang expression. As I explained to Mike, he's the boat and he should do whatever moves him.
We have recorded fifty nine classmates who have E-Mails. I decided to do this project because I remember when Becky had her heart problem. only a few of us knew about it and could offer her support. Now the word goes out and we can do much more to offer support.
Becky Novarro on March 2, 2011 7:08 PM
Fred, I don't remember a lot about my trip to Roanoke but I believe you called me! I know Terry St Clair did. I was amazed by the people who sent cards and calls. Thanks. Apparently I am not on your "illness" list as I haven't gotten updates. At our age, unfortunately, there are a lot who are ill.
WVU is playing Conn. on ESPN. Time to sign off.
Fred Lucas on March 2, 2011 10:35 PM
Hi Becky, I did call you when you had your heart problem. I will be more than happy to put you on the illnrss list. I thought that you were doing better since you didn't say anything.
I will be happy to put you on the list. Do you want me to put down a problem with which you are dealing as I did with Mike, Scott Reid, Fran Rice Baker and others.. Do you want me to write in general terms and say that you have several health issues ? I care about all classmates and I want to be supportive.
gene law on March 3, 2011 7:12 AM
Plautus once said "nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend." As I read these blogs I'm finding I haven't really known the class of 60 as well as I should have, shame on me, real genuine caring folks, and from various comments Christians, there is nothing as important as to make sure your walk with Jesus, there is none like Him. I have been teaching Revelation to the men's Sunday school class, I have been overwhelmed by the comments of some of the fellows that have been walking the Christian walk for years that they have learned more in the last few weeks than in their previous 15 yrs. I am amazed at folks who profess Christianity, and are not students of God's word. I see the class of 60 not only confesses it but puts it into practice, I am proud to be associated with you, I do not know you so well as maybe I should, but from what I read I absolutely know you are a group worth knowing, this is about as serious as I'll get, most of the time I just carry on with junk, but with the caring I've seen with each others problems and a genuine concern for other's health I must say you are an unusual group of nice folks. I'm glad I'm meeting you for the 2nd time, Now did you hear about the blonde, oops, woman who got a load of sawdust to plant a tree farm. geno humbly out.
Tom Dillon on March 3, 2011 8:38 AM
Thanks Bloggers, I feel whole again.
Geno, are you using a source other than the Bible for your study of the Book of Revelation? I have read it several times, but get so confused with all the symbolism, time frames, and prophecies. I did purchase "The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Book of Revelation" (like the other hundreds of books for dummies). It , at least, helps to organize questions.
Yes, we do have a very special group of classmates who care for one another very much. It is as if we are still together only separated by geography (Coach Chick Dalton taught us how to spell this word in his 7th or 8th grade class -- George Edgar's oldest girl rode a pony, etc., etc., etc.).
gene law on March 3, 2011 5:03 PM
Don't get caught up too much on symbolism, there are only 23 symbols in the whole book of Revelation, I started my study, because I heard that it was about the antichrist and he rules the whole world, that's false he rules one fourth only it's about our LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, THE VERY FIRST VERSE IN REVELATION TELLS YOU. It's a fabulous book if you are serious about studying it a wonderful and marvelous teacher of it is Hilton Sutton, his internet site is www.hiltonsutton.org, remember, the Bible itself promises a blessing to all who read or hear the words of Revelation a blessing for doing it is well worth your time, I don't know how many times I have been through this book, but every time has brought a blessing and more knowledge, I cannot say enough about it, I am receiving a blessing just writing you about it. I have marveled at that men's class I have taught. So many times I have heard "I did not know that", well I have rambled on and on, but if one watches the news, and knows Dan. and Ezekial you can see things coming together for the finale. Let me know how you fare on this venture, and I certainly hope you start it, well worth the trip.
Speaking of trips an elderly couple was driving up next to Morgantown and a state trooper pulled them over, the trooper walked up to the drivers window, and told the man he was speeding, the wife being hard of hearing tugged on his sleeve and said "what did he say" the man turned to her and said 'HE SAID HE THOUGHT WE WERE SPEEDING', oh she said then the trooper asked where they were from, he told him McDowell co. she once again said "what did he say" the man said ‘HE WANTS TO KNOW WHERE WE CAME FROM’ oh she said, then the trooper said I was stationed there for 2 wks one time dated a girl there worst date I ever had. the woman once again asked "what did he say", the man said "HE THINKS HE KNOWS YOU". geno out.
Becky Novarro on March 3, 2011 9:12 PM
OH GOOD GRIEF! Fred, I am so sorry. I just meant that I am not on your Mailing illnesses list. I have the same problem as most of us---takes a little while to jump out of bed and run to the bathroom in the middle of the night but otherwise, I am healthy and thank you for asking. Sorry about the mixup. Makes me feel dreadful. I wasn't as drugged as I thought if I remembered your calling. Once again, thanks.
Becky Novarro on March 5, 2011 2:46 PM
Change of subject! The book The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is on the New York Times best seller list. Those of you who have read it know it paints a really bad picture of West Virginians. However, it's only one section and she is writing about McDowell County, Welch to be exact. It is an interesting read. Use our new library!
Delores on March 5, 2011 3:08 PM
Another good book is "Mom Still Likes You Best" by Jane Isay, 2010 copyright. Its a small book full of interviews-each highlighting different dynamics between siblings and parents. You will find yourself in many of them. It is dramatic in places and very funny in others. It will also help to understand family dynamics that shaped us and continues to do so as we finally become "adults" upon losing parents. Thanks Becky. I'll check my library on that one.
Fred Lucas on March 6, 2011 8:50 PM
Becky and Delores. Homer Hickham who is a native of McDowell County in Coalwood wrote a book called Rocket Boys several years ago which detailed his formative years in the county. This book was made into a movie he is a graduate of Virginia Tech and is close to our age.
He has written another book called the Ambassador's Son. I met him several years ago at the Joseph Beth Bookstore in Cincinnati.. He's an interesting chap.
One of the problems in McDowell County is the decline of coal mining and the out migration of young people. Hickham and his family no longer live in West Virginia for example. When we were children, the population of McDowell County was about 100,000 people. Now, they have about 27,500 people.
Several years ago, my cousin who lived in Northfork told me that the brothel at Cinder Bottom closed for lack of business. That closure indicated to me that the county has had serious economic problems.
Ched on March 6, 2011 7:54 AM
I'm back. First thanks to all of the b'day wishes... mighty thoughtful !!! The object is to keep having them while remaining "vertical". FINALLY we are starting to have some spring weather here in the Nashville area. This has been an abnormally cold and snowy winter for this area. I think a lot of the country has experienced the same. Al says global warming is the cause!!!??? ( He's been quiet lately.
I am waiting with anticipation for Jimmy's book to be published.
Mike Farley: You are in my prayers for a complete recovery. I have several friends who have sucessfully beaten this. Medical technology is a wonder.I also pray for Fran but have not heard from her for a while. She answewed an e-mail but I am not too sure she reads the blog.
I will be in Princeton on the 24th for a few days and am looking forward to Pat's restaurant.
Blessings to all.....
Pat Smith on March 6, 2011 11:46 AM
And now a weather bulletin from Princeton: Snow with no accumulation. Imagine my surprise when I woke up late this morning to about two inches on the ground and still coming down pretty hard. Ched - we'd like some of that Nashville springtime. Just yesterday, I heard at least three conversations about how we had seen the last of winter! Let me know when you're coming to the restaurant and I'll put the word out and get some of our classmates there. We all look forward to seeing you. Myron - I missed seeing you last Tuesday, but I heard you had a hip replaced and are out and about. That's great. I have an appointment on the 21st to schedule having both of my knees replaced. I just can't fight the pain anymore. Anybody out there with joint replacements that have any tips or warnings for me? Mike - I hope you're doing well. Keep us apprised of your progress. Stay warm and safe everybody.
Delores on March 6, 2011 1:31 PM
Spring of 2011 must be the season of "joints" and not the fun kind. I blew my knee on a stationary bike at the gym and this isn't pretty. I am heading out to the Philadelphia Flower Show this week on the "Gray Panther Bus Special" so I suppose I'll have mother's trusty cane with me and I should fit right in. No more "flat-footing" for awhile.
Tom Dillon on March 6, 2011 4:54 PM
still have all the original limbs and joints, but the latter are giving me some problems -- they creek (WVa for creak) and are often stiff after sitting for awhile and upon getting up from bed in the morning and/or during the night. The joints were not as much of a problem earlier, but with the increase in oil prices, I have had to decrease my treatments from a qid schedule to tid. If oil prices continue to escalate and I have to go to even a less frequent treatment regimen, it may be that my sleep/awake schedule will have to be altered from roughly 8/16 to 12/12. Anyone tried a different solution?
These are the "golden years".
Yearout, glad you are back! You didn't say anything about my remembering your Roman address.
gene law on March 6, 2011 7:25 PM
all this talk about joints, I remember joints as a bad place to be, then somebody started smoking them, now folks are replacing them, oh well I guess thing change with time, I'm glad global warming hasn't changed got 4 and half inches of it in my yard, it's still falling I might have five by the time I finish this blog, temp here at 20 deg. lovely just lovely, I was about to get the blues, Ched you ever play the blues on your guitar?, but now I'm back in my winter wonderland, feeling giddy, and alive once more, no creakin ol bones here, just singing "in the lane snow is glistening, snow bells ringing are you listening, ha ha ho ho hee hee, geno gone.
ched on March 15, 2011 11:29 AM
For some reason my Reply did not show up so I'll do it again... Geno, Yes Blues is my thing on guitar also some jazz and a little country but never any metal !!!!!
Tom Dillon on March 6, 2011 7:52 PM
Geno, are you sure you didn't recently take one of my joint treatments -- equal amounts of freshly fallen snow, unrefined crude oil, and bourbon for taste. My security code for this submission is 3BED -- guess bedtime is near.
Cookie on March 6, 2011 9:29 PM
Did someone say something about having a "joint"?
Pat Smith on March 7, 2011 9:03 AM
Cookie: If I had that kind of joint, maybe I wouldn't need the other kind replaced.
Tom: I thought you'd be too old for that 3bed arrangement. Just goes to show that you never know.
Geno: The weatherman's "scattering of snow" turned into about 4-5 inches up here on the hill. Beautiful, but just too cold for these old joints.
Tom: They got that color wrong - it's the rusty years.
gene law on March 7, 2011 2:27 PM
now that's what I'm talkin bout. geno
gene law on March 7, 2011 7:11 PM
Pat I just got an email from Fred that you have decided to have knee surgery, my best friend just had that done last year, he and his wife bowls with us every week now, it was a piece of cake for him, also my neighbor got her knee done, it was something to see her climbing up and down the banks of her yard only 4 weeks after, I could not believe it, even though I saw it with my own two eyes, so there are 2 people I know personally that did not, repeat, did not have any trouble hope that gives you some hope, well enough on that our snow melted today, well most of it, pretty day here. not a mouse where are you? that is what a non mouse is isn't it? Haven't heard from you, are you still doing o.k. cookie I noticed you chimed in when you thought a joint was involved, are you back? I notice your humor is still, well, humourous. blogs to you geno
Tom Dillon on March 8, 2011 10:40 AM
Kay and I are flying to California tomorrow morning to visit her sister for two plus weeks. I may not have access to a computer, so you may not have to put up with my sagacious insights and peurile comments for awhile.
I do need some help from anyone of you who took advanced math -- need some algebraic equations to help solve my following problem -- "If a man travels west and gains 3 hours, and then loses one hour this Sunday because of day light savings, then travels east via Chicago on returning losing 2 hours and finally home, losing another hour, how old will he be in 17 days?" I cannot afford to be older. See you on the flip side
gene law on March 8, 2011 2:40 PM
relax simple math you will only be 17 days older, remember while flying, if your arms began to get tired you must land before you rest them. no need to thank me for this sage advice, have nice trip, but remember when you trip relax, its been proven when people trip they have a tendency to tense up and that’s when they break bones and bruise, a relaxed man only bounces, that's why drunks don't get hurt falling down. dr. geno out.
Tom Dillon on March 8, 2011 4:38 PM
Using the math department's computer at school, my grandson who is a freshman calculated -- 16 days, 23 hours, and 0 minutes. I will have to do some wine tasting in California to offset any aging effect.
Mike Farley on March 8, 2011 8:21 PM
Thanks to the ones praying for my condition. To give you an up-date. I'm scheduled to be at the hospital at 6:00AM on April 8th which is a friday. I don't know what time the procedure will take place. Hopefully it will be early. I should be out of recovery and back home in the PM sometime. Again, this procedure is called CRYOABLATION of the prostate.
Cuz Pat, I also have a friend that had both knees replaced. He said for those that have this done, besure and get professional therapy. If you try to do it yourself, it will take a lot longer for healing.
Tom. Have a nice time out west. The price of gold is out of sight per ounce. You might want to do a little panning while you are out there. LOL
Brenda Persin on March 10, 2011 5:09 PM
I've been in touch with Fran, and although she is still undergoing chemo, she is upbeat and positive. I am confident she is going to beat this! We've made a date to meet in November for lunch. Eddie Laufer visited her recently, and she sees Billie Rae frequently.
Mike, my prayers are with you, and I'm confident everything is going to be all right. Gene, I hope you are continuing your good health--Barbara keeps me informed.
OK Cookie, we're going to Florida next winter! We know we're going to visit Becky--maybe we'll just visit all the Floridians (is that spelled correctly?) Think of how much money we could save if we stayed a night with everyone. If you live in Florida, get ready !!
mike farley on March 10, 2011 8:00 PM
Thanks Brenda!!! I'm glad to hear Fran is upbeat and positive. I e-mailed her not to long ago and didn't get any response.
Delores on March 11, 2011 6:52 PM
I just saw a headline saying the President had pledged help to Japan. I don't know yet the nature of the help--I only saw a headline. This is not do diminish the horror of it all. I can't even image the suffering. However, if we send financial aid then I suppose we will have to borrow it from them so we can give it back. Then, we can pay interest on the loan they gave us to give back to them. Even a dummy like me understands broke.
Gender Unanimous on March 14, 2011 4:46 PM
I am a cousin. The main dog had all his/her computers confiscated. Would you like for me to be the go between?
Ched on March 15, 2011 11:19 AM
I have had some contact with Fran and she is in a real struggle. The high dose chemo is making her weak and ill. She talks about her many friends and Sy's support which keep her lifted up. Right now she needs all the prayers we can give......
her new email is franbaker2010@aol.com
Carol Martin on March 15, 2011 9:32 PM
It has been awhile. Pat, Fran and Mike - our prayers are with you. Pat, I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee in January for a torn meniscus. It has taken longer than I had hoped to mend, but I am back playing tennis and can walk up and down steps -- slowly now.
If anyone received crazy emails from me, it wasn't me! Son, Greg, called one day and said "mom, turn off your computer," I said "it is off." he said "unplug it!" Most of the email was jibber jabber, but he said that one stated that "dad was depressed since mom ran off with a Portugese travel guide." Anyway, Greg came home for spring break and purged the computer and reinstalled windows. If I get another virus, I am saving my $$ for a ipad. I hear they are virus proof. Can I blame this on Al Gore too?
We have had our republican reorganization precinct meetings and I am a committeeperson, which means I will go to county and state delegate meetings. Huckabee, Bachman and Santorum have already been in town. I did not go hear anyone. I wish I could have gone to hear Bachman, but $60 per ticket...
One of the tea parties here is offering free classes on the U.S. Constitution and Neil and I are taking it. It meets once a month. We have about 70 people in our class and it continues to grow.
Gene, add me to the list with Tom. I don't understand Rev. either. The Pastor at First Baptist is leading a study on Sun. nights. I should go. It is too easy to stay home.
Gotta go. The Tigers are playing tonight. If they win, they will play WVU.
Michael Murphy on March 16, 2011 10:05 AM
My brother sent me a clipping from the March 13, 2011 Bluefield DailyTelegraph. It was about our esteemed classmate Pat Smith's renovation of a School House for her home/office. They said it was at Glenwood, but Pat, being from Glenwood we always called that area New Hope Road. The article is in the life styles section and may? be available on the Gazette Website.
I think we need to bring back Hadicol for our old age aches and pains.
mike murphy on March 17, 2011 9:42 AM
I meant the Telegraph Website not the Gazette.
Too much Hadicol
Fred Lucas on March 17, 2011 5:04 PM
Hi Carol,
Delores on March 17, 2011 11:57 PM
I am my mother as I hobble around on her cane. This too better pass, spring is coming and the grass is growing.
Pete Stephenson on March 18, 2011 12:14 PM
Cookie-Throw that cane in the closet and do as I do, Limp on both legs. You learn to rotate them when u have old arthur all over your body. Everyone talking about replacements,I don't know which joint to start out with. I really need left knee replacement badly, but I saw the other night on a program about a fellow having it done and while in the hosp. He got a mersa infection in the leg and eventually died from it. Scared the – out of me. for now its going to be aleve and pain for sure.
Delores on March 18, 2011 7:10 PM
Blew it out so badly at the gym my doctor sent me to the ER Monday. They refused to do an MRI or Cat-Scan because Medicare and the insurance will no longer allow those tests unless I suppose you have a knife or a bullet in your chest then it’s the doctor's decision. Little Obummer-care at work. I had paperwork like I've never seen before--admitting said it started January 1. Good thing it was my leg and not my brain. They consider this routine so no expensive tests. They did however give me a to-die-for drug. Let me tell you Pete....if I had been in school in the 80s instead of the 50s I might have had a problem. LOL They are sending me to a specialist Monday--soonest I could get in. Are bad words allowed on the blog? I have some choice ones right now.
Carol Martin on March 19, 2011 10:43 AM
Hi Fred,
Wow! I normally don't watch entire basketball games, but I found myself glued to the Clemson/WVU game! The Tigers have definitely improved. They play well the first half, but just can't seem to win the big ones. Did you see the Clemson/ NC last Saturday? Tigers led most of the game... Good luck today against the Wildcats!
Fred, our ties to Bluefield are almost broken. One visit every five years is enough for me.
Someone, maybe Brenda, mentioned J. Walls books. Have you read "Half Broke Horses"? I really enjoyed it and it reminded me how much I miss West Texas. Terry, if you like westerns, you would love Brown County. A little town of 20,000 surrounded by ranches--cattle, horses, goats and rattlesnakes. Wrangler jeans and boots are everywhere, even at church. (I don't miss the rattlesnake roundup though!)
Brenda and Cookie, if you all go to FL next winter, stop by here! I'll have the bridge cards ready!!
Mike Murphy, pass the Hadicol, my Advil bottle is almost empty.
Fred Lucas on March 19, 2011 5:43 PM
Hi Carol and Others,
I was watching the WVU-Kentucky game with some WVU alumni today. WVU lost. Our local chapter will have Bob Huggins as our featured speaker on June 24. We have also invited his wife and daughter.
Speaking of sports, I spoke with an alumnus who moved from Princeton to Cincinnati during the past month. He explained that the PHS football coach was fired. Not only did he have a losing record but he had a physical altercation with a player.
A couple of months ago, Pat Smith explained that the Superintendent of Schools was investigating the charge that the coach had an altercation with a player.
Thanks for the information about the book.
Pete usually knee replacement surgery is safe. I know several people at the gym who have had that done . They have had good results. Roanoke has some good specialists and hospitals. Do you know Ron Shumate PHS'61? He is a physician in Roanoke. Perhaps he can suggest an orthopedic specialist who performs knee surgeries. Hope the pain eventually diminishes.
Fred Lucas on March 19, 2011 6:09 PM
Hi Pete, I mentioned Ron Shumate. In Virginia, he uses his first name George. He is a general surgeon and has a practice at 1802 Braeburn Drive, Salem , Va. His phone number is 540-772-3400.
Pete Stephenson on March 19, 2011 11:20 PM
Thanks for the info Fred. I do know that George Shumate practices at Lewis Gayle Hosp. herein Salem. I've been seeing a young orthopedic surgeon here in Roanoke. He tells me the left knee is trash and as long as I want to trudge along on it he will be patient. Its getting harder to use the push mower like I like to do' Guess this summer I'll have to get the trusty ole J.D. out of the shed. cookie I was pulling on super woman’s cape when I told you to throw the cane away. I know for sure what kind of pain you are in. Just remember one thing, we're all in this together. Take it easy don’t slip and fall out the convertible.
Pat Smith on March 20, 2011 5:57 PM
Pete - Who are you seeing for your knees? I have an appt tomorrow morning about mine. I have confidence in my orthpod here, but not Princeton Hospital. Everyone I know who goes there comes back with MERSA. Is it that way in Roanoke?
Linda Phlegar Mills on March 20, 2011 6:50 PM
Pat, Catherine Barringer of Bramwell. You probably know her from the history stuff. She has served on the city council etc. She had both knees done about 3 years ago (over 90 years of age at the time). She has done great. I know she would be happy to recommend her doctor and hospital to you. Just mention that Bob and I recommended you talk to her. She and Bob's Mom were great friends and she is the last surviving member of the high school class. See you the week of April 18.
Pete Stephenson on March 20, 2011 7:53 PM
Pat I go to Dr.Mark Hagy. He is in a new facility directly across from the Salem Civic center and stadium. He Does most of his surgery downtown Rnke' in a privately owned ortho center. I havent heard if any mersa related with he and his team.There is about 5 of those young guns in what is called the Virginia orthopedic center. There is a Dr. Preston Waltrip also there that is very good I have been told. the phone #for the clinic is 540-444-4020. Candy might be able to put some light on this also. since she lives there in Salem. If you need any more help just let me know.
Delores on March 21, 2011 7:03 PM
A Post to the Sickness Blog!
OK! The medical system here in Southern Maryland has finally pushed me over the edge. If they aren't careful I'll end up on the 5th Floor down at the hospital with "Crazy Cookie."
So, last Monday, after a four hour wait the ER tells me I have to go to an orthopedist on the other side of town for my knee. It is a small town-couple of main streets-but I am on the verge of disorderly. If I need an MRI he will have to authorize it. It took a week to get the appointment and as I am hobbling out the door at noon today for my appointment it dawns on me. "I bet I will need a referral." I call the orthopedist and the receptionist has her attitude on. "Well, of course your primary care doctor has to give us a referral or its cash only." I call my primary care doctor and get the recording. They are at lunch. "Your call is important to us..." Well, if its so damn important then pick up the phone. An hour later I get them on the phone. "We will need his name, address, phone and fax number or we can't send down the referral. We would prefer you come by the office to pick it up." Thats 30 miles away near the Washington Beltway. After a polite discussion she agrees to Fax it if I get her the information. I call back the ortho. and get the answering machine..."leave a message-we are serving other patients." I keep driving hoping Maryland's finest doesn't catch me since talking on a cell phone while driving in the SRof MD is against the law. I finally get them on the phone, get the information, call back the primary care with the information and I am "in like Flynn." Get to the office, climb the two flights of stairs-don't do elevators and the office is full. No where to sit. A lady with three kids who are are the process of dismantling the waiting room refuses to give me a seat. Just to show my indignation I sat on the floor. 2 hours later they call me back and I see three different staff members in three different rooms who take down all the information I just gave the receptionist. The doctor comes in. I took one look and said, "OMG-this is a middle school kid out for Career Day."
He asks me all the information I have just given four other staff members, has me roll up my pants leg, feels my leg--now we are going someplace. Looks at me and says he is sending me across town for an MRI. I go out, pay my co-pay and the receptionist dials the lab, asks for the Doctor's extension, hands me the phone and tells me to make the appointment she is too busy. I am number 12 to be served. 30 minutes later I get my appointment. I can either have tomorrow at 6 a.m. or next Monday at 7 p.m. I wouldn't get out of bed at 6 a.m. for a date with a 40 year old body builder with a perfect 6-pack.
So, into week three I finally have an appointment for an MRI a week from today. I came home, ate a head of lettuce and had two glasses of wine. Not only is their office screwed up but their scales are broken too.
To add insult to injury I am shrinking. I'm an inch shorter.
I'm going to call Cookie and see if there is an extra bed in her room on the 5th floor..
Pete Stephenson on February 20, 2011 11:05 PM
Talking about senior moments, I don't remember why I didn't go to the game in Morgantown. I know when Roger Hickman was playing that i drove Mrs. Hickman to all the away games. Man was that something. Me driving her black Cadillac filled with her and a bunch of girls. Now that I think of it, it was a pretty good deal. Lot of fun was had by all. Mrs. Hickman was a real dear to me. She was a tough business woman but Roger and Carolyn had a swell mom. And guess what Tigers! Obummer Care hasn't even kicked in yet. Just you wait.
gene law on March 21, 2011 8:07 PM
Delores what say we start a new t.v. sitcom, we will call it BIG D, no we better not do that let's call it Delores THE GIMP, no since I wrote that and saw it in print that doesn't sound just right, how bout days of our limp, that doesn't sound right either, your day at the dr.'s office had me cracking up, I pictured all that on my t.v. set, there's got to be a show, sit com, or something that can come out of that, you really ate a whole head of lettuce?, I can picture that, maybe, wine with lettuce? I have trouble drawing a picture of that, or would that be a pitcher, how big is the glass? er, I think I got side tracked, what was we talking about, that's the way it is now a days, there was a lady in our church just had hip replacement, 3ks. ago she was back with us Sunday, had a little limp, but not much. Any way at least you haven't lost your sense of humor, it came across to me as humourous, I certainly hope things work out BETTER for you as this ordeal goes along, keep posted. geno
Delores on March 21, 2011 11:24 PM
OK Law! I'll play!!! Here are some sit-com titles for your consideration. How about Desperate Joints, As the Knee Doesn't Turn, Sitting out Dancing with the Stars, or One and a Half Knees.
Your Turn!
Delores on March 21, 2011 11:36 PM
P.S. Law! Actually I wasn't exactly truthful about drinking two glasses of wine. I was just trying to be cultured. By the time I got home I just opened the door of the frig, laid down on the floor, turned on that little spiket on the box and let it roll. At the rate things are going it will soon be rolled up in a paper bag under the front seat of the car.
gene law on March 22, 2011 9:17 AM
very good , maybe you should begin to write humourous stories very enjoyable, and something you don't have to use your knees for, I myself am very sore this morning, did you happen to catch that old 50's rock and roll show on t.v. I tell ya it took me back to when I was young started to wiggle joints haven"t used in years that ol' doo wop shimmy shimmy bang bang brings out those old rock and roll feelings, danced and pranced all over the place doing good till the twist started, twisted something I didn't know I even had, oh how it hurts, I enjoyed those ol' songs but I think maybe I better watch Lawrence Welk from now on, don't know if I can bowl this morning, well I know I can't bowl what I meant was, roll the ball down the alley, may not be able to pick ball up, I don't have a place on me that don't hurt, oh well I had a good time at the time, almost like being there, I must gather my wits about me and stop being such a wild child, whoa what am I saying, I must have rocked my brain as I rolled around the floor, got to get up get going, if I'm going to hurt I might just as well hurt doing something I like to do, right, glad you agree, well that's thgreat thing about blogging, if you disagree I won't know till later do wop a do wop to you boo boo.
I Am Magnanimous on March 22, 2011 3:30 PM
Magnanimous here ---- I feel for all of you old folks. You may wish for my empathy and sympathy and you have it.Yes, my cousins are the other "nanimouses" or "nanimi". We need to have a party!!!
Delores on March 22, 2011 6:12 PM
Is your party wheelchair accessible?
gene law on March 22, 2011 8:27 PM
hello maggie, or magna, mania I forgot what you said ,but I remember the party part, no limboing though last limbo I did they said how low can you go, I said to the flo, but I can't get back up, but I'm all for part'n when? where? glad to hear from ya on da blog. write more often need to find jet propelled wheelchair for Dee she would never be comfortable in one of those ordinary ones, need something with zip. here's to ya, geno
Delores on March 23, 2011 10:09 AM
Spring 1960! All the girls wanted to be Elizabeth Taylor.
Brenda Persin on March 23, 2011 7:23 PM
Cookie, I hate to disagree with you. Elizabeth Taylor was probably the most beautiful woman in the world, but I wanted to look like Brigette Bardot. In fact, I portrayed her in our senior variety show. Did Carol Blevins play Elizabeth Taylor? I know Tom Dillon was Yul Brynner with a bathing cap on his head so he would appear bald!! Oh, we were so young!
Brenda Persin on March 23, 2011 11:14 PM
See message below; this one was sent before I finished.
Mike Farley on March 23, 2011 10:22 AM
My cryoablation for my prostate cancer scheduled for April 8th has been moved out to April 22 due to my oncologist availability. I thank you again for all of your prayers.
Becky Novarro on March 23, 2011 9:15 PM
Cookie, Remember our Liz vs Debbie discussions in Miss Gentry's Journalism class? I tried to equate that to my granddaughter about Brad & Angelina. I suppose there will never be another like her. Brenda, I just remember prancing out with a stupid hat on being Nora Charles. Egads. Memories! Oh Geno, I am flipping on the PBS station and cannot believe what Jay Black without the Americans. He played one of Jim's concerts and was a horses patoot. If you were here we could dance. ha
Delores on March 23, 2011 10:24 PM
Famous quote from a hefty matron during Elizabeth's famous visit to Grundy or was it Big Stone Gap. It was the chicken bone in the throat incident. Lady in a caftan says to her companion. Well looky there! I've always wanted to look like Elizabeth Taylor and I finally do.
Darn if I can't relate to that. I finally do too! Even got the cane!
She was one of a kind. Such a beauty. Can you say Elizabeth Taylor Hilton, Wilding, Todd, Fisher, Burton, Burton, Warner, Fortensky? Those were the days! Who remembers who McDonel was in the senior talent show? I do! Arney tap danced.
Brenda Persin on March 23, 2011 11:10 PM
OK Cookie, you've brought me out. I'm sure no one else remembers, so I'll save myself from a "how embarrassing" moment. I portrayed Brigitte Bardot. Even though I will acknowledge Elizabeth Taylor was probably the most beautiful woman in the world at the time, I wanted to be the blonde, sexy French bombshell--age certainly brings reality. Neither Elizabeth or Brigitte aged well, but they were both animal lovers and that makes them tops in my book. I remember Becky doing something--was that a tap dance? Sorry Becky, I'm just being fecicious--you were wonderful. I also remember Tom playing Yul Brynner with a bathing cap on his head so he would appear bald.
The story of Elizabeth Taylor in Grundy is tooooooooo complicated for me to comment. The bottom line is--she was right, and the people in Grundy were wrong. That is an old, old, story and most of those people are dead anyway. Let's just remember this--Elizabeth's heart was in the right place.
Mike, our prayers are with you.
Delores on March 24, 2011 1:06 AM
McDonel: The Grundy story! I've read it a dozen times from a dozen different sources. Was that statement actually made? When I turned on my TV this morning and heard the news I said Oh No!
Its like we all lived our lives through her. Such spunk, so gutsy and only she could get away with her bawdy behavior. I just loved her. Looking at all the old photos on line today I couldn't help but think of Hollywood's so-called celebs today. Who else could dine with the Queen, romance billionaires and marry a construction worker. She did it all and didn't care who watched. God bless her. She can't be replaced with Lohan and the lot.
gene law on March 24, 2011 2:55 PM
ah sweet memories, the older we get the more precious they become, Liz was the woman all girls at that time wanted to be, and the woman all boys wanted just one chance to be with, I remember an old joke Eddie Fisher always told Liz when he had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, "save my place I'll be right back", so funny back then remember Elvis' "one night with you" Liz Taylors bio, Becky, you remember Jay and the Americans, most folks don't, you say we could have danced, I watched that old rock n roll show I danced be bopped jumped did th frog the slop the twist, oh it liked to have put me in the bed so sore, just now getting so I can get up without moanin the blues, but even with the pain I still had a great time at the time beboppin on my living room floor, well I don't know bout you folks but that ol' cold wind has moved back in in Green Valley, feel's like winter time is back, Mike hang in there, expect good things, put your hand in the hand of the Lord and call on Him I'm praying for you, I'm also praying that you will experience a closer walk with Jesus than you have ever known before, and I believe it will be so. geno out.
Fred Lucas on March 25, 2011 3:44 PM
Hello Pat and Pete,
Today at the gym, I spoke with a retired physician about MERCA. He explained that MERCA occurs in about eight percent of surgeries. If the surgeons find the staph infection, they start antibiotics. When do complications arise? He said that if the patient has diabetes or is being treated for cancer and the immune system is suppressed complications can occur.
I'm certain that your physicians are aware of your health situations and would only suggest surgery if they could manage any MERCA that they might find.
He and his family have visited Pipestem State Park. He explained that he is somewhat familiar with Roanoke and its medical facilities.
gene law on March 28, 2011 11:28 AM
geno the bad news bear here, we got snow this morning not enough to shovel but enough to shiver, I guess we're going to have a late spring again. I swear we're coming down to two seasons August and winter. What makes this ol' man so mad turned on t.v. heard those numb brains talking about global warming I personally would like to award the "missing piece of mind" award to those folks. They still haven't realized Al made his millions out of the biggest lie of the century, anybody out there remember the late fifties and early sixties when they preached the ice age was coming again, the glaciers were claiming 4 inches per yr. and would cause global temps to fall to record lows? It's a mad mad world, and I think I might be going with it , Cookie you out there, want to fall to pieces together ? oops maybe you done fell to pieces, haven't heard from ya. geno out
Fred Lucas on March 28, 2011 3:55 PM
This note concerns MRCA. I put that into the search engine and found a great article published by the CDC or Center for Disease Control. The article discusses how to protect yourself at home, in the hospital and at the gym. Just look for the CDC web site when you put in MRCA. Hope this helps Pat and Pete.
Tom Dillon on March 28, 2011 5:36 PM
Back from 2 plus weeks in California. Remember the song "It never rains in California, it pours"? We stayed with Kay's sister in Lompoc and there were over 8 inches of rain last weekend. The flowers are in full bloom and the grapes have leafed (termed "bud break). Enjoyed catching up with the blog today.
FYI -- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a strain of staph bacteria that's become resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat ordinary staph infections. Kay and I worked in the long-term care industry so were familiar with MRSA patients coming out of the hospitals -- proper infection control procedures must be followed with hand washing being the most important.
gene law on March 29, 2011 10:00 AM
welcome back EL PRESIDENTE, glad to see you made it back among civilized people, nice trip I hope despite the rain, main thing no wrecks of any kind, I'm glad to see you on the blog. geno out
Pete Stephenson on March 29, 2011 11:59 AM
thanks Fred for the research you did for Pat and myself. thanks also Tom for your imput. It still makes me uneasy having to have 1 knee replaced, the other 1 we don,t know yet and rotator in left shoulder. All of this being a type 2 diabetic. Damn, seems like I,m falling apart. Cookie maybe we can go to walmart get in those power operated shopping carts and drag race through the store. As far as the knees and shoulder goes I,m going to put it off "surgery that is" as long as i can.cookie, I,m praying for you. Just remember 1 thing,"were all in this together"
Delores on March 29, 2011 3:34 PM
Bitch-free blog!
No bitching today! Went for the MRI last night at 7. All the paperwork was prepared in advance, they took me in on time and in 50 minutes I was having a salad and glass of vino with my famously funny best friend. When we all get our various parts realigned, rotated, and overhauled I think it will call for a celebration. Who needs to wait another four years. Gotta go clean some windows! The neighbors have called the window police on me!
Carl on March 29, 2011 5:52 PM
Tom, I'm always on the lookout for new words/phrases, so I thank you for the term "leafed" = bud break. Heck, I've been a staunch advocate of the Bud break for years. Now I can show how hip I am by simply saying "I'm gonna take a leaf." Would like to say more, but it's nearing 6 pm, aka Miller Time, aka the Leafing Hour, so I gotta run.
Tom Dillon on March 30, 2011 4:40 PM
Carl, glad you enjoyed the new phrase "bud break". It refers to grapes leafing -- not hops, barley, or whatever goes in to making Das Bier. You may be taking some liberties in announcing Miller time as a BB. However, I am totally with you preferring a cold one over a glass of wine anytime.
Pete et.al., there is an article in this month's AARP Bulletin entitled "Fix for Your Knees -- 8 Things to Know Before Surgery (Maybe You Should Wait)". This newsletter is surely available at your local library.
Virginia Commonwealth University or Butler? We almost lost our coach at Purdue, Matt Painter, to Missouri, but he turned them down late this afternoon. Several of us should have pursued a coaching career -- 2 million plus an't bad.
Carl on March 30, 2011 4:42 PM
ALERT!!! Seeking Suggestions
Folks, I'm more than merely gratifide by your Blogging participation, and am ever alert to ways to make our website more useful. Please send suggestions: carl.thomason@verizon.net.
One thought that I have concerns establishing additional Blog pages. A review of this page reveals that some folks like to discuss sports, some movies (some, sports movies), some music, some Al Gore, and so forth. Let me know if there's interest in adding "specialty" blog pages focusing on such specific areas of interest. These, of course, would not limit such comments on the "Big Blog," but would allow interest groups to form and express themselves in a tailor-made forum.
I truly don't know what space limitations we have on the website, but figure I'll just deal with such things as they arise. So "ring in" with suggestions, thoughts, whatever.
Tom Dillon on March 31, 2011 9:45 PM
Kay and I started to watch Gray's Anatomy this evening which is one of our favorites.
Who in their right mind would wish to hear the entire cast sing? A complete farce. Why does someone have to screw with something that wasn't broken?
We are halfway continuing to watch/listen to see if the chief, Mark, and McDreamy will have solos.
Tom Dillon on April 1, 2011 6:25 PM
Where are you c-mates? I will be selling Butler national championship caps at $50 per -- grandbaby needs a new pair of shoes!
We just had a brief shower of pea-size hail.
Tom Dillon on April 2, 2011 8:33 PM
Not one order from any classmate for the Butler national championship cap, so must increase the price to $75.
Our minister is from Kentucky as well as some of the staff. If Kentucky wins this evening, it will make for an interesting Sunday morning at church tomorrow.
Carol Martin on April 2, 2011 10:57 PM
I just read Fred's update on classmates. Pete, Myron and Jeff, hang in there guys! Our thoughts are with you.
Thomas, glad you are back safely from the "left coast" Or is that the west coast? Anyway, since Clemson and WVU fell by the wayside, Martins are definitely pulling for Butler.
BTW, our TV only seems to get sports and FOX News. I confess, my favorite program is "Freedom Watch."
Friends are visiting from TX. We are going to North Myrtle in the a.m., back Tuesday p.m. Dave and Mary are going to the Masters Wednesday.
My knee is much better. I am beginning to think that surgery was worthwhile.
"love one another"
Mike Farley on April 3, 2011 8:29 AM
Ditto on Fred's classmate up-date. Fred, you do a wonderful job!! Jeff, Myron and Pete our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Congrats to the Butler and UCONN fans!!!!!
Tom, how interesting is church going to be today???
Tom Dillon on April 3, 2011 2:49 PM
Pete, our minister (who is a rabid UK fan) began his sermon with the the statement that the past week had been one of the worst of his life. His wife and two kids are in Hati on a mission trip, the compressor on his refrigerator went out and he had to buy a new appliance, he couldn't play golf for free on his birthday due to the inch and one half of snow we got that day, and he really didn't wish to talk at all about last night However, he said that today was a new day created by God and we should rejoice in that gift. His sermon series for the past several weeks and up to the Sunday before Easter is on the "Seven Deadly Sins". Lee is a 40-yerar-old jock from Kentucky, but he can sure preach. Easter Sunday, our church has to move to the local high school auditorium to accomodate the nearly 1200 who will attend.We are under a severe wind advisory alert through tomorrow at noon. Kay and I have several clumps of tall grasses (papyrus) in our yard that should have been cut by now. Our neighbors aren't going to be happy with our gifts to them, but we get their leaves in the fall because we don't have any trees on our property.
Still no takers on my Butler hat offer?
Mea Culpa on April 3, 2011 2:53 PM
Sorry Farley, I thought Pete had asked the question about church this morning.
Pete Stephenson on April 3, 2011 9:19 PM
Tom, your pastor probably started out stuttering with all thats happened to him this past week. sounds like to me that you have a good and vibrant pastor at your church. We have about 375 members at my church here in vinton. As for the pampus grass what the heck, let the wind blow it around. might be a little pay back for all the fall foliage that comes your way. Tom, you live a little north east of circle city correct. You always have some sort of bad weather there anyway. Traveled that way many times over the years. i was based out of Fort Wayne. Always liked indiana but not the weather. thanks for the info on the knees. you and family take care. Farley you do the same. Praying for ya.
Delores on April 4, 2011 3:30 PM
Pete: The knee is "winning" Cookie is not! Do you have a good doc in Farmville?
Pete Stephenson on April 5, 2011 11:01 AM
Hey Cookie down here in Farmville we just have a bunch of quacks, if you know what I mean. I really do hope you are feeling better. I wear those elastic sleeves with the metal staves on the sides, gives me some relief. Being the outdoor type that i am, went trout fishing last wednesday with a couple friends. we all caught our limits on brook trout and rainbows. Sure have paid the price since then. It was raining and snowing, wind blowing and the three of stayed all day. Not only hurting knees,but a terrible cold also. Let me know how you are doing and I pray you can find some relief from your pain. Regards
Delores on April 5, 2011 4:16 PM
I still haven't been able to find "Mercer Street" on that fabulous Farmville you got on Facebook. What a work of art. Congratulations.
Tom Dillon on April 4, 2011 9:01 PM
Hope all of you are pulling for the Butler Dawgs from Indy tonight. The U of Conn folks are Yankees!
Pete Stephenson on April 5, 2011 11:17 AM
Hey Thomas, I was pulling For Butler and their young coach. Darn what an ugly ballgame. Neither team looked like they deserved the win. I hope you didn't get stuck with to many hats. Oh well you can sell them in yard sale this summer, Maybe you can get a buck or two from the sale. Hope the wind didn't do any damage your way. Have a good day. regards
Tom Dillon on April 5, 2011 9:15 PM
Pete et.al., I really didn't have any Butler caps to sell (False advertisement?).
Any 5 of us could have shot better than 18% even from the 3-point perimeter. Butler could not make any baskets including lay ups and foul shots. Again, it reminds of the time when Princeton High went up north to Charleston or Huntington or perhaps the state finals in Morgantown and couldn't score. I also remember a game at home (perhaps against Hinton) when Rod Thorn and team put some 140 plus points up against 40 or so by the opposition.
It's only a game -- college football is the sport of choice!
Carl on April 6, 2011 8:38 AM
Congratulations to Wil Wilhelm, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett and other fans on the Texas A&M women's basketball National Championship team. What an exciting Final Four this was with the biggest underdogs winning the whole enchilata (as they say in College Station).
Delores on April 6, 2011 10:17 AM
Wasn't the game in Morgantown and we played Parkersburg?
Pete Stephenson on April 6, 2011 1:52 PM
U are right Cookie, It was the 1959 state championship game against Parkersburg. For some reason or another I didn't get to go to that game. It was a devastating loss to the whole PHS Family. Tom I did know about the hats. but even if you did have some you or I or anyone for that matter could feel proud to wear their hat. Butler played like champs but couldn't pull the big one off.They have nothing to be ashamed of.You are right college f.ball is the sport of choice.
Pete Stephenson on April 6, 2011 1:52 PM
U are right Cookie It was the 1959 state championship game agains Parkersburg.For some reason or another I didn't get to go to that game.It was a devistated loss to the whole PHS Family.Tom I did know about the hats.but even if you did have some you or I or anyone for that matter could feel proud to wear their hat.Butler played like champs but couldn't pull the big one off.They have nothing to be ashamed of.You are right college f.ball is the sport of choice.
Pete Stephenson on April 6, 2011 1:55 PM
Will someone tell me why my laptop prints double paragraphs.
Carl on April 6, 2011 2:33 PM
Pete, my best guess is that it likes what you have to say. It's sure never happened to me. ("You can say that again.")
delores on April 6, 2011 6:07 PM
Pete: I'll bet its "Pete and Repeat" at it again.
Pete Stephenson on April 6, 2011 6:38 PM
Thanks for the help Carl and Coookie,I,m glad that I was not in the middle of a lake and going down for the 3rd time.Yous guys probably would have thrown a laptop at me to save me from drowning.i guess you will just have to read both of the paragraphs when i have anything to say.Maybee I jus double clicked at the end of the paragraph.Won't do that anymore.
Carl on April 6, 2011 9:34 PM
Pete, I can't speak for Cookie -- who needs to -- but I'd at least try to toss you a straight line if I saw you drowning. I know from your Blog comments that you'd put it to good use.
Fred Lucas on April 6, 2011 7:05 PM
While everyone was discussing the Butler-UCONN game, no one said anything about the other final game. Texas A&M defeated that other Indiana team Notre Dame 76-70. Muffett McGraw who has been the head coach at Notre Dame for 26 years, like her Butler counterpart did a good job.
When we were students at PHS, the girls didn't have a team of any type. There was no basketball, track,
cross country, or softball team,
Judge Ross even told me that Mercer County didn't allow women to serve on juries.
Times have certainly changed. One of the men at the jym who officiates at basketball games told me that girls have other interests during basketball season. Boys on the other hand are consumed with interest in their sport.
Delores on April 6, 2011 11:55 PM
"Coal" Did anyone watch the new reality series tonight on the Spike Channel? I happened to read about it this morning's on-line edition of the Bluefield paper. If you missed it the series runs on Wednesday evenings at 10 p.m. It is filmed in McDowell County and certainly gives you a respect for the life of coal miners. I have enjoyed this production company's "Most Dangerous Catch" for sometime. Anyone watch?
Delores on April 7, 2011 12:21 AM
Correction: Sorry Tigers! That should have reard "The Deadliest Catch." That darn bug in my computer again.
Tom Dillon on April 13, 2011 8:24 AM
Is silence on the blog golden?
God is Great!!!! Yesterday, our grandson, Adam, who we have been footing the bill for to go to Taylor University (private and expensive) called to inform us that he had gotten a job at a environmental consulting firm near Fort Wayne. He will graduate in May on a Saturday and beging work on the following Monday.
Went to the Doctor on Monday -- BP 120/70 (I am on a med) and had dropped 10 lbs since my last visit in November. I also had him look at a mole on my chest that had become irritated when I was wearing what Kay calls 'wife beater t-shirts". I have had the mole as long as I can remember and of course was concerned with the change. He immediately identified it and proceeded to pick most of it off with his fingers. He said that that the growth did not look suspicious, would probaly grow back, and it was up to me if I wanted it totally removed via freeezing or cutting. I opted for no. He suggested that I stop beating my wife who is also his patient and not wear those t-shirts that gave me the idea. Does Obamacare pay for non-suspicious mole removal?
gene law on April 13, 2011 5:01 PM
geno here, I should say sherlock geno. I found your ten pounds you lost has to be it that’s exactly what my doc said I had gained, another case solved, two hallelujahs to God is great I'm glad for your good news, now for my psychoanalyst role, why do you beat your wife? Lie down on your couch and just begin to tell me about your deep seated emotions, we will figure out why you beat her, by the way do you also kick the dog, maybe you don't have a dog? geno out
Tom Dillon on April 15, 2011 12:34 PM
I am not a girl!!!
I just finished the 17th day on the "17- Day Diet" (current best seller) and lost 14.5 lbs. Most of the weight gain since last year was due to the creeping pound or more realized since Thanksgiving through the Christmas holidays. The diet is low carb, limited fruit, fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, and almost unlimited vegetables. My biggest downfall has always been bread (2 sandwiches typically for lunch) and often more at dinner, and of course snacks -- potato chips, pita chips, taco shells, and pop corn. I really haven't been uncomfortable (super hungry over the past few weeks).
Hey c-mates in the Princeton area -- major storm and cold front is just hitting here and will be upon you in the near future. We are to have 2-3 inches of rain, by tomorrow night with some snow flurries Sat. pm. Winds will also be significant. Buckle down!!!
Tom Dillon on April 17, 2011 6:36 AM
Anonymous, are you out there? We need some action!! Evidently, only Mr. Law and myself wish to blog anymore.
Spring is coming sometime and my thoughts have turned to -- I have forgotten already as I didn't write them down.
gene law on April 17, 2011 7:03 PM
if you are forgetting stuff on a regular basis check you coke consumption, main ingredient in coca cola is linked to loss of memory, loss of bone density, and also loss of a slim waistline, got your cold front here in Wv, but got to check out the Mountaineers ftbl team, looking good, in practice, a non mouse can not go on for long, so Dillon we can have our own private chat room, I guess hillbilly palaver has run everybody off, the reason I started blogging was the charm and wit, and the silliness of it all, so I have a question is it proper to say "a fat ol' man, " or is it more appropiate to say "an ol' fat man" call me curious, but I would like to know, has any body heard any more about the Tiger coach, never heard the out come of the hearing, any body know? geno out
Carol Martin on April 17, 2011 8:42 PM
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?" I have been to the mountain, my spirits are definitely lifted after attending the Easter contada at a spirited Baptist church tonight. I have been much too bogged down with my aching knee and trying to help save our republic. Question: do you all think our country is in deep economic trouble, or is this something we can ignore and it will go away??
Gingrich, Santorum and Barbour spoke at our county convention. Not at all impressed with Newt or Barbour, Santorum maybe... An attempt to censure Lindsey Graham was denied. Tomorrow, I go to Columbia for a tea party gathering. Gov. Haley, Michelle Bauchman etc. I am too old for this! I hope it is worth the tennis match that I gave up. Actually, my knee made me withdraw.
Has anyone heard from Mike F., Pat, Fran or other classmates with health issues?
gene law on April 18, 2011 11:41 AM
Carol good to hear someone with Sunday carry over to Monday, our country is in bad shape and politics cannot save it, the air strikes on Khadaffi affected no one, these were called by Obama alone, ask yourself why? all the unrest in arab countries, ask yourself why? most folks ignore what's going on because they do not know the scriptures, God said "my people perish because of lack of knowledge" Mburak of Egypt was ousted, he didn"t oppose U.S., Kadaffi didn't oppose U.S. enough and now he is being ousted, in all these Arab countries, the Muslim brotherhood is moving into power, no one seems to see that, ask yourself why would Obama move against that one country, acting alone, nothing from congress, although that is against the law of our country, what's worse no one has taken him to task for it. Believe me all the nations are lining up to oppose Israel, it is growing short, time that is, remember when we were young we spent time killing time, well now it is killing us. geno
gene law on April 20, 2011 9:39 PM
good heavens did I get in the last word? geno
Anonymous #1 on April 20, 2011 10:12 PM
I'm trying to come back. Mr. Law and Mr. Dillon, keep on palavering until I am on my feet again.
Cookie on April 21, 2011 9:39 AM
Anonymous: You gots some idle chatter goin' on. You be a high school graduate too. Hot Damn!
gene law on April 21, 2011 2:40 PM
well howdy, geno here so glad to hear from ya, thought I was gonna have to start talking to myself, I don't wanna do that any more, talkin to myself the other day got into an argument with me insulted myself, slapped myself in face, got mad and slapped myself back got madder slapped myself again even harder, realized what was happening, squalled out "hold it" one of us gonna get hurt, thank God my cooler self took control, so good to hear from anon, but what's this about getting back on feet, been sick, let us know, if nothing else we'll help ya feel sorry for yourself, hope nothing serious, I know ,everything at our age is serious, grateful for the Reply geno out.
Anonymous #1 on April 21, 2011 3:11 PM
Remember that the Obama administration confiscated all my computers for blogging that had been reported and characterized as "stirring the pot". I need to still be very careful or might suffer other consequences!!!!!!
If you are receiving this message, the communication vehicle is not the internet. It only appears so. I am sending said thought telepathicaly, so not everyone will be able to receive my palaver.
I am thing about asking my cousin Ubiquitous to communicate my future messages. Ubi (for short) is everwhere and these mind games have given me a migrain.
Brenda Persin on April 21, 2011 11:24 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you tomorrow. Maybe the fact that it is Good Friday is a posiive omen.
Brenda Persin on April 21, 2011 11:27 PM
So sorry, but my comment was meant for Mike. Mike, I'm thinking of you.
Tom Dillon on April 22, 2011 5:40 AM
Farley, "how you doin?". Your c-mates would surely like to hear from you!
The best to all of you and your friends & fams. I hope all of you will attend a religious service on Easter Sunday or at least think about the significance of the day. I sincerely pray that we will all celebrate reunions every day for all eternity. It is simple, but then again, hard -- simply ackowleged the one true God and Jesus as his son and our Lord and Savior. Everyone is eligible for Heaven, because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
I love you!!!!
Tom Dillon on April 24, 2011 5:21 AM
Woke up to go to the bathroom. Looked at the clock and read it was almost 6:00 am and as we we had the alarm set for 6:15 am, I got up, turned on the coffee, and got dressed to go outside to get the paper. Well, I should have looked at the clock with my glasses on -- it is only 5:00 am!!!! Our paper doesn't arrive until later -- our new paper person since the first of the year has a broken muffler on his car and plays loud rap music waking us many mornings with his delivery. I should have waited for his arrival signal. Guess a nap will be in order after church and before the kids and grandchildren come over later this afternoon.
Happy Easter to all! Have a glorious day. Watch out for the Bunny -- it can bite.
Mike Murphy on April 24, 2011 9:51 AM
Surveyed damage from yesterdays storm. Flag pole down. Today’s chore: raise old glory.
Happy Easter
Fred Lucas on April 24, 2011 4:34 PM
Today, Easter Sunday, I went online to the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. I turned to the video section on the home page and watched a 7.56 minute clip of the Princeton High School Madrigal Singers in concert during Holy Week Services at First Baptist Church in Princeton. The students did a good job.
I have received a couple of E-Mails from Fran Rice Baker. The most recent one explained that her cancer treatment has diminished the size of the tumor. However she still becomes tired after treatments. Earlier in the year, the Laufers and the Staffords with Fran and her husband.
I received an E-Mail from Mike Farley's wife. He had surgery. His surgeon thinks that he was able to destroy all cancer cells.
Yesterday was William Shakespeare's Birthday. I still enjoy his works.
Tom Dillon on April 26, 2011 5:07 PM
Farley, thinking about you and saying a prayer. When you are feeling a little better, give us a blog.
Becky Novarro on April 26, 2011 6:21 PM
Mike, I do hope you are getting well. Gene Fields is a good poster child for you to follow.
I am sure he is trying not to show his discomfort but he looked good at the reunion.
Okay, so we just got back from Orlando and Disney & Universal. Our children and Grands all were there so I am still pooped. I had a scooter---what a hoot. There are limping people running around the park. Not such a good driver. Now, once again---IT IS CRAZY UP THERE! But, lots to do and fun. Get well and back to work. Love you and think of you often.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on April 27, 2011 1:32 PM
Jeff Shumaker had a total hip replacement surgery this morning and should be getting back into his room at this time. The doctor said that everything went well. Keep Jeff in your prayers that he has a quick and total recovery.
Tom Dillon on April 28, 2011 10:39 AM
Kay and I have had to go to our innermost bathroom on two occassions in the past few days with pillows and flashlights. A tornado hit about 6-7 miles from us the other night, but so far no damage closer to us.
I have never seen or been close to a tornado, but stupidly drove to Ft.Lauderdale when I was in school in St. Petersburg. Young love -- I had to see my girfriend and made it by late afternoon to help her family prepare for Donna. We put our cars as close to the house as possible -- the next morning, my car had been pelted with the little stones that are common to roofs in Florida -- of course, all these nicks in the paint eventually rusted. We stayed up all night sopping the water that was coming in on all four sides of the sliding glass patio doors. We actually observed the glass buckling with the wind.
Yearout, how have you made out with the storms? Have any other c-mates been in the paths of the violent weather?
Mike Farley on April 28, 2011 12:56 PM
Tom Dillon on April 28, 2011 6:29 PM
Mike, so great to see your update! Take it easy. Does not going too wild include drag racing against JK George and Joe Askew or spelunking?
Talked to Geehole the other day. We were reminiscing about his proclivity to fight anyone . I told him the story about you and Coleman and I leaving the beer joint on the old Bluefield-Princeton road and driving to Athens to fight Carl Pennington and friends. I got my buttt kicked, but good. Sure am glad that we have been forgiven for all our transgressions.
Love you, man!
"Cookie" on April 28, 2011 10:14 PM
Tom: In the day there was an Old Bluefield-Princeton Road and a New Bluefield-Princeton Road. Today there is 460 which is the New New Bluefield-Princeton Road, a New Bluefield-Princeton Road (some know-nothings call it Courthouse Road--now thats insulting--in the day the Court House wouldn't recognize our existence till it was time to collect property taxes), and an Old Bluefield-Princeton Road. There was no beer joint on the Old Bluefield-Princeton Road...now don't any of you argue this fact with me, at the next reunion I'll bring a map for you....I know my Bluefield Princeton roads, lived on them, rode the "SCHOOL BUS" on them, rode my bike on them, walked on them, and in the summer I played "hub cap" with Dobber, Chuck Lohr and the Belcher Boys and in the winter we had sledding parties and hay rides on the "Roads" so I know my Bluefield Princeton roads. Always came back to the house and mother had hot chocolate for us. That beer joint may have just appeared to be on the Old Bluefield Road.
P.S. I'm still confined to the 5th floor of the Calvert County Hospital and they have started putting my food tray under the door but when they want to know about Bluefield-Princeton Roads they always consult me. Hope everyone's health is good today. Just remember: When you look in the mirror each morning tell yourself, "Well pretty thing--you probably look as good today as you are ever going to look."
Tom Dillon on April 29, 2011 6:01 AM
Up at 4:30 am this morning. No, not to watch the Royal Wedding -- we had it set to be taped, but are watching it live now. We had a sound that sounded like a cricket, chirping every 30 seconds or so. That's what woke us up. I think it is the indoor/outdoor temperature unit which needs a new battery.
You are a great GPS source. The beer joint was on the east side of whatever named road across from the old airport. Instead of veering left at the bottom of the hill to go to the football field, one continue straight (slightly right) as if you were heading eventually up the hill to go to the park and swimming pool. New Bluefield-Princeton road? My Dad once had a used car business named "Dillon Motors" close to the joint, but he and his buddies drank the hard stuff, including the moonshine.
Stay in touch with us.
"Cookie" on April 29, 2011 8:09 AM
Bingo Dillon! Now you got it! Would that be the Duce Inn? In the day if high school girls went there they were really Bad Girls. By today's standards it was like going to a Convent. All we did was dance on Wednesday nights!And, I had to be home by 9:30. If late you were in real trouble because Daddy locked the door and made you stand on the porch until he was ready to let you in. LOL I often think how innocent our childhoods were and how lucky we were for it, So, how many of you think Prince Harry is a real Hottie? It is great finally seeing a Royal couple who appear to be in love and really like each other. What a fab Queen she will make one day! Too bad the United States wasn't represented. Maybe next time.
Mike Murphy on April 29, 2011 9:50 AM
Cookie there was one beer joint on both the old and new road - the Cross Roads Grill. It was within walking distance of Glenwood - 2 miles. I spent many nights being entertained there either participating in or watching a fight.
Also way back late 40s Tabors Store at Glenwood sold beer.
I didn't realize how red necked Princeton was till I left there. Billy King (God rest his Soul) and I would fight anyone but mostly each other. Stupid sport either you got beat up or nursed your brused hands or both.
Good luck to Mike and Jeff, et al on your recovery.
"Cookie" on April 29, 2011 11:16 AM
No! No! Murphy! We would NEVER admit that the Cross Roads Grill was on the Old Bluefield Princeton Road. We all considered it on the Old New Bluefield Princeton Road. It of course backed up to what is now the New New Bluefield Princeton Road. That Grill was a hot-bed of heartache and the neighbors prayed that it would suddenly and mysteriously go up in flames some night. My grandmother used to tell us when we were kids to stay away from it because Satan lived there. Consequently I was afraid to ride my bike past Raymond Kidwell's house. Of course it was ok to go across the street where the Green Tree still had a "Whites Only" sign over the door.
"Cookie" on April 29, 2011 11:20 AM
P.S. Murphy: Tabor's Store was owned and operated by my Great Uncle Ray Belcher's in-laws. He was married to their daughter Pauline. Now Tabor's Store/Hotel indeed had a
story to tell. See me at the next reunion and I'll share some family history.
Tom Dillon on April 30, 2011 5:39 AM
Up again this morning at 5:00am -- rested, but can't sleep any longer. I think I am looking forward to the first non-rain and 70 plus degree day to get some yard work done. My back yard's grass is probably 8 inches high.
By the way, the chirping sound that woke us up yesterday morning turned out to be an old smoke detector that I had pushed way back underneath a dresser in the bedroom after we had upgraded to newer detectors.
Cookie, I worked in a 500-bed hospital for the mentally retarded in Tallahassee, Florida in the early 70's. By far, the majority of the staff were Afro-Americans. We didn't have any signs posted , but only white staff had a key that allowed access to certain bathrooms. The Black staff cleaned those bathrooms, but couldn't use them. Florida was significantly behind in their acceptance of our darker brothers and sisters for years.
Becky Novarro on April 30, 2011 12:02 PM
Good Morning, Tom they say old people can't sleep late! I personally got up at 10. ha I have to comment on the White only. Jim being the Yankee he is just had a fit when he saw those signs. Can't blame him. Do you remember going to Arnold Palmer's going away party when he joined the Air Force? Really an eye opener as to people's prejudice. Now, you and Cookie must read The Help. I imagine those in book clubs have already done so. The movie should be out soon. That was the south! We certainly have seen a lot in our lifetimes. Good and bad memories. As to the Crossroad Grill, well I used to go with my Mother to get relatives. Nuff said. Have a wonderful day. It is to be around 90 here. Oven!!!!
Delores on April 30, 2011 12:28 PM
Arney: Read "The Help" and really enjoyed it. Couldn't relate to much of it since we never had "Help." We "wuz" po folks but didn't know it until Lyndon Johnson told us. Actually, I thought we were rich. Can't wait for the movie.
About the 90 degree thing -- hope you get a sunburn. Its freezing here today.
Can't sleep late Dillion? Are you nuts? I can sleep standing up.
Mike Murphy on April 30, 2011 1:40 PM
Delores on April 30, 2011 9:55 PM
Mike: Was your teacher that "spooned" with my Great Uncle Ray happen to be Virginia Harman????? Small World. He was quite the guy in his day....handsome dude as were all four of his brothers......we need to share some stories. Uncle Ray along with my grandmother grew up on a dairy farm that is now the Mercer County Airport land. It was land granted to their grandfather in the late 1700th or early 18th hundreds. Lots of history up there. They called it "The Hurricane" in the day. "Littlesburg." My sister is doing some family history through UMI and I am learning some fantastic stuff about our family on both sides that none of us knew. Great-great-great grandfathers that fought for the South under George Patton's father at the battle of New Market and Winchester....ended up prisoners of war at Point Lookout just below my house, the Hell Hole of all Federal Prisons, some who had slaves that I swore none of my family had since we were farmers and carpenters from Mercer County who did everything the right way. This blog has been amazing for the history and family ties it has produced. More later
Pat Smith on May 1, 2011 1:55 AM
Cookie: My great granddaddy George Peter Smith was captured at the 2nd battle of Winchester and was sent to Point Lookout. I met a man named Thorn yesterday, who also had an ancestor that was captured at that same battle. The Yankees must have been very powerful in that battle. There is a man in Princeton named Richard Lockhart who maintains a website about Point Lookout. Who is doing your genealogy? Maybe I can help, as the Mercer Co. Historical Society has the only genealogy library in southern WV recognized by the WV Library Commission. It even has more genealogy resources than the Princeton Library.
I also remember the Deuce Inn. Wednesday night was fraternity meeting night at Concord and then the guys came there. My curfew time was 10:00. My parents thought that I had a GAA meeting every Wednesday night, when in reality, we only had them once a month!
I remember the Brown family owned the Cross Road Grill. That was one place I didn't dare venture. I dated one of the Brown brothers for a while, until my Dad met him and recognized him from the Cross Road (hmmm, wonder why my Dad was there?). That was the end of that relationship.
Does anyone remember The Corner in Bramwell?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 1, 2011 7:56 AM
I remember The Corner in Bramwell. I think it was a drugstore and they had a room in the back where we could dance. It was a good place to go.
Pete Stephenson on May 1, 2011 10:37 AM
Pat-You either dated Choice or Elton Brown Correct. Both of the guys are dead now. as a matter of fact Choice brown married Herma Caldwell while she was still in school. He went on to be some kind of administrator for RJ Reynolds company in Winston-Salem. He lived in Greensboro for many years. Elton Brown became an officer in the navy an retired as a high ranking naval officer. all the talk about the old and new roads there, does anyone remember the sunset drive in there at the green tree. also i used to love the pizza there at olivers. I remember riding my bike from Princeton to Bluefield on the old road. Thought we would never get there and back. Thanks to Grants store there on the old road a twinkie and Rc cola saved us boys. By the way Herma was a cheerleader and still resides in Greensboro. Regards.
Mike Murphy on May 1, 2011 1:14 PM
Tom Dillon on May 1, 2011 1:33 PM
I would like to introduce a new subject and would welcome participation and stories from other c-mates. Don't know what brought this to mind.
"Getting to the cafeteria at PHS" My brother Jim, Cousin Mike, and I had World History with Ms. Hughes last period before the lunch bell rang. Her class was at the most distant point from the dining facilities. We all had been reprimanded numerous times by various teachers for running and even a slow jog walk through the hallways. As a result, we were near the end of the line most of the time.
We hit upon the scheme of exiting the door closest to Ms. Hughes classroom, running around the outside of the building as fast as we could, and then entering the doors most proximate to the cafeteria. For a few days, we were 1,2, and 3 in line. I think other students began doing like wise. One day, brother Jim or Mike rounded the corner and standing there was -----------------------
Mr. Fleishman! He was outside the building and you couldn't see him until you traversed the corner. To avoid him, Jim or Herring slid to the ground. Mr. Fleishman informed us that our days of leaving the school and running around the building were over! He also made us walk back around , reenter the building, and slowly return to the cafeteria.
Delores on May 1, 2011 2:03 PM
Murphy, the airport I am talking about that was my grandmother's homeplace is the Mercer County Airport not the old Princeton Airport.
ginger goings clowers on May 1, 2011 2:02 PM
Hi all, enjoy reading your comments. Brings back a lot of memories of people, places & events. I think we grew up in the best of times. Thank you Lord.
Tom D. thanks for reminding us to stay in touch via the blog (it's great). To all of you recovering from surgeries or whatever your needs, please know that you are in my prayers.
God Bless You All,
Delores on May 1, 2011 2:12 PM
Pete: Our home on the Old-Old Bluefield Princeton Road was about 10 houses back toward Princeton from the Green Tree. My grandfather had a small farm directly across the road from Tate Lohr (Chuck's dad). My grandfather built a brick cape cod there as did three of his daughters, (My mom Pauline Hypes Hill and her two sisters, Shirley Hypes Bostic and Janice Hypes Surface.) If you knew where Vernon Dunn lived (Juliana Dunn who married Bill Brown) they were next door. Oh Darn! Why didn't I just say across the road from Ramey Auto...Ramey brought the land from us.
Pete Stephenson on May 1, 2011 3:18 PM
Cookie i thought that is the area that you lived in but wasn't quite sure. I always liked that area from there back toward princeton. I'm sure you along with many more of us watched the wedding take place in London. The scene there in front of buckingham palace brought back a lot of memories for me .I was standing on the statue of Queen Victoria on November 21,1963. As we all know what happened the next day. The changing of the guard at Buckingham is one of the most enjoyable things that i saw during all of my travels. It’s kinda nice to relive the past here on the blog. I've learned some things here that i surely didn't know back when. Anyway no harm done. Ginger it is also gratifying to hear from you. i do hope and pray that all goes well with you and yours. Trying to stay in touch with Gee a little more often. He has always been like the brother that I never had. Best to all of you on the blog. Thanks Fred for the updates.
Tom Dillon on May 1, 2011 6:00 PM
Ginger, so great to hear from you! Geehole told me that you read the blog, but have never written anything. I wish other silent classmates would let us know what and how they are doing. Again, thank you Carl -- what a way to stay in touch rather than a few hours every five years.
Farley, how are you doing? J.K. -- book update? Anybody who has never blogged or who has not blogged in awhile?
Come on male c-mates, some of you were surely frustrated with not getting a good place in the chow line in the cafeteria. Our svelte female c-mates could have cared less. I remember several of us males sitting near the food dump bins and being rewarded with the non-eaten food from the females. I have never tasted better spaghetti.
ginger c. on May 1, 2011 9:21 PM
Hi Tom, thanks for ack. Guess most knows that Tom G. is my brother or (as you guys call him Geehole). Where in the world did that name come from (ha ha).
For those who do not remember, I was the married girl in high school which was not the norm back in the day. As I remember, Betty Dunagan Matney and, I am not sure, maybe Gene Fields was the only other married "kids". E.J. Lambert gave me a hard time for being married, but no harm done (I guess).
Patrick and I will be married 53 years this year. We will be in line when the medals are passed out. We have one son and one granddaughter. Wished for more but glad to have the one. Patrick has an inherited Musucular Dystrophy. He is unable to walk or care for himself. As for me, I am able to take care of him. At our age, what else would we be doing anyway (ha ha).
Have a great week. THE CLASS OF 1960 IS THE GREATEST
Tom Dillon on May 2, 2011 4:54 AM
I am pretty sure that Mokey Crawford gave Tommy the name Geehole. I think Tom was trying to say something (about keys) and it came out rather garbled. I think Ernest Hugh Crawford was given the moniker Mokey by his older brother or one of his friends.
Up again at 4:00am. Yes, it might be old age, but again I feel rested. Maybe I shouldn't go to bed after the 7:30 pm national news. That's a joke!
Obama is no more!!! Pray for our enemies.
Michael Murphy on May 2, 2011 9:37 AM
Tom - I hope you did not make a Freudian slip. Osama Bin Laden is gone.
However, I can't bring myself to pray for my enemies, especially those who are praying for me to be dead!
I lived through one of OSBLs first bombings (2 miles away) 1995 at the Riyadh Saudi Arabia National Guard headquarters. Had American friends who were hurt in the blast.
The world is a better place without him and radical Islam and I pray for their demise.
Delores on May 2, 2011 11:54 AM
Evidence????? Hum!!! Does make one wonder. I have a problem praying for someone who wants me dead because I am (1) an American and (2) a Christian and prefers I cover my face and body with a bedsheet.
Pete Stephenson on May 2, 2011 4:37 PM
what a blessing to hear last evening of the demise of Benladen. its just a shame that the demise could not have came much sooner, a lot of innocent lives might have been saved. A great job by our CIA and military. Kinda makes you proud to be a yank. The world will be much better off without he and his kind. The tyrant in Libya is next in our sights and I don't imagine he will be around much longer. Great day to be an American.
Tom Dillon on May 2, 2011 5:24 PM
Murphy, Mea culpa --That's what I get for blogging at 4:30 am. I'm getting dead dog tired of this early rising.
Why haven't gas prices dropped? It went up today, not down. $4.29 for regular.
"Cookie" on May 2, 2011 10:07 PM
Because they want you to buy a Volt that can travel 100 miles on one charge. The State recently put 1600 outlets at BWI Airport to recharge autos in long-term parking. The thing that puzzles me is this. If you have to go home and plug it into an electrical outlet then what will they use to fuel the power plants since we can't use coal, oil, etc. just windmills and solar panels. What do I do if I need to come to a reunion. Its gonna take me four days to get there. They are talking about putting a windmill farm in the Atlantic from Maryland to Maine. Guess how they are going to pay for the Maryland portion....a surcharge on the electric bills. And, I'm on the 5th floor and can figure this out. Just think how smart I'm gonna be if I ever get out of here. Chow!
Carol Martin on May 2, 2011 10:47 PM
Hi Ginger! Great hearing from you!
Tom, when we lived in TX, West Texas crude sold for around $30/barrel, which our TX friends called break even price. (There are oil wells in Brown County.) When the US invaded Iraq in 2003, crude sold for $40/barrel. In 2008 when the financial crisis occurred, the Federal Reserve turned up the printing presses, mainly to benefit the bankers and politically connected corporations. With QE1 and QE2 approximately $2Trillion has been pumped into the economy. Perhaps the price of oil has not increased, but the value of the dollar has decreased... Only time will tell.
Reminder: The first republican debate will take place in beautiful Greenville SC, May 5. We hope to be there!
Pete Stephenson on May 3, 2011 9:15 AM
Dillon, I wish you would quit getting up so early. You have gotten me to start the same thing. After getting up at 5 yesterday morn, went to bed at 7.30.guess what up at 5 this morning. this crap has to stop. Sorry to hear about your petro prices up there being so high, Ours still around3.64 gal. Cookie, got an Idea on your trip down to the next reunion. Buy a moped and run the back roads. Not only good gas mileage but good cardio workout the same. I have figured finally why my Pc stutters. When i try to enter whatever in the world I,m trying to say. My submit comment button sticks, so i get antsy and double and triple click on the d--- key.
T Dillon on May 3, 2011 11:46 AM
Pete, in bed a little after 9 last night, but slept until 6 am. Still tired from the several days of the crazy routine.
Cold and rainy here today. Tomorrow is to be warmer and then rain again for the next few days.
Regular gas went up to $4.29. Will you send me some from Va.? I will put a check in the mail today.
Watch your stutter step.
Michael Murphy on May 3, 2011 1:22 PM
Get ready for $5 or $6 gas. Every time I hear green jobs and windmills I go ballistic. Politicians must think we are simpletons. We need energy and we need jobs. If we become self sufficient and a supplier of oil, we can have $2 gas and sell it to China etc for 10. Much of our coal is now being sold abroad. Thousands of good paying jobs could be created by drilling and even recovery of oil here in wv. Our future lies in energy and manufacturing not green (#$%&*) jobs.
Tom - take some Melitonian to regulate your sleep cycles. It worked for me with Jet lag - maybe only in my head - but perceprion is reality!
Pete - thks to you and other Vets and current service members for keeping our country the best in the World and bringing UBL to Justice.
Carl - we/I need a spell check on this site. I tried using whiteout but it smudged the carbon.
Raymond (Wayne) Jones on May 3, 2011 2:42 PM
I read that Exxon/Mobile returned record profits for the first quarter of 2011, yet they claim only 8% of that profit was from petroleum products. I guess the other 92% comes form the sale of slim jims and Dr. Pepper
Pete Stephenson on May 3, 2011 4:08 PM
Thomas, one good thing about the rain,no grass mowing and using that 4 + a gal gasoline.Looks like rain here later, probably won't mow myself.--Mike the boys that did the job on OBL were from the naval base here in Norfolk Va. They sure did a good job. Makes you proud to be an American again. Still a long way to go though.Hope all is well with you. Cookie have you bought your moped yet? It takes a little practice. Be careful. Tom, have you talked to Gee lately? I need to call him this evening.
Tom Dillon on May 3, 2011 6:03 PM
Pete, I talk to Geehole every week or so -- also T. St. Clair. May get to mow the lawn again tomorrow afternoon or Thursday before the rains come again. We are going to a nursery tomorrow to get my tomato and cucumber plants. Buddy Belcher, you would be so proud of me, but I drive an old Honda.
Farley? George? Ginger, we love hearing from you!
Kidwell, Raymond, welcome back. I am never going to drink Dr. Pepper again nor eat their food products.
Ginger C. on May 3, 2011 4:30 PM
Tom D. - Your comment "pray for our enemies" was right on. Check out Matthew: 5:43 - 44 in the Bible, as hard as it is for us mortals to do. I pray that these killers will soon feel the wrath of God. We will do whatever necessary to protect our own.
Tom, I asked brother Tommy about "geehole". This name was given to him by Charles Keatley. The story goes that he and Charles went to see a scary movie and Charles apparently saw or heard something in the movie that prompted him to call Tommy "geehole" , and the rest is history.
Carol M. - Thanks for ack. Always enjoyed Miss Elmore's gym class together. She was one of my favorite teachers.
Is she still living?
Ladies, get busy blogging.
"Cookie" Hill Brown on May 3, 2011 6:15 PM
Ginger, I sent you an e-mail to ging@suddenlink.com and it was kicked back. Please get in touch with me at
brownhill1@msn.com. Would love to hear from.
Tom Dillon on May 3, 2011 10:02 PM
Talked with Geehole this evening for a short time. He confirmed that it was Charles Keatley who gave him the moniker, not Monkey Crawford. Evidently , the two of them had gone to a "scary movie" and the nicKname somehow emanated from that.
Also received an e-mail from Ellen Ferrell who reads the blog, but has never written anything. She and her sister Linda hear from some of our c-mates on occasion. Let's get all c-mates involved on the Thompson blog.
Pete, I found an add-on on windows that does spell checking. It is really embarrassing to read some of the entries submitted by me in the past -- I sklol soup ms ptt.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 4, 2011 6:59 AM
Cookie... I have suddenlink and it is suddenlink.net.
Delores on May 4, 2011 10:14 AM
Thanks Darla. Ginger and I are now in touch.
Truth-I swear! Called the Agricultural Extension Office this morning to inquire about Asian Stink bugs. The man laughed and said, "Well, there are three things you can do. 1. Fire up your dust buster, 2. Flush them down the toilet or 3. Open the door and let them out." I've done all three. Any ideas folks? I have been invaded.
Pete Stephenson on May 4, 2011 11:56 AM
Thomas, as far as the spelling goes lets just say something about short term memory loss.seems like I'm hearing a lot of that lately. I to have tried to get in touch with Gee. He called me last thursday but I was on my grocery run so he and Judy had a good conversation. tried him again last evening, but only voice mail. Cookie, the stink bugs are here to stay. I've done everything I know to stop them but nothing seems to eradicate them all. Thomas where is Keatley these days? Ginger, I know you have a lot on your plate with Pat, truly sorry to hear of his condition. Really and truly like that guy of yours. say hello for me and tell him i have him on my prayer list. love you guys all.
Pete Stephenson on May 4, 2011 12:06 PM
Pete here again/thomas, A little foot note to Geehole’s nickname. My father truly used to love tom to death. Just one little problem with the nickname. Dad always called Tom key hole just saying. Also weather report for my area is frost warning tonight, go figure
Becky Novarro on May 4, 2011 2:30 PM
I would love to hear from Ellen. Where is the Thompson web link? Oh and the pediatrician recommended Melatonin
for my overwired Grands. It's over the counter, inexpensive and it works.
gene law on May 4, 2011 6:53 PM
becky what are overwired grands????? as for the stink bug problem, you folks might try getting you a little spray bottle mix 3 parts vinegar and 1 part water, great cleaner and deodorizer also, it also gives the bugs an aggravated nostril condition the have to go to a sinus specialist, there fore the will leave your presence. If that does not work, oh by the way spray around baseboards , and wherever you see the presence of stink bugs, as I was saying comet cleanser sprinkled, (not in great quantities) around also is a great bug deterrent, I sprinkle comet all the way around the outside of my house, keeps the ants away. geno gone
gene law on May 4, 2011 7:24 PM
wow I,ve been watching too much t,v, it took me 20 min. to figure out what over wired grands were. duh, my grand parents took a belt to their overwired grands, short circuited them in a hurry, times are a changing, melatonin is a great sleeping pill, doctors do not usually recommend it no pres, required pharmacists recommend doctors want you to use that expensive stuff with all the side effects, melatonin is in our systems any way, so there are no side effects. snow fell today, not much just flurries and some hail, watched a scientist on Christian t.v. and he said ocean currents are cooler winter globally has been colder, and that global warming is a scam, costing tax payers millions of dollars, also heard today Osama Bin Laden had a falling out with the Muslim Brotherhood, maybe they gave him over. hmmm geno out
Delores on May 5, 2011 10:56 AM
I used to be "overwired." I think I've blown a fuse!
Tom Dillon on May 5, 2011 3:06 PM
Planted 10 tomato plants and 4 cucumber plants today -- I think sleep will not be a problem.
D -- Although retired, my degree was in fuse repair and/or replacement. I have hundreds of new fuses, still boxed, that I bought on the black market. The reliability of same is questionable as they were purchased from one of M. Herring's and my alleged cousins from the former USSR.
gene law on May 5, 2011 3:44 PM
I'm easily entertained, I love this stuff, but really I cannot and will not accept that your fuses are blown out, that's like Mt. Rushmore without a president, like yellowstone without a stone, like Texas without a Tex, like Florida without a beach, shall I go on or will you concede that your fuses are not blown? any way todays chuckle is good, how could blown fuses do that, feel good may God bless and remember TODAY IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. 2 CHRON. 7:14 geno out.
Pete Stephenson on May 5, 2011 3:57 PM
Before i get all confused about all this overwiring and Dillons blackmarket items I would like to say to all the mothers here in Tigerland HAPPY MOTHERS DAY. dillon, talked to gee for about an hour this morning. The movie he and Keatley saw was THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. I believe that one made me a little queesy also. Cookie, did I make you angry with me about the mopeds? If so please accept my sincere apology.
Pete Stephenson on May 5, 2011 4:26 PM
gene, I don,t think that Cookie blew a fuse, I think she popped a circuit breaker. What you think?
Delores on May 5, 2011 4:35 PM
Clarification Boys! "Cookie" did not blow a fuse. She is still on the 5th floor babbling about stuff. However, its because of her antics and disorderly behavior that I'm in my current mess. Hopefully after Monday they will have me rewired and I am going to forget my dignity for about 5 minutes and drive down there where I plan to beat the ...... out of her for the three months of misery and torture her "great" ideas inflicted upon me.
Tom Dillon on May 5, 2011 5:08 PM
Pete, I remember a family vacation to Florida several years ago. We also visited the Okefenokee Swamp and Silver Springs and at one actually saw the filming of probably a sequel to the "Creature". We were riding in one of the boats and saw the creature come up out of the water -- it was, of course, only a man with a grotesque suit and mask on and sea weed and slime covering his body. Still gave us a start.
I can also repair/replace circuit breakers. That is what 8 more years of school post PHS prepared me to do.
Brenda Persin on May 5, 2011 7:58 PM
I just can't let this go by. Tom, go back to your May 3 comment. Is it really Monkey Crawford? I gave a speech in Ms. Gentry's speech class comparing Mokey to Francis the Talking Mule. Becky and Cookie, you remember what he called me afterwards (we discussed it this summer). Hint for those who don't know, I was wearing a necklace with a big "B" on it. Thanks for the entertainment on the Blog.
Delores on May 5, 2011 10:23 PM
If I live to be 100 I will never forget the speech comparing Mokey to Francis the Talking Mule. As for the big "B" necklace, I also remember it and what he said it stood for. Wonder how many remember 6th period when they came on the PA system, read every name on the baseball team roster and told them to come to the office. That's why I have had so much trouble typing ever since. Every time I try to type a block style letter I think of the PHS Baseball Team and wonder how they made out with that. We even got the teacher to laugh that day.
Tom Dillon on May 6, 2011 5:53 AM
Brenda, I did mean Mokey, but spell check doesn't pick up those errors -- don't know if it would give us Geehole (just tried, it does as a hyphenated word or 2 words).
Delores, what was the thing about the baseball team? I don't remember that.
By the way, is Mokey mad at us? I remember his coming to at least one reunion. During another one at Pipestem, Herring said he saw him on the golf course on Saturday morning and he said that he was coming that night. ???????????????????
Delores on May 6, 2011 1:03 PM
Bear with me as I need to get serious for a few minutes. I have tried to stay away from politics and religion on the blog but there are some serious issues in the State of Maryland that deserve your attention if you live here and personal freedom is important to you. They are important to you regardless of where you live because much of this is being repeated across the country.
By the end of May we need 30,000 signatures and by June 30 another 30,000 to insure that the In-State Tuition for Illegal Aliens Bill is placed on the ballot for public referendum. If this bill becomes law the state will be flooded by illegals coming to Maryland for post-secondary education. Evidently our elected officials do not know the meaning of "illegal." If you need information regarding the petition drive you can e-mail me or give me a call.
Secondly, this is important for everyone who cares about the future of your grandchildren or children who may still be of school age. Maryland requires that all high school students must pass a compentency test in four core subject areas as a condition for graduation..English, Social Studies, Science and Math (H.S. Asessments.) The legislature recently removed the Goverment asessment from the requirements. Additionally, they are pushing to remove American History as a required course of study. This is supported by the National Education Association (an organization I am sorry to say I once supported). NEA has a national movement to remove this course. The ramifications of this would be widespread. I need not explain.
Additionally, since the price of gasoline is so high the legislature backed down on the proposed increase in the gasoline tax. However, in the Special Session coming up in the fall, they will introduce a bill that will tax your per-mile driving. Someone raised their hand last night and asked how they proposed to monitor this. Very simply, just set up another "emmisions testing" type station that will require citizens to drive through monthly and have their odometers checked. Now you may say I'm crazy but remember I live in Maryland. Marylanders are required to have their cars tested every other year to insure we are not polluting the air. Each time I drive down to have my car tested I am following a belching diesel truck that is exempt--thank you unions.
If you live in Maryland and if you do not have deep pockets as I do not, you need to watch the Special Session carefully. The state is broke and they are turning over every rock looking for money to fund their pet projects. Watch our for your property taxes....they will be going after that in a big way. I truly don't wish to ruffle anyone's feathers or infringe upon your beliefs but these are two hot button issues that adversely affect everyone regardless of which side of the fence you are on.
The issues I have listed today are only the tip of the iceberg--it would take hours to list them all. The inmates are truly running the asylum.
Why can't it be 1960 again?
gene law on May 6, 2011 4:06 PM
Delores, I have longed for 1960, geno
Brenda Persin on May 6, 2011 3:09 PM
I hope I don't offend anyone, but here is the typing story. Mr. Harvey got on the intercom and called the names of the boys on the baseball team and then said, "would these guys please come to the office for a little bit". Cookie started laughing first, the class joined in, and then even Ms Keatley starting laughing.
I taught typewriting or keyboarding as it is now called for thirty years--first on manual typewriters, then on electric typewriters and finally on computers. Geno and Pete--you should have taken typing. No offense, please.
This is the third time I've typed this message, so if it shows up three times, please forgive me.
gene law on May 6, 2011 4:03 PM
ahh sweet Brenda I had typing, so much for education, immigration is flooding U.S. not just Maryland, our illustrious leaders are now campaigning to open our borders without restrictions, check it out, you would be very dismayed to learn all that is going on, our politicians have divided the people into democrats and republicans, that's so they can never get in unity to throw the bums out, look closely and you will see politics has become a way of life for many of them. Now look at some of the third world countries, many holding power for decades, notice the similarity? geno off the soapbox. yes Pete I do agree.
Pete Stephenson on May 6, 2011 4:18 PM
Brenda no offense taken, I guess once a school marm always one. By the way i did take typing in10th grade,.quite a while ago I guess. If my stuttering machine makes anymore mistakes I guess for all good I will stay off the blog. I sure in the h---don't want to offend anyone. Geno be careful, we are being watched. I can truly understand Mokeys reaction after the public speaking class. I also remember Mr Harvey’s call to the office for the baseball team. My class at that time got a little laugh from the remark also.
gene law on May 6, 2011 4:26 PM
hey Pete don't get down on yourself, Brenda just don't know the difference between bad typing and plain ol' country boy palaver, notice I used words she don't know the definition of. We got our own code I understand you perfectly. As for the stuttering don't worry bout it, Mel Tillis made a fortune off of it, I wonder if Brenda still wears that necklace, do you know? geno
"Cookie" on May 6, 2011 6:31 PM
Falsehood, falsehood, falsehood!
I did not laugh at Mr. Harvey's announcement. Does anyone think I'd laugh at something like that? Well, maybe "a little bit." Neither would Delores, she is so proper you know.
Brenda Persin on May 6, 2011 6:31 PM
Now how could I possibly not answer with you two baiting me.
Pete, you would never leave the Blog--PROMISE. And Geno, your vocabularly is simply daunting!! I do not have the necklace but wish I did. It would be a collector's item at this point. This Blog is keeping me entertained, so just keep it up you two.
As for being a school marm--you are right; I will always be one I guess. The amusing thing is that I never, ever wanted to teach school; it just happened in my journey through life. Wouldn't it have been interesting if we'd had any inkling of what life would hold for us when we were 17.
Pete Stephenson on May 6, 2011 11:10 PM
Delores, I know you would never laugh at something like Mr.Harvey said to the ball team. Cookie on the other hand, I have my doubts. Brenda nothing said to me is going to run me away from the blog. My skin is thicker than something minor like that. I hope that all is well with you in your circumstances that you are in. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Cookie straighten up and get down from the fifth floor. don,t you know at those heights you can get nose bleed. Happy Mothers Day girls.
Fred Lucas on May 7, 2011 5:55 AM
I would like to wish all of the ladies a happy Mother's Day. Over the years each of you have spent countless hours helping your children and yes husbands become better people.
Anonymous #1 on May 7, 2011 9:24 AM
Brenda, you could have then and now wore the letter "P" around your neck to designate the word ---------------------Pulchritude.
Cookie on May 7, 2011 11:25 AM
You gonna give that girl the big head and she ain't gonna be able to get that 'B' necklace over it.
Brenda Persin on May 7, 2011 10:11 AM
Anonymous, what a nice thing to say. You've made my day
Tom Dillon on May 7, 2011 11:18 AM
I would echo a strong ditto to Anon's declaration.
gene law on May 7, 2011 4:16 PM
ahh sweet Brenda with a capital B may you be blessed as you continue to blog may the strong winds you encounter become gentle breezes that caress your cheeks ever so gently, may your life be adorned with the pearls of the finest oysters of the south seas, and may the bird of paradise land upon your shoulder and sing beautiful soothing notes into your ears. delightfully yours geno
"Cookie" on May 7, 2011 5:16 PM
Dear Sweet Mellow Geno
I don't know what you are smoking but can you send some down to the 5th floor? I've already got the chocolates. I'll meet you out by the dumpsters. The code words are "please come to the office."
gene law on May 7, 2011 7:16 PM
COOKIE, so glad you got out, good to hear you are moving about once again, the code I got who do I tell them to? How's it going? are you back to stay or will this just be a passing moment in a brief span of sanity? Take two aspirin and call me in the morning, we'll know then how stable you are, uh oh, what's the matter with me I'm supposed to be in a mellow stage, and there came a stinging comment, just disregard earlier comment and enjoy hearty welcome from ol' geno the mellow fellow full of mirth and gladness to hear from you, lay some of that sharp wit on us, but don't add anything about what I'm full of. o.k.
Geno: Contact Doug Neal! He is well-informed on all things especially, trains, planes and late night video creeping.
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Tom Dillon on May 8, 2011 1:54 PM
Happy Mom's Day to all who were lucky enough to procreate.
I would appreciate help from any c-mate who can renew my memory regarding the following as evidently my synaptic pathways have dissipated as a result of no firings for years. Questions -- At PHS, our senior year, how many "home rooms" did we have and how were the assignments of students made? (Alphabetically?) Were we mixed with sophomores and juniors?
I think I was in Ms. Hughes homeroom with Sarah Evans.
Sarah, you were absent for a few days due to the Junior Miss W.Va. pageantry. Arney and that cool-car-Casanova, G. Allin, were down the hallway.
Reply Raymond (Wayne) Jones on May 8, 2011 2:38 PM
The best that I can remember, we were assigned alphabetically by class for Homeroom. Remember that we sat with our Homeroom class for assemblies.
It is kind of strange that Junior Miss WV was mentioned, I see in the BDT today that the first Junior Miss America, Phyllis Whitenak, from Bluefield has died, that was 1958 and she was 70 years old.
Brenda Persin on May 8, 2011 3:29 PM
Wayne, I also saw the obit about Phyllis Whitenack today. I remember her well.
Tom, first thank you for agreeing with anonymous. Cookie is right; I am going to get a big head soon with such nice comments from you two and Geno. Second, I also think we were assigned homerooms alphabetically. I don't know how many there were, but I was in Ms. Gentry's homeroom for three years.
Carol Martin, I am sorry to hear about your husband's cousin, Carl.
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Pete Stephenson on May 8, 2011 5:10 PM
Thomas,I was in Mr Durrs homeroom for 3 yrs. I don't recall any underclassmen in my homeroom.
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gene law on May 8, 2011 6:36 PM
I might be wrong but it seems I was with upper and lower classmen all three years, I am not sure about that though. I cannot remember my senior year homeroom teacher. I have pondered about that all day and it is clouded, I do hope that's not a bad sign. geno
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Delores on May 8, 2011 7:31 PM
Geno, was it Miss Paxton (her room was across from the library.) She had G, H, I, J, and maybe K and L. If not it was Miss Gentry with McDonel etc. We were assigned a homeroom teacher in 10th grade and stayed with that staff member through 12th grade. We were only assigned with our grade level, no upper or lower classmen.
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Carl on May 8, 2011 9:58 PM
Yeah, no upper or lower classmen for you who weren't held back a grade.
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michael murphy on May 9, 2011 10:16 AM
Murphy here
Carl - Yeah you and Kidwell were held back??
Mike
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Tom Dillon on May 9, 2011 1:14 PM
Really enjoying the blog with so many participants.
I would like to relate a PHS story from my memory - bank archives as it appears that J.K. George's book still is ??? and he will not give us an update.
I will not use names for fear of retaliation and/or their telling a tale about me.
If you remember, my Dad owned a used car dealership (Dillon's Motors) on the Bluefield Princeton Road. On occasion he would obtain a "sweet" car and let me drive it on dates. I think it was a 57 or 58 Chevy Impala -- after dropping Becky off one night, I drove over to a c-mate's home, turned off the headlights, and slowly drove closer. The male unsub's car was parked in front of the female c-mate's house and I could see the heads of my two unsuspecting targets, kissing. It was so easy and I almost blew it by laughing so hard. The sweet car had an outside "police" spot which I turned on and directed toward them. Before they were able to refocus their eyes, I drove off.
You two c-mates, did you ever know that I was the one who spotted you?
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Raymond (Wayne) Jones on May 9, 2011 3:59 PM
Back in those days there was a state trouper they called Troupo that was known for his spotlighting unsuspecting neckers so I am sure the people were shocked.
Geno, your last comment about your homeroom class, you seem to remember some strange things and forgot some, are you sure that you didn't have an extra glass of the Mothers Day Wine? I was in Mrs. Shrewsberry's class and she had at least some of the H's through at least part of the L's. I remember David Hurley was there and so was Bob Lambert so I'm thinking Geno, that you were with me. Mrs. Shrewsberry was the Art/Mechanical Drawing teacher.
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gene law on May 9, 2011 7:54 PM
By jonesy I think you might be right, I can't believe I have forgotten that part, I remember so many things, sometimes when I lie down to go to sleep, precious memories flood over me and I see many many faces of my class mates, old and dear friends, sometimes old enemies, that are not any more, strange how times change, my grandson was helping me today, and I was telling him not to travel the road of broken rules it always leads to the mountain of regret, but unfortunately he is exactly like me, he's kinda miffed tonight, I wouldn't let him run the backhoe, thinks he knows everything and there isn't any thing he can't do, but doesn't want any instruction, anybody out there got grand children like that? now I understand why my dad got so aggravated with me. sorry my mind wandered where was I, who am I and what am I doing here, oh my goodness I blogged with cookie, and caught here nowhereness, later. geno
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gene law on May 10, 2011 5:30 AM
Good morning, geno here pulling a Dillon, up at 4am ate bkfst, and bloggin by 5am, I must be crazy, or got cookie fever, any way, had a good day yesterday got lots of work done, put in 9 hr day, not used to thatbut felt good and accomplished much, so did we have same homeroom tchr. for 3 yrs. I remember Shrewsbury in 10th, and 11th, but not 12th. we were friends until late 80's, worked with her daughter till late 90's lost contact about 4yrs before retired, haven't seen her or husband for 9 or 10 yrs, maybe longer, anyway my neice diagnosed my problem for me, she's a shade tree physician, said "uncle Gene in 1960 you stepped off the world, but it kept on turning" do you suppose that is true? explains why I don't know anything about this new generation, almost got run over by a little ol' woman talking on the phone, she was the one on phone, ran a red light, good thing I looked before pulling out, never knew any one else was around, I think the art of conversation with eye to eye contact is dead, people can only talk to a piece of plastic now a days. Goo9d to see so many bloggers now, any body out there ever hear from Lee Tolliver? Email him but never replies. Jones good to see you blogging, cookie when you get a lucid moment chime in, Delores how's the knee thing? Anonymous hows about starting an argument? I love to argue, in fun ha ha. Pete you still stuttering? the reason for all these questions, I'm looking for answers. geno out
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 10, 2011 6:30 AM
Gene...Lee comes to every reunion. He lives in Winchester, VA. He and his wife come to Princeton quite often to see family.
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Tom Dillon on May 10, 2011 6:47 AM
Dillon here -- Geno, I had to get up at 4:00 am for you know what, but got back into bed and dozed until 5:45 am -- the coffee was "beckyconing".
Talked to T. St. Clair yesterday. He has a story to relate about betting a c-mate a quarter per day as to who would get to the cafeteria first, but is afraid he might offend. Let's push him a little to join the blog group -- Brenda, I think he may have taken typing.
My grand kids are well-behaved now. Over the years, I have had to use some behavior modification techniques that would make water boarding appear to be a welcomed alternative. After J.K.'s book is published, I may write one and share my research in the area.
What we do for grandchildren -- Kay and I went to a choir performance Saturday evening for our 11-year-old Ellie. There were five different children's choirs that performed -- Ellie's group was on center stage for all of 10 minutes. The kids kept coming and coming and coming for an excruciating 2 plus hours. There were over 2500 children in all. Toward the end, our son asked where the kids were coming from as a very young group came onto the stage. I responded, "This last group is made up of children who were born since the show started tonight".
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Pete Stephenson on May 10, 2011 10:19 AM
Geno i hope now that Brenda smacked my hands for some poor typing that my PC is back on the right track. Like John Travolta sang in my favorite film of all time Grease,BETTER SHAPE UP to Olivia Newton John.what a cool flick. Dillon the thing with the search light was an honery thing to do to a friend. Wish I had come up with that. Don't start the getting up crap again. It kills me when I get in that mode also. Carol,must have been an uneventful GOP gathering in Greeneville last week end. Thats Ok Newt will get the party straightened out.
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gene law on May 10, 2011 7:59 PM
Good one dillon, Pete don't aspire to conspire, speaking of beckyoning, Becky where are you, by the way Becky aren"t you a master chef? Do you know how to make Yorkshire pudding? that is if the recipe isn't top secret, hey Terry won't ya blog lay all that knowledge on us, well me I thiorst for knowledge, anything I can learn thrills this ol' man, excuse me this fat ol' man, ah my wife, great sense of humor, hunting a shirt the other day wife says "couldn't find your shirt, here's a hors blanket" yeh my shirt, I'm eating a sweet treat, she says here hog have another, those disparaging remarks are to make me stop eating so much, you can tell by my shape I'm undaunted by them, I really wonder if I'm getting the last laugh though, oh well, so Darla I'm going to have to go to a reunion huh, well if a fellow won't answer an email would he speak to you at a reunion? I see a lot of my old classmates on the street and at various restaurants, wal mart, etc. either they don't recognize me or they don't want to converse, I hate to think the latter so I don't go to those events. Well any way I enjoy the blog very much, seems like folks are more easy to let their hair down, wow I just had a revelation, I've let my hair down so much, now its let me down. That's here it went, I've3 always wondered, learned something new right here on the blog, happy day, I just love new knowledge no matter how trivial. gabbed enough, I'll leave you with this thought if you stay up all night it will dawn on you. geno
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Carl on May 14, 2011 11:59 AM
Gene, you seem to overlook the great value of our reunions. We're now at an age, and many eyesights so poor, that you're likely to talk to someone for 4-5 minutes before they figure out who you are AND there's no where to hide, whereas they immediately know -- and can ignore you -- when they get an email. [Believe me, this has happened to me countless times, incredible as that must seem.] So come join us next time, but be prepared to be pestered by all the folks who've been welcoming you back via the blog + dozens of others who don't blog. You're sure to be a hit, especially if you make yourself identifiable -- no Anonymouses please.
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Carol Martin on May 10, 2011 9:05 PM
I just got updated on the blog. Glad you all are keeping it going. We will be in WV for about 24 hours as we have a funeral to attend tomorrow in Bluefield and then will visit my brother and sister-in-law. My brother is very ill, has been on dialysis for awhile. He has a terrific wife who is an RN and caretaker.
I must quit talking about politics, but I did have fun at the debate. Neil, Blake (middle son) and I went and we were mingling on the streets and bumped into our former governor (Appalachian Trail fame). Anyway, Neil and Blake shook his hand and thanked him for doing a great job. I just couldn't shake his hand... Then, we bumped into Jack Hunter, my favorite columnist. We ended up walking to the debate with him and I had seen him on FOX with Judge Napolitano the night before. The debaters may be the second tier, but I think they were the cream of the crop. Herman Cain probably was the most outstanding.
Hi Ginger! You mentioned P.E. with Ms. Elmore. She was young when we had her, so maybe she is still around. I don't know. I don't recall if it was 10th or 11th grade, but one year we had P.E. right before lunch and used to stay late and practice free throws. Linda White was in the class.
Take care all.. Pete, how are the knees? I assume Pat had knee surgery. Has anyone heard from her?
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Pete Stephenson on May 10, 2011 10:57 PM
Carol, be careful on your way to Princeton. Please give Jim my regards and tell him I'm praying for him. he sure has a swell kid in Jeff. Can't say as much for his x wife though. No i haven't done anything about the knees. Judy is getting ready for major surgery in a couple months. I will wait till she has recovered enough to take care of herself. then I'll think of my options. Geno, keep the fires burning, and we will get together for lunch up there in the near future. Maybe we'll see if Pat truly does give senior discounts.
gene law on May 11, 2011 7:21 AM
good morning, birds singing, squirrels out hunting breakfast, green valley is alive this morning, you know someone wrote the reason birds sing so loud in the morning they are shouting Hallelujahs to the Lord for surviving the night, maybe we should take a lesson from the birds, the wife and I watched a robin gathering twigs and grass to build a nest, hard to believe they can carry enough stuff in their beaks to build a nest, trip after trip she made this morning, nature is amazing, humans make trip after trip to work to get money to buy stuff to make their nests, and most of them use their mouths, especially politicians, to make their money. nature is indeed funny. reminds me of the story of two druggies meeting on the street one said is that the sun or the moon up there? the other said I don't know I'm not from this neighborhood. so here's hoping you folks have a glorious day, the best start of a good day is to sing praises to the Lord, just as the birds do. Carol by any chance is that Carl Martin whose funeral you are attending, I saw where he died his wife was out to the house yesterday, nice man, enjoyed talking with him, condolences to you for your loss, take comfort that it never ends here, even though we sometimes think it does. later geno
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Delores on May 11, 2011 2:54 PM
I was reading through the blog last night and a story came to mind that I need to share. You boys who frequented the infamous Crossroads Grill are lucky indeed to be blogging today.
When I was about 10 or 11 years old my dad had just purchased our very first family car...a 1939 black Olds. The night he brought it home we all of course wanted to go for a ride. After our ride through Green Valley we stopped at the custard stand at the Crossroads for ice cream. My mom didn't want to get out so she sent me to the window to place our order. While standing at the window a bullet went over my head and slammed into the wall behind the custard machines. There was a minor altercation going on in the parking lot across the road--booze, broads and testosterone I suppose. I was probably about 5 feet tall but my mother was 5 feet 10 inches. Need I say more. We got our custard and drove home...no big deal, just another night at the Grill. We didn't have cell phones or 911. Didn't need either. What we couldn't take care of we ignored.
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"Cookie" on May 11, 2011 3:00 PM
"Cookie" Here:
Delores has another story about a shotgun blast on Belcher's Hill one hot, steamy summer night. It was one of those night's when you had to go early to get a parking spot. Lets see if she has nerve enough to tell you that story. Now, don't any of you dare act like you never heard of Belcher's Hill! That just ain't gonna fly!!!
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Tom Dillon on May 11, 2011 3:37 PM
Cookie, I truly don't remember Belcher's Hill, but probably was there. If what you are referring to is what I think (identifying constellations) what about the drive-in? the cemetery? the baseball field near the football field? the airport runway? and believe it or not, the driveway of your house when we knew that neither you or your parents were home?
St. Clair, you must share the story about the "parking policeman".
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"Cookie" on May 11, 2011 11:02 PM
Oh Dear Tommy, Tommy Tommy! You just thought my daddy wasn't at home.
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
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gene law on May 12, 2011 2:39 PM
Wow, true confessions, I thought I was the hooligan, now I am beginning to feel more typical. "Boots" Collins died, remember her, sang regular on country jamboree, pretty good singer reminded you of Patsy Cline. Well good to hear about the good ol' days tell us more, do you folks remember The Bulls Eye, the Rendevous, Duers truck stop, how bout The Jungle, the Beacon, Hilltop Tavern, I haven't thought about them in years, until I heard, read your stories, all these places came into full view on my t.v.set, long time ago I guess, tell more I enjoy reading them, later geno
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Pete Stephenson on May 12, 2011 4:21 PM
geno, I can smell the onion rings from the beacon right now. the wife has a ladies meeting tonight, so I'm going to find me some O rings. Here in Roanoke, the Texas steak house has the best that I've found here in the valley. You forgot to mention the east river drive in. I always liked going there. I believe the last time I was there was with Dillon, Yearout, and Geehole. Might be wrong about that, but have to overlook memory loss sometimes. I used to go to the skyway a lot.
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Anonymous #1 on May 12, 2011 4:50 PM
Anon here, Who was dating whom?
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Tom Dillon on May 12, 2011 7:44 PM
Anon, I was going steady, so was not dating either Pete, Yearout, or Geehole.
A true story about Yearout -- J.K. where are you? You can surely tell a better yarn.
Yearout claimed that he was not allergic to poison ivy. To prove his point, he took several leaves from a plant and rubbed them all over his arms, legs, and face. The next time we saw him, his eyes were almost opened again and he had sores everywhere. -- Never say never.
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gene law on May 13, 2011 3:25 PM
PETE YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD, I FORGOT EAST RIVER, one of my favorite hangouts, had some great times there, remember Smile Ys next door used to be Pete and Ducks, Pete was the wife Duck was her husband, those names always cracked me up, I asked her bout that she said she always gave him warning when she was about to throw something she yelled "Duck" so many times it just stuck, true or not I enjoyed it. One of our classmates worked there later, (East River), Nadine Bailey, my friend got picked up there one night by the state police, I was in the car he was in the lot yelling and cutting up, I suspect that's why they called the law, they threw him in the cruiser, I think his head hit the other door, he told the story he was yelling he wanted his rights, said he got 3 of them, asked if he wanted some lefts also, Dewey said no and I don't want any more rights either, I don't know if that's true or not, but he had a real shiner, a cut cheekbone, and a bump on his forehead. humorous story anyway. geno
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Brenda Persin on May 12, 2011 7:28 PM
Brenda Here:
Just when I think I am not going to Blog again unless it is something a little serious (lest I appear too trivial), I see a message, and I just have to respond. First of all, Anon, you really must reveal yourself. Your comment who was dating whom is almost, not quite, but almost revealing. What if I say that I know who was in Cookie's driveway. And what if I add that it is not the couple you would suspect.
Tom, I don't know where Belcher's Hill is either although I can say I know some of the other places you mentioned--not all.
Carol, I think I might have been in that Phys. Ed. class. I remember we got new uniforms, and I tormented poor Ms. Elmore to give me No. 1, and she did! What a nice lady she was. I knew you would be in Bluefield for the funeral, and my thoughts were with you. I played golf with Carl once, and he was so much fun. What a tragedy.
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Tom Dillon on May 14, 2011 7:37 AM
Brenda, yes, you may know the infamous pair who tried to park in Cookie's driveway, but we should probably keep this confidential until our 75th high school reunion to protect their boy- and girlfriend's memories who didn't know they were dating. I think this eventful night was brought up one afternoon at the swimming pool. Remember the "rest of the story"? The two initially shared that they got the car stuck in the mud having driven too far to the back of the driveway into the yard and spent most of the evening extricating the vehicle before Cookie's parents returned. You responded, "How embarrassing".
ginger goings clowers on May 13, 2011 8:14 PM
Howdy bloggers,
Reading your blogs re people, places back in the day. brings back memories of Mercer Street and Friday/Saturday night cruisers. Some may remember Bill's Drive-In. Pat (my husband) would get his payday every 2-weeks and our big treat was getting one of Bill's delicious hot dogs and a orange pop (most would say soda). Yum Yum. My brother Jerry Goings (graduated PHS in l957) later bought Bill's Drive-In and enjoyed a good business. Sad to say, Jerry died 1/2010 at age 70.
Mercer St. was a busy place back in the day and gas prices back then, WOW! Of course I'm sure some of you guys still had to cypher(sp) your gas or sneak pop's car out. Guess gas prices have slowed this pass time down quite a bit today.
Do you remember Smiley Boy Drive-In on Oakvale Rd. and car-hop "Big Footed Wanda". Best hamburgers in town guaranteed to lower your cholesterol. Who would of thought.
Ya'll keep blogging. Sure do enjoy
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"Cookie" on May 13, 2011 11:11 PM
Hey Ginger: I did not know about your brother's passing. I remember him well. I am sorry to hear that.
I sure do remember Big Foot Wanda. Before she worked at Smileys she worked at a drive in out in Green Valley on the New Bluefield Princeton Road. WHO REMEMBERS THE PERSON WHO GAVE HER THAT NAME???? I do! Can anyone tell us and get the prize. For the past 50 years I've tried to find a hot dog like Easter's dogs. Can't be found. Thats where I got my favorites also with an orange pop.
While I was in high school I worked in the ladies department at Leggetts. Big Foot Wanda used to come in and purchse turtle neck sweaters from me. Once she paid for them she would go back to the alterations department, take a pair of sissors and cut the neck out of them as well as most of the front. Wow!
I never knew how much money I made, they never told you. You just got an envelope with some money on pay day. They had just started getting in the $1 blouses from Japan. They wore very well but you had to cover your nose with a hanky when you unpacked them because they smelled like rotten fish. After you washed them they were fine. I had a ton of them.
Ole McDonel went to work in the children's department at Leggetts and one spring Mrs. Rice put the kids winter coats on sale. There were two racks lined up beside each other with coats on one side and something less valuable on the other. Brenda sold every coat in record time. Oops, she was looking at the wrong sign and sold them all 2 for $5. (had to tell that on her as punishment for her trespassing.)
I rode the Tri-City Traction bus to the courthouse then walked (in high heeled shoes) to Leggetts to get to work. We closed at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night and I walked back to the Court House to catch the 9 p.m. bus back home. Who would let their kid do that today......Remembering this fabulous old stuff is such fun. I can't wait to see whats next!
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Raymond (Wayne) Jones on May 14, 2011 12:55 PM
Hello Cookie, you know for an extra fifteen cents Tri City Traction would have let you off right in front of Leggetts, of course the boys would have missed getting to see you work those pumps down Mercer Street.
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Delores on May 14, 2011 1:47 PM
Because if I spent the 15 cents to ride the bus on down town I wouldn't have lunch money to buy a hot dog at Hickman's Pharmacy. I think my pay used to work out to about 50 cents an hour. I usually took home about $3.75 for working a Saturday at Leggetts.
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Pete Stephenson on May 14, 2011 1:00 PM
One evening I had dads big green olds and some of the guys and I were crusing mercer street.The car was getting low on gas,so I stuck my hand out to each of the riders for some gas dough.I came up with 67cents for gas.went to the blue flash put 70 cents of gas in the car and crused the rest of the night.Also after I went into the trucking business for myself,I believe the 2nd time on my way to San francisco I bought diesel fuel in Laramie,wyoming for 13 cents per gal.Good ole days gone forever.
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Pete Stephenson on May 14, 2011 1:10 PM
Pete here again, Cookie about the time you were working at Leggetts, I was working at Haddens mens store. Bet a lot of you don,t remember where Haddens was. Earl Hadden was a prince of a man, Later sold the store to Earl Kendrick. My pay at that time was 40 cents per. Probably about what you and Brenda were making at that time. I never took much money home out of my check because I was always getting something new in the store. I remember a certain young lady I was dating in high school liked white shoulders perfume. Bought her a bottle of about 5 ounces and wiped my pay out for two weeks.good ole days gone by.
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Carl on May 14, 2011 9:53 PM
I remember Big Foot Wanda vividly from her days at Smiley's – and cherish the memory 'til today. But, in the interest of full disclosure, I never knew that she even had feet.
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"Cookie" on May 14, 2011 9:58 PM
What happened Carl? I'll bet your eyes just locked up and wouldn't move.
LOL
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Ginger C. on May 14, 2011 8:38 PM
Hi Cookie, I, too, worked at Leggett. It was the Christmas holidays in 1959. Mr. Tolley was the mgr. then. As I remember, someone told me the way to get hired was to give Mr. Tolley a sob story and he would hire you. Don't remember my story though.
Note your mention of Tri-City Traction. My husband Pat drove the bus for Tri-City in 1960 for about five years. He remembers your mother riding the bus from Old Bluefield/Princeton road to town. You may have ridden the bus with him. He also drove the bus from Princeton to Concord College.
Pete S. My husband Pat tells me that those trucks at North American Van Lines may have come up a little short on gasoline at times. The story is that he and his friends (names withheld) needed a little gasoline so they could keep-on-a-cruisin. Sorry you had to solicit your friends for a few cents for gas. It just ain't fair!
Keep smiling folks and have a good week.
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gene law on May 14, 2011 9:00 PM
Love these old stories, brings back ton of memories, Big Foot Wanda got her name from that radio announcer on Smoke Rings, radio show every night Night Train was the theme song, can't remember announcer's name, she worked at Steele's Drive in at that time, she worked at Smiley's later. You folks had cushy jobs I tied wedges on a sawmill for the mines, after school and on Saturdays, got a dollar for every thousand tied and stacked. I remember Saturdays were 5 am till 7pm. always died after work on sat. night. This job lasted till I was 15, then I got a better one, Started doing that when I was 12. Well it was still good ol' days, If you had a dollar it seemed like it could buy the world. geno
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Carl on May 14, 2011 9:27 PM
Good folks, I have little to contribute to this "Down Nostalgia Lane" discussion, but I'm enjoying every entry more than I can describe. You're taking me back to a treasured time, and even tho' I feel somewhat foreign to – but recognizing of – your described experiences, I sure do appreciate your sharing them and the heartfelt images that they provoke. Please keep 'em coming.
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"Cookie" on May 14, 2011 10:02 PM
Bingo! Geno get the prize. It was the Princeton D.J., Jim Gentry (I think it was Jim but definitely Gentry.)
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Delores on May 14, 2011 10:13 PM
I agree with all my classmates. These trips down memory lane have been SO much fun. I've thought of things I hadn't remembered for decades.
Ginger: Yes, we all rode the Tri-City Traction to Bluefield and Princeton. My mother used to get dressed up and take the bus to Bluefield where she would shop all day and have lunch at the luncheon counter at the dime store. She always said she liked to go up town and watch the "office girls" during lunch to see what they were wearing. She would always find things for us to put on lay-away....no credit cards in those days. You saved until you could buy it or you made payments until it was yours. Before the bus ran in front of the house the old street car ran through our front yard. I can only remember a couple of times I got spanked (maybe I needed it more often) but the one I never forgot was with a forsythia branch for hiding easter eggs in the street car tracks. I was four years old and it was the spring we moved into the house.
It is very sad that our kids and grandkids will never experience the childhoods we had. Everyone was in the same boat so if you struggled it didn't matter. Everyone else was too. You just didn't think in those terms. We were RICH!
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Pete Stephenson on May 14, 2011 10:19 PM
Pete here,Cookie, remember him well from the radio station. Correct me if I,m wrong, but i believe his name was Harry Gentry.
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Pete Stephenson on May 15, 2011 12:42 PM
Cookie, the dime store you were referring to had to be Kresgies in the heart of downtown bluefield. I used to love to eat at Jimmys restaurant down by the colonial theatre. remember that one, or the pinnacle uptown across from Pennys. had great times there during county choir concerts in Jr. high'
Carol Martin on May 14, 2011 10:04 PM Carol here.. Did all of us girls work at Leggetts? I worked there the summer after high school, then went to Concord and frequently rode the tri-city bus. I do remember Linda and Ellen and maybe Judy Ball riding the bus. Most of the time I rode with Irwin Belcher--she had wheels. Then the following year I got a job at Bluefield Supply and rode the tri-city bus to Bluefield.
Gene and Brenda, thanks for your kind words. As I probably remarked before, because we are so much older than Carl and we moved away from the area so long ago, our paths didn't cross his very often. However, spring of 2010, he contacted Neil, invited us to a cousins' reunion, and a Kentucky Derby Party. He was on cloud nine and couldn't wait for us to meet Linda. He had business in Clemson one day and called and wanted us to meet him at Denny's and we did. Then, we never heard from him again after the wedding. I always thought he was hyper, but he was kind, polite and fun. Our hearts are sad!
Pete, I appreciate your concern about Jimmy. He seemed to recognize me, but usually thinks Jeff is RC. Jeff is a neat guy! He and Deana are two of the hardest workers I know. They are always taking classes, doing projects on their house etc. Jeff completed his Masters at VT several years back while still working.
Please keep blogging, and Brenda, that includes you!
Reply Pete Stephenson on May 14, 2011 10:37 PM
hey Ginger, Pat and some others I knew used to hit the trucks there for a little crusin petro. Dad knew that they were losing gas that way so finally they started putting locking caps on the fuel tanks. Sometimes they would have trucks sitting there with 100+gal in the tanks.
Reply Pete Stephenson on May 14, 2011 10:57 PM
Hey Geno, Carl, I know when Wanda came up to the car door it sure was hard to look at her feet. When all you could see was sweater flapping in the breeze. You know that she started car hopping for her father, Wanda Smiley was her name.
Reply gene law on May 15, 2011 2:03 PM
I didn't know her name was Smiley, Smiley's daughter? I not only never saw her feet I can't tell you the color of her eyes. I know she was famous around this area. Harry Gentry was the manager of the station years later, I thought the announcer was a Ruby, last name, anybody out there know? Didn't any of you girls work at G.C. Murphy's I remember a lot of senior girls, when I was a sophomore, seems I remember, a little record shop, across from Pctn. hosp. anybody remember that? Remember Teen Town? Trying to remember where that was, I remember going down an alley to get to it, seems like Joe Thorn opened that. Boy that was years ago, funny how these memories pop up, and its because of the blogs, I read them and think of something else, Remember the brick streets, rail tracks running through the middle of town? I know when I was a kid a big treat was a bag of popcorn from Brock's, used to vend it on the side walk, down below Brock's restaurant any body remember that, I just thought of it as I was writing this. wow, I always wondered how they laid those bricks in the streets, that would have been some hard work. old man geno out.
Reply Raymond (Wayne) Jones on May 15, 2011 2:41 PM
I remember Brocks popcorn, Grandpa Brock had a little booth out on the street where he popped and sold the popcorn.
I was thinking the other day that I remember the old Thorn Street Bridge before the present one. It was wood and steel, does anyone remember that. I was frightened to death to walk across it because there were open spaces in it.
A friend and I would run from PHS at lunch to Miss Wolwines for hot dogs for lunch, 2 and a glass of chocolate mile for 50 cents.
I was working at Mooney's BBQ for forty cents an hour and tips. I would live off of my tips and let my salary ride for a while and then cash in, I would be rich, at least I thought I was.
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William Dillon on May 15, 2011 3:55 PM
M. Herring, T. St.Clair, Don Brohard, and I all worked for Earl Kendrick in his clothing store. Terry and I worked our senior year and after graduating. I think we made $0.90 per hour, but similarly to you Pete, we purchased shirts and pants on credit as soon as the inventory arrived (we got a 10% discount) and owed most all of of our monthly pay check.
Kendrick opened a satellite boutique in Athens in a small store front on main street. St.Clair and I alternated days packing a bag lunch and taking the bus to and from Athens during the summer of 1960. Business was atrocious as there were few students at Concord for summer classes and the locals would drive to Princeton or Bluefield to shop.
I entertained myself with reading, listening to the radio, and talking on the phone. As there was also very little vehicle traffic on main street, I would go out and sit on the front walkway, roll up my shirts sleeves and pant legs and work on my tan. I was tempted several days to crawl up on the pants display and take a nap, but was afraid the display cabinet would break or Bill Moxley or Mr. Kendrick would visit for a site evaluation.
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Tom Dillon on May 15, 2011 7:05 PM
A footnote -- How many of you remember Earl Kendrick's son, Kenny?
Kenny graduated from PHS in 61 and WVU in 65. He founded a software development company when the rest of us thought that software referred to paper plates and cups. Kenny lives in Phoenix with his wife and children and is a multi-millionaire several times over. He is a strong political activist in Arizona primarily for the Republican Party. He has affiliations with several banks and investment companies.
He holds the position of managing general manager and co-owner of the Phoenix National League Baseball Diamondbacks -- I also think he once owned part of an arena football team or in-door soccer team.
Kenny has contributed millions of dollars back to WVU and has always been strongly supportive of their athletic programs, primarily football. I heard a story that he personally called Rick Rodriguez and tried to persuade him to stay at WVU as the football coach and not jump to Michigan. Rick should have listened.
Google "Kenny Kendrick" for a lot more.
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Brenda Persin on May 15, 2011 4:35 PM
Cookie, I worked at Leggett during Christmas 1959, but after the holidays, they never seemed to need me anymore. Do you think I got fired because of the coat incident and didn't even realize it? I think working there convinced me I'd better get an education--I hated it.
I agree that it is good to hear from all of you, and reading your comments certainly brings back memories.
When I would come home from college, I always wanted to go to Mooney's for a hamburger. Becky and Tom, do you remember eating barbecue potato chips and orangeade at Spangler's Drug after Sunday School? What a crazy combination of food!
Carol, Carl always called me Miss Judge. I would be playing golf, and he would yell out across the course, "how are you doing Miss Judge"--I'd respond, "misjudging every shot". He was such a fun guy and will be greatly missed.
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Tom Dillon on May 15, 2011 7:10 PM
Dillon will cool it for awhile.
Brenda -- how well I remember those after Sunday school soda fountain get-togethers. Cherry cokes and barbecue potato chips were our choice.
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Pete stephenson on May 15, 2011 8:11 PM
Tom, I understand that Kenny cut his support from WVU because of the hiring of Stewart against his will. Bill Moxley was quite of a guy. I always liked him. I believe he lived just below the Suzy Q. I had forgot all about him, until you mentioned him. One other person to mention is Talim as he called himself. How many of you remember slim walking around town smiling and having a good time with the kids that would bother him. Little Elmer and i used to take him fishing with us a lot.
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Pat Smith on May 16, 2011 2:41 AM
"Hamburger, cheeseburger, lettuce and tomato - Boiled ham, baked ham, french fried potato - Hot dog, pimento cheese and bar-be-que - A little bit of chili and some good beef stew - We've got it, come and get it - Down at Steele's Drive in.
Can't believe I remembered that commercial from WLOH in Princeton. It was Harry Gentry. I used to work with him when I had a radio show called "Concord Review", my freshman year at Concord.
I worked at G.C. Murphy in the summer and at Christmas. I think it was 60 cents an hour.
Belcher's Hill overlooked Boulder Park. I also remember a parking spot out at Glenwood Park. One night Martin & I were sitting there, discussing our marriage plans (we eloped) and who interupted us but Trupo! Didn't he beat up Curley and Mike Farley at one point? I heard he ended up his career as a sheriff in Clarksburg.
No new knees yet. I'm scheduling carpal tunnel surgery first. I see Branson for the pre-op on May 23. After that surgery, I'll schedule the knees.
Terry St. Clair just bought a house on Park Ave. in Princeton, so he'd have a place to stay when he visits his mom, who is in Princeton Health Care, where Ted Kessinger is. Ched Yearout was here last week-end fixing up his parents house, to sell later on.
Well, I have some big news (drum roll, please). Our six month anniversary for Pattycakes is the 18th, so we've decided to open an additional restaurant, Nonna's Italian Kitchen. It is located on the "V", where Straley and Mercer Street connect. It will be open on the week-end only. We are also doing catering, since all the caterers have left Princeton. The Chuck Mathena Center has asked us to cater their functions - an opportunity we couldn't pass up. I guess I'll never retire, what with trials and restaurants. I can rest when I die is my new mantra!
Loving the walk down memory lane - keep them coming.
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Tom Dillon on May 16, 2011 7:13 AM
Trupo smacked J.K. George around the night we ran him off the road -- the road out past the cemetery (Bluewell Road?). Farley, George, and J. Askew were drag racing -- 3 vehicles side by side. Trupo was literally run off the road, turned around and chased all 3 vehicles. Farley ran his "s _ _ _ wagon" or "_ hit box" as Trupo labeled his car onto the shoulder into the bushes and got away. Trupo caught up with the other two (I was a passenger in J.K's). Trupo took J.K. behind the car and blasted him for our stunt yelling that he lived on that road and had young children playing there. Several smacks were landed. We all three were then escorted to the local jail, had to empty our pockets for booking, and literally had the pee scared out of us. Khaki pants are not the pants of choice when you have some plumbing leakage.
One of you math experts, please help. What did I mean earlier when I said that Kenny Kendricks was a multi-millionaire several times over? Do you multiply multi times several or do you add the two figures? Sorry for the redundancy.
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gene law on May 16, 2011 11:27 AM
ah at last a Murphy's girl, Pat good luck with the knee thing, good memory on the ad. at wloh been trying to remember the call letters, any of you remember Hallie B. won't give the last name, if you remember I won't have to, she was talking about "The one eyed one horned flying purple pe--r eater" she really meant people" after she said that, total silence, for good 2 minutes, then a very sincere apology. Never laughed so loud and long at anything. Ya'll talk all the time about the food you ate how come I got all the weight? Trupo got a lot of folks while he was here hit me with a flashlight, well pecked me on the side of the head, "how old are you boy" seventeen I replied, "well get the hell out of here, you teenagers make my hemmoroids hurt and I don't like you" I said yessir and left. remember that lsmft Lucky strike cigarettes had on their packs, C.R. Bailey said that meant "Lord save me from Trupo" Ran me out of Dot's place out of Farley's drive in, out of Frank's, no matter where I went seemed that' where he showed up, called me "outlaw" the would laugh, more like a sneer. Always had to show I.D. he would make fun of my name being Law. He caught my uncle Bobby liscense tag ran out, told him he better get home before the law got him, go figure. Got to know him over the time he was here had a great sense of humor, he knew people were scared of him and he got great pleasure out of that. Well there were some great times back in those days. Wonder we survived in one peice. Remember when you thought you were supposed to do everything you could on a speedometer? Why would they put 120 on there if you weren't supposed to do it? Why would they make tires that screamed on pavement, if you weren't supposed to squeal 'em? Why would they make pipes so loud if you weren't supposed to hear them bellow? I'm a grown man and still have so many unanswered questions. memory lane geno out
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Michael Murphy on May 16, 2011 1:21 PM
Geno- I remember Trupo well! I had the good fortune to share an office with T.A. Welty who was Superintendant of State Police under Gov. Smith and later headed Peace Officer Training for the DOE. He told me of Trupo and the Martial Arts instr at SP Academy while being instructed on how to extracate person from a car, challenged each other and bent the steering column of a cruiser. Both were docked pay to pay for repairs. Trupo liked to fight but did keep the peace at red neck bars. Today he would contribute to the lawyers full employment act.
Tom - I met Kenny at a Tech Confrence at the Bluewell Armory in 98 or 99. His company was just starting then. If I recall correctly he told me he went to high school at a private school and did not grad from PHS? Certainly has done well for himself.
Cookie - not sure about Belcher Hill, but a Belcher (my aunts husbands brother) owened the drive in theatre and the custard stand and the Belchers owned the property that is now the Cemetery.
Fortunately we had the Mercer Country Club (now Elks) for work. Started caddying there in third grade with Billy King at 50 cents per round. Later would make $2 weekdays, $5 on Wed, $10 on Sat and Sunday. We thought we were rich and compared to many at that time probably were. I remember David (Classmate) and Charles Hicks were scratch Golfers and would win the Caddy tournaments. If we cut grass and picked up range balls we got to play early mornings during week. Was a lot better golfer at 13 than I am now.
Would like to belatedly thank and commend Emma Mallory, Nell Faulkner and Rebecca Harman for their Leadership in the 4H and Mr. Mallory (Wholesale Paint and Supply) and Dr. Kelly for their support of Little League Baseball and Jack French Jr. who gave the the grammar skills to coast through HS. fortunately 6 weeks grammer(A) 6 weeks litterature(F) and 6 wks grammer (a). got me through. Fortunatley spealing was not that import.
Keep the Faith
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Fred Lucas on May 16, 2011 6:40 PM
Like many of you, I had a part time job. When John Strong graduated from PHS, I took over his morning newspaper route. I carried newspapers from Honaker Avenue to College Hill. On Saturdays, I would go door to door to collect for the papar. One of my stops was the McManaway home. Often Cathy would come to the door. I looked and observed what she was wearing and thought oo la la.. I thought that she was stunning.
Once I threw the Sunday paper at Andy Clark's door. The glass shattered. So I rang his doorbell. He answered it while in a daze. I told him about breaking his window and apologized. I really didn't need to awaken him.
Finally, one year, the Telegraph was running a promotion for its carriers. We were asked to have our customers send in letters telling something about us. I won a trip to the Gator Bowl and saw Arkansas play Georgia Tech. I got to meet Miss America oo la la . Cathy was just as pretty as Miss America. So was our own Junior Miss America Sara.
The temperature in Princeton was 10 and in Jacksonville it was 60. I ate lobster dinners in the area. We stayed in Jessup Georgia.
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Carl on May 16, 2011 7:38 PM
Michael Malone, if you're gonna try to reclaim your Appalachian accent -- after sharing the professional heights that properly distinguish you -- I remind you that the term for "was not" is warn't. Now let's don't go gettin' above yer raisin'.
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gene law on May 16, 2011 8:09 PM
wow, info, ejucation, gossip, what a blog, nowhere else only frum 60's bloggers, can I get a attaboy girl frum n e b d e( that's anybody) iffen ya dawnt unnerstnd. geno owt
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Carl on May 16, 2011 8:18 PM
Well Geno, it goes without sayin' that you speak a language all yer own, somewhere, somehow, someway inexplicably far and beyond mere Appalachian palaver, yet eloquent all the same. You musta matriculated at some high caliber high school. (: }
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Pete Stephenson on May 16, 2011 10:58 PM
I've been all over this great nation of ours. Can only say one thing about it, take me home country roads to a place where I belong. I guess you know the rest of the story. love the blog, love the class of 60.
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gene law on May 17, 2011 8:22 AM
Carl, you write more in a sentence than this ol boy could write in a volume, all I can say is I am overwhelmed by the input of this 60's class, this class got more class than any class of classes. uh huh oh yeah geno
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Michael Murphy on May 17, 2011 12:29 PM
Murphy, Michael Malone
Carl - Please don't share my errors in syntax, idiom, spelling, enouncation, commission and ommission and I will recipriccattespl##@? GV U UR Prprs.
Seriously -Thank you and Al G for the WWW.PHS
I had the great fortune of working with Carl for several years and can attest to his great accomplishments for the young adults of the U.S.A.
Keep the faith
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"Cookie" on May 18, 2011 11:40 AM
I have been in withdrawal for 5 days. The internet has been down and I'm catching up. So with hopes that my attitude would improve they let me out on furlough for a day.
First off. Pat: The Belcher's Hill that I refer to doesn't overlook Boulder Park (I don't believe.) You went out the Old Old Bluefield Princeton Road, past the big curve, past Ched Yearout's house and directly in front of Dr. Markall's property you took a left turn and went up what is now Willowbrook Road..back then we called it Crescent Hollow. So. Internet went out and I called Verizon. For five days I've spoken to a woman in the Phillipines that I can't understand and she can't understand me. She speaks perfect English but the hint is when they start to insert words that are just weird. Tried to contact Comcast (we have had 5 days of rain and its screwed up everything) regarding my cable and I got a man in India. He also inserts weird words and told me he needed to translate my message. He couldn't understand me. I needed the Sears repairman and I got the woman from the Philippines brother. So then I go to Safeway and if I go 5 days in a row the high school age clerk who never looks at me but spends the entire time I'm in line discussing with her high school friend at the next register how much she hates her job and how they made her work when she told them she couldn't (ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS GRAB HER BY THE THROAT AND SAY...."DID YOU EVER WORK FOR PEG TOLLEY AT LEGGETTS YOU IDIOT." "Here Miss Hill, Here Miss Hill help this lady, fold some blouses, dust off that glass." So, no matter how many times a week I go to Safeway they ask if I would like to "round" up my purchase to give to charity. If I cross the street to Giant Food to get their specials since my fixed retirement is flying out the window, Giant has the same charities. Yesterday, I go into Wally World to buy dog food. The clerk asked if I would like to "round up" my purchase to contribute to the babies at the hospital. Hum????? Well, she says, this is to buy diapers and formula for the mothers at the hospital who can't afford them. What the hell? Granny here lost it at that point since I was still in internet withdrawal and the knee was killing me. "How about this for a novel idea. If you can't afford diapers and formula try buying condoms. They are cheaper." So, off to the manager Gimpy Granny goes. No! No! Says the manager. Its for infant research at the Childrens' National Medical Center in Washington, DC. I told her about the woman in the Philippines, her brother in the Philippines and the man in India. So I say to her, "If we have an actual unemployment rate in this country of 20% why are we out-sourcing jobs to the Philippines and India and if no one in this country has money anymore how can we give to charity?" She smiles. Now I can't go to Wally World anymore. I laid awake all night worrying that my picture was going to end up on the internet, "People of Walmart."
Best part of the week--I have a sink hole in the driveway and if I look down in it I can see the lady in the Philippines. She looks great. Money doesn't seem to be a problem. Nice jewelry, designer clothes, fake nails and an American flag on her computer with a little sign attached, "Thank you Uncle Sam." Gonna go eat a fried bologna sandwich and a glass of iced tea with a whole bunch of sugar in it.
That feels better.
Tom Dillon on May 18, 2011 1:58 PM
Cookie, Kay and I went to Walmart this morning and we thought we recognized one of the pictures posted on the "Wall of Shame" -- individuals barred from any and all properties owned or leased by Walmart, Sam's Club, or any other company properties for all eternity. It was you!
Kay's picture is posted on a similar wall at our local Kroger's grocery. It is a big store, but never has more than one cashier and lane open at a time. I worked with the mentally handicapped for all my professional career, but don't feel like giving free therapy to the man bagging our groceries, wishing to talk, and increasing the size of the waiting line to the back of the store.
You are hilarious!!!!! Do write a book and/or script for a new sitcom.
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Brenda Persin on May 18, 2011 11:56 AM
Cookie, I don't know if Jim George is through with his book or not, but you should be writing one--or better yet-- become the next "Phyllis Diller type" comedian. I can't stand most of the more modern comedians, so I'll go back to ole Phyllis to make a comparison. You entertain me more than anything on TV. Please keep on blogging. And Carl, I love your vocabulary--do you have a dictionary or a thesaurus beside you when you Blog?
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Cookie on May 18, 2011 5:46 PM
It’s the only way I can maintain what sanity I have left. Either the whole world has gone mad or I'm truly nuts. I don't understand "jack' anymore and I sure don't understand people's logic either. I guess thats why they call it common sense its so uncommon any more. People out there just don't get it--make old people mad and they can get down right "disorderly." I've stopped taking my cane when i go out. I'm afraid I'm gonna loose it and beat the hell out of the snarly girl behind the register--screaming at her "Smile damn it! Look at me! I'm not invisible. You wanna know lousy job--try selling $1 fish blouses from Japan." Now I know how the man at the post office felt.
They came to look at the sink hole today! "Yelp! You got a nice sink hole there lady. It might be a rotting tree stump. Or, it might be the dirt shifting or water from your drains. We 'orta' be able to fix that there for about $1,000. But wait a minute! What do you want us to do about that little Asian woman down there with that big smile on her face?" I told Homer to cover her up with gravel and then blacktop over her little smiling face. Then we'll see how many old gray panthers she can piss off.
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gene law on May 18, 2011 7:29 PM
WELCOME BACK COOKIE!!! That's what I been talkin bout, enjoyed very much felt low down and grouchy till I read your blog, send more, I can picture you doing all that. geno
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Fred Lucas on May 19, 2011 8:51 AM
Hi Cookie,
I really have enjoyed your comments. I could not imagine you or anyone else walking in high heels from Leggets to the Courthouse. Today I see many women who work in offices. They wear gym shoes to the office and switch to heels.
Your time in the grocery store was also funny. I go to a grocery store called Biggs. There high school students who are trying to raise funds for various school projects bag groceries . Just across from the checkout lane is an adult collecting money for the project. I usually donate a dollar. I remember the times at PHS when the choir would have fund raising projects.
Cookie, you might consider going on stage, perhaps at the Mathena Center to talk about your experiences.
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Carl on June 1, 2011 12:47 PM
Brenda, I do indeed keep a dictionary & thesaurus next to my computer. When I blog, I augment these by affixing a ball of silly putty to each temple and keeping a beaker of "medicinal spirits" close at hand (strictly to offset the onset of "the vapors").
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Ginger C. on May 20, 2011 2:41 PM
Hey Cookie,
Take a Xanax and have a Botox party. If it works, let me know and I'll give it a try. (haha).
Y’all keep on bloggin.
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"Cookie" on May 20, 2011 3:46 PM
Ginger: To tell you the truth I was saving for a facelift and built a new front porch instead. May have been a poor decision! If I had gotten the facelift instead maybe I'd be too occupied to get annoyed! Hum! Life is about choices.
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Ginger C. on May 21, 2011 8:57 PM
Hello o o o out there in blogville, anyone at home. I'm getting bored.
I was thinking back, again. My brother, Jerry, drove a blue '49 ford with the back end lowered to the ground and he also belonged to a "Hot Rod" club. Later, guys drove around with the back end of their cars jacked up. I'm thinking this was the early 50's. Maybe this was just a certain group of guys just wanting to be different. I'm not sure if it was still popular for PHS guys in your age group.
Don't keep it to yourself, get bloggin.
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"Cookie" on May 21, 2011 9:21 PM
Oh Goodness! Now we are talking about rears. All I can say about that right now is that mine must be lowered because I think its "dragging." In fact, everything I have is "dragging." There was a time when I could sit a dinner plate on it. Last time I tried the plate slid off.
Oh I'm sorry! Someone just walked by and told me you were talking about cars. My mistake!
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Cousin Ambiguous on May 22, 2011 8:04 AM
Cousin Anon asked me to respond to your latest cryptic entry. Given my PHS-based knowledge of trigonometry, advanced training in engineering, and graphic design interests, I have been trying to envision how a plate could ever rest on your behind. I purport that you had to be face down on your stomach to accomplish this feat. Otherwise, your derriere protruded out more than the average PHS lady.
By the way, how did you get your moniker? I always respectively called you Miss Hill. Don't tell us that it was the first verbalization you made as a young child.
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"Cookie" on May 23, 2011 12:46 PM
Oh my! You obviously need to get your cataracts fixed. They come in all sizes, shapes, forms....some flat, some chubby, some knotty. They have them over in Wally World big enough for a dinner plate, salad plate and a wine glass. Haven't seen mine in its entirety for quite some time because the full length mirror in my closet has shrinking disease. So do all my clothes. It happened sometime between midnight and 7 a.m. last year. When I went to bed everything fit. When I got up my entire closet held nothing but Barbie Doll clothes. Where are those $1 Japanese blouses when you need them.
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"Cookie" on May 24, 2011 8:52 PM
Nickname from my four aunts (ages 6, 10, 12 & 15) who didn't like the given name. First utterance was not cookie it was a sentence...the one closest to my heart....."Now, dats a crock of ....."
Not to get too verbose, Over and Out!
P.S. I'm wearing out my dictionary here Dude! Could you give the "bus kids" a break?
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Ginger C. on May 22, 2011 8:17 AM
Hey Cookie, Sorry, next time I'll draw a picture. Only thing is, I can't draw.
Talkin bout "rears & such", I could use an entire body lift. "Only thing is" (I recollect saying that before) if all the excess baggage were pushed, pulled, lifted & tucked back where it belongs, wouldn't be room for the rest of the important stuff. Besides that, I can't afford it and Medicare won't pay for it. At the risk of becoming totally boring to y’all, I'll sign off.
P.S. My '93 Ford Explorer could also use a complete overhaul, but I really can't afford that either. Maybe I'll just jack-up the rear-end (still talkin bout my car, Cookie). Might be a fun ride.
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Fred Lucas on May 22, 2011 5:57 PM
Tom Dillon spoke about going to the Mercer County Jail. I was a visitor there. In high school, I was a member of Explorer Post 66. One evening I received a phone call from our leader asking me to come to the jail. Two of our members stole some fruit from a fruit market and didn't pay for the fruit. The members were asked to come to the jail.
When we arrived, we were taken on a tour of each section. When we arrived at the women's section, we looked behind the bars and the glass. One woman yelled "what do you think this is a zoo?' The men's section smelled like it hadn't been cleaned in months. When we arrived at the juvenile section, who did we see but our classmate Matthew King.
That experience made a distinct impression on me and the others in the group. We never wanted to be jailed.
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Tom Dillon on May 23, 2011 3:55 PM
We, who blog on the PHS site, move from being verbose to being reticent. Has everyone begun the Memorial-Day-long weekend early? Severe storms due here again in about 1 hour.
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Fred Lucas on May 25, 2011 8:42 PM
I checked the Princeton Times last week. I learned that the City Council has requested that residents submit a slogan that would characterize Princeton. For example New York City is known as the Big Apple. Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love. Roanoke is known as the Star City of the South. Cincinnati is known as the Queen City of the West.
If any of you want to submit a slogan contact city council. The city offices are located at 100 Courthouse Road 24740. Fax number is 304-487-5030. The phone number is 304-487-5020. I don't have an E-Mail Address.
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ginger on May 26, 2011 2:53 PM
I learned two new words today. Thanks Tom D.
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Pete Stephenson on May 27, 2011 6:14 PM
I hope everybody has a safe weekend and lots of fun and laughs with family and friends. Don't forget to give thanks for the young men and women in our armed forces that are providing us the right to live our lifestyles as we wan't.I've made the trip from home to Atlanta again today to pick up my treasured grandson K.C. for the summer. Just found out that he was tops in his 3rd grade class in math, science, and english. Very proud of him. Honor roll also. Have a safe weekend everyone.
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"Cookie" on May 29, 2011 3:52 PM
Can you cook brown beans on the grill? If its Memorial Day you have to fire up the grill! Went to the Safeway for some cheap hamburger meat. It was $4.89 a pound. I bought a bag of pinto beans instead. Miss Congeniality didn't ask me if I wanted to "round up" my purchase for charity. Thats the answer--always buy beans! I'll let you know how they taste on day old hamburger buns. I figure anything tastes good if you wash it down with sweet tea--real sweet.
God bless America and God bless and watch over our troops.
Reply Tom Dillon on May 29, 2011 4:07 PM Dillon here -- I don't know about beans on hamburger buns, but try this -- we purchased ground oyster shells at the local feed store to spread around our hostas to control slugs (they don't like the rough surface on their sensitive under bellies). As we had more than we needed (10 lb. bag was the smallest), we combined with 1/4 lbs. of ground turkey, powdered milk, and dandelion greens. My throat is raw for some reason and I have had to remain close to a bathroom all afternoon, but the recipe was delicious.
Thanks for the updates, Fred. Glad everyone is doing fairly well.
Ched here... I’ve been off for quite a spell and just checkin' in. I really enjoy reading Cookie's rants ... so funny. Also thanks to Fred for keeping us up to date on health concerns of our classmates. Fran especially has been in a real struggle and I am glad of her recent reports. Mike Farley doing well also... prayers answered!
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable memorial day and wonderful summer. God bless our troops and thanks to each and everyone who has served.....
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Anonymous Surname on May 30, 2011 6:20 PM
Anonymous -- Ched who? Did you go to school at PHS or are you a Bluefield High hacker? What have you been doing?
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Carl on May 31, 2011 12:19 PM
Hey Music Lovers and Memory Laners, are you familiar with www.pandora.com? It's a marvelous free site with something for ALL musical tastes. You set up favorite "radio stations" based on an artist, a song, or a musical type. [As I write this, I'm listening to my "Doo Wop" station, a perfect accompaniment to your "yester-year" blog comments.] The free version runs some ads -- gotta pay for this some way -- but there's also a subscription version with no ads. Give it a test drive.
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gene law on May 31, 2011 5:28 PM
Hey Carl tnks for info great radio, pick out any music you want, good stuff, not what they try to pass for music these days, makes ya wanna get up and move about. Hey Fred thanks for your effort to keep us all informed about classmates. Dillon did your shells come out alright, I can see where that might be a cure for hemmoroids. geno
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Carol Martin on June 1, 2011 10:45 AM
Carol here.. Sorry about the extra key strokes. Carl, what causes the to occur?
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Carl on June 1, 2011 12:14 PM
1. If the "security code" is not accepted, the software replaces formatting codes and special characters (e.g., fonts, quote marks) with garbage. 2. I think that odd entries sometimes occur when you try to format text [e.g., bold, italics] by simply clicking the icon at the beginning and end of terms/phrases. I find that the best approach is to block what you want to format differently and then click the formatting icon. [I could be wrong -- Ouch! What a loathsome notion.] Good luck.
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Michael Murphy on June 1, 2011 3:27 PM
Cookie - I agree whole-heartedly. A family of 4 in WV has no incentive to make over $48,000.00. They pay no fed income taxes are eligible for insurance for kids under CHIPS, qualify for pell grants, HUD rent supplement and food stamps etc. and if they can work off the books in addition or a 1st source of income make 30% more in construction. A HUD recip whose rent is 700/month pays 140.
I believe in taking care of the real needy but the government is going far beyond the call of duty. For instance leaving kids on health insurance until 26 is crazy it was already to 23 if going to college.
There is little incentive for work and I feel sorry for those who are now graduating with a liberal arts BA, unless they know someone they will have to work for minimum wages.
It is unbelievable that congress and the admin has not passed a budget for over 2 years.
We need a balanced budget at the federal level like WV has had since 1936.
Enough ranting - Hope everyone is well happy and prosperous.
My Hero Carl - where is spell check?
Keep the Faith
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Carl on June 1, 2011 4:46 PM
I fear that if I revealed the Spellcheck function, you'd no longer consider me your hero.
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Carl (again) on June 1, 2011 4:48 PM
BTW, Andy Jackson said it best: "It's a damn poor mind that can think of but one way to spell a word."
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"Cookie" on June 1, 2011 6:16 PM
When I can't spell it, which is most of the time, I pick another word.
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Raymond (Wayne) Jones on June 2, 2011 10:36 AM
I'm with you Cookie, I look for another word on the days that I am sharp enough to realize that I don't know how to spell.
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gene law on June 2, 2011 5:52 PM
wots al dis wory bout spelng dnt u thnk pepl cn figru it out. bet evrybdy cn rd dis. If u kant rite n let me no. geno
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"Cookie" on June 2, 2011 8:00 PM
YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!
I've been saving this because I felt no one would believe me. But, Mike's recent rant gave me comfort in that I no longer feel alone. I do live in Maryland you know. I can't see Russia from my front porch but I am a stone's throw from D.C. I recently went to lunch with my dear friend, a 97 year old widow. I go as frequently as possible since she is so up-lifting. She walks with a cane only because she was up on a kitchen chair last winter washing windows and it kicked out as she puts it. She has been a widow for 40 years and has outlived more boyfriends than all the Golden Girls combined. She is however still looking and never misses a viewing. She tells me you never know who you will meet. She went to Key West with our 60's rock n' roll crew a couple of years ago and wore me out on DuVal Street. She smokes like a chimney and every evening at 5 she hosts the daily cocktail party for her widowed neighbors. She tells me the women are just becoming old and she is sick of hearing about their blood pressure, joints and the price of brand. How old are these ladies? Well, she says Janet is 74 and Maggie is probably O.K.I always have to stop at the WaWa convenience store on the way home so she can pick up a cartoon of Virginia Slims.
She tells me that she was recently in line at CVS. The line was growing longer and longer. A Hispanic woman was in a heated conversation that was growing louder and louder. She wanted a refund on a bottle of Oil of Olay. Her command of the King's English became more laboured of course as the conversation escalated. The clerk says, Miss, you can't get a refund on this bottle unless you bring back the other one you received. They were offered buy one-get one free. Yes says the customer, I am keeping the free one and I want my money back on this one.
So I say to my friend....Well, let me tell you about my boots! During the mid-term elections the state party hired a recent political science graduate from Missouri to run our phone bank. We all took her under our wing, cakes, dinners, gifts, etc. She was working 12 hour days. One day I arrived to find her in the most fabulous boots I've ever seen. They were plaid Wellies--you know the kind all the horsey set in Middleburg, VA and the English countryside wear. Where did you get those I asked? She informed me she got them at Lord & Taylor in Annapolis. That was right after she took me to the window to point out the new car her father's driver brought over from St Louis--a new Lexus. At that point I wanted my cupcakes back. So, off to Annapolis I go--$179. I drove back home. empty handed.
A few days later I was walking through Wally World and lo & behold there was a whole table of solid black Wellies for $18.
As you know, cheap shoes in Wally World are always hooked together with a plastic tie that must have been developed by NASA. This pair had no tie and a price tag was stuck to the left boot. I put them on the counter and the clerk picked up the left boot and rang it up. She then picked up the right boot--no price on the bottom so she rang the left boot a second time. "Your total is $38.88." I told her she charged me twice for the boots. So, she picked up one boot and laid it aside for return. "Your total is $19.08." I looked at her and asked what about my other boot. With a smirk she asked if I wanted two boots or one. I looked down at my feet and told her I didn't have a peg leg and I thought I needed two boots...one for each foot. At that point I asked for a manager. She arrived and I explained the situation. She put the key in the register, bagged my Horsey Set boots, never looked at me or said a word. I was on my way feeling just like Sarah Ferguson.
IF THIS WASN'T SO PATHETIC IT WOULD BE FUNNY. THEY WALK AMONG US!
Signing off after another verbose rant.
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Carl on June 2, 2011 8:29 PM
Cookie, what an inspiration you are. After all the talk about spelling, I read thru your well detailed anecdotes and didn't spot a single misspelling. YOU GO GIRL!!!
Also. I loved the story about the $18/36 boots. And I want to grow up just like your 97-year-old friend (but without undergoing a sex change). Take care; keep the entertainment coming.
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Delores on June 2, 2011 11:35 PM
Carl: She can spell because that old fool only uses little words.
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Carl on June 3, 2011 4:59 PM
Well, she types right good too.
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Delores on June 3, 2011 5:48 PM
She should! Back in the day she was a typing teacher and she has a gradebook set up for this blog. Whole bunch of people are going to repeat Keyboarding 1.
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Pete Stephenson on June 3, 2011 7:40 PM
Pete here, Geno it looks like we have two typing teachers looking out for all our miscues. Brenda and Deloris.I'm sure glad that Cookie(love here to death) is on our side,at least I think she might be.the past couple days has been quite entertaining to say the least.Ched,good to see you back on the blog.Dillon,had a good conversation with Gee last week.We,re going to get together for lunch in the near future.You guys keep up the chatter.Cookie I hope you go easy on Geno and I.Brenda roughed us up pretty bad.
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"Cookie" on June 4, 2011 12:11 AM
Well, I only failed skinny. blond cheerleaders with perfect tanned bodies who only knew three words as shown below:
"OH MY GOD!"
I tutored the guys after school and they all passed.
Should never have told you guys I knew how to type. Big mistake! Chow!
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Pete Stephenson on June 4, 2011 3:29 PM
cookie who was the typing teacher at PHS? Ms Hatcher is the only one I can think of. I remember the day that we first got the electric typewriters. Man they were something to play around with. Just remember that Geno and I are watching you and Brenda.You gals have a good weekend.
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gene law on June 4, 2011 6:35 PM
Hey Pete wasn't the typing teachers name Lilly, or has me memory gone where cookie is, the reason cookie understands us so well cookie can look into dark places and see light, into light places she sees more light, some folks call that a gift, and I suppose it is. cookie is also not a demanding person, one of those folks who live and let live, that is except for contractors, checkout girls. Any way all they can do is call the blog police, or ignore us, sometimes I think they do that any way. ol southern saying, "oh. my my how nice", it really means who the hell cares. I'll leave you with this thought Oh my my how nice. geno
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Pete Stephenson on June 4, 2011 9:16 PM
Geno, the way my mind runs sometimes Bus Brown could have been the typing teacher. Who was Mrs.Hatcher? was she the librarian. { hey Carl, spell check please} I know we pick on Cookie sometimes, but she’s a big girl now and Me thanks she can handle the pressure. Delores what happened to the sink hole in your yard? Never heard any more from that situation. I have a similar problem here. You get some dumb a-- from the county out to look at the situation and all you get is dumb a-- answers. I believe all these people go to the same school.
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Delores on June 4, 2011 9:55 PM
Geno: Typing teachers were Jessie Lilly and Miss Keatley. I think I had both. I just saw in the paper where Mrs. Houchins passed away.
Also per your post: You can get away with saying anything if you preface it with "Bless his heart."
Pete: Sinkhole: I got an excavating company out. They brought a huge backhoe, removed the asphalt and dug down probably five feet and the ground was as solid as a rock and dry as a bone. They were expecting tree stumps, water drainage, etc. They found none of that. There was a hairline crack in the asphalt that I think the bulldozer caused last winter when we got 48 inches of snow and no one had a tractor large enough to plow my drive. I had to get a construction company to clear me out. Next time I'm just going to wait for the spring thaw. They alternated layers of fill dirt with gravel and tamped it down good between each layer. They are coming back next week to put the asphalt down. I haven't a clue how much it is going to cost me. Yes, they covered up the woman in the Philippines. Bless her heart!
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gene law on June 5, 2011 7:40 PM
Well bless your heart and memory, thanks, I had forgotten that, can't believe I admitted that, but truly I now remember it well. If it'll only last. I had one of those sinkholes about 10 yrs. ago, I hauled a couple loads of rock, put a couple loads of dirt, and covered with gravel, still holding, didn't see no little ol' ladies in there though guess my hole wasn't deep as yours. geno out
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Tom Dillon on June 5, 2011 7:48 PM
Cookie, perhaps you had a "kettle bottom" which fell through to a lower level of the earth creating your sink hole. This is a legitimate mining term which refers to a large rock or piece of petrified wood, cylindrical in shape which is embedded in coal. It is thought to be the remains of the stump of a large, prehistoric tree that did not transition to coal. The kettle bottom may drop without warning from typically the roof of a coal mine or vein because of its weight.
How do I know this piece of trivia? Mike's Herring's and my maternal grandfather was killed in a mining accident wherein the findings were that a large kettle bottom had fallen on him. This was probably circa 1915 -1925 in West Virginia near Welch.
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"Cookie" on June 5, 2011 9:29 PM
Tommy: Nope, ain't no coal here in Calvert County Maryland. Just sand, water, blue crabs. old tobacco farmers and "People of Walmart." Thanks though, I "larned" something.
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Brenda Persin on June 6, 2011 3:41 PM
Cookie, OH MY God!!
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Pete Stephenson on June 6, 2011 8:38 PM
Cookie sounds to me like there is about 5000 really good people in your area and a few crusty ole crabs that hang out at wally world. I hope I don't get to that stage in life that I have to hang at mackie d's or wally world. Those cute skinny little girls in your typing class mush have lived thru hell to pass your class. O MY GOD, shame on you.
Thomas,where is fish these days?Overseas or what.
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"Cookie" on June 6, 2011 11:08 PM
McDonel: Oh My God What? Did I finally say something that dragged you away from your card game?
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Tom Dillon on June 7, 2011 6:25 AM
Pete, I am ashamed to say that Herring and I do not stay in close contact. The last info (perhaps on the blog) was that his wife's mother was ill and that they might be relocating to northern WV. to care for her.
C-mates, I never learned to type until I was in the 2nd year of jr. college and then not well. I always had a girlfriend and convinced her to type anything for me that needed to be submitted in typewritten form. Becky has carpal tunnel to this day.
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"Cookie" on June 8, 2011 1:05 AM
I attended my "conservative" club meeting last night. We always begin our meetings with the pledge to the flag. Last night we ended the meeting with the Oscar Mayer Weiner jingle. I think it should be permanent with an official change in the By-Laws.
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Anonymous 2 on June 9, 2011 11:20 AM
How about a slogan for Princeton with "For a good time take a ride down Mercer Street"?
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"Cookie" on June 9, 2011 1:14 PM
McDonel: If it were anyone else posting I'd give them a pass but since its this character again I need to verify my evaluation. Its been awhile and I have to think about it but isn't the question mark supposed to be inside the parenthesis?
P.S. Fun on Mercer Street could be forever.
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Carl on June 9, 2011 4:11 PM
Well I do declare: old PHS English teachers must be smiling down from Grammar Heaven to see a discussion of question mark placement inside/outside quotation marks. Why, it's enough to "warm the cockles . . ." (as they used to say). Be prepared for a "pop quiz?"? tomorrow.
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Brenda Persin on June 9, 2011 4:44 PM
Cookie, I don't even think Anonymous wrote a question. I think it should be a period inside the parentheses. Where are our four Valedictorians when we need them?
On another subject, I was thinking of Phillip Selig the other day. He was my chemistry lab partner, and we used to crack up every time Mr. Durr talked about the "rotten agg odor" of sulphur.
Ok Carl, give us the quiz.
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Carl on June 9, 2011 6:18 PM
OK, but only because you asked -- I could never deny you anything, but I guess that's another story for another time.
Q. A train leaves Chillicothe, OH at 11:30 a.m. heading west at 45 mph; another leaves Carmel, IN at noon heading east at 55 mph. (a) Will these trains ever pass each other? (b) Do you really care? (c) If "yes" to (b), please explain why.
[In deference to your chemistry lab experience, I wanted to construct a question re combining 2 liquids to produce a mixture of 30% something-or-other, but I can't stand even to think about it.]
BTW, the talk of pop quizzes reminded me that the number of times that I panicked at the announcement of a pop quiz was, coincidentally, exactly equal to the number of announced pop quizzes. I always suspected that those students who didn't panic were ones who (1) paid attention in class, (b) did their homework, and (c) retained what they read. I rarely liked them.
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Anonymous #1 on June 9, 2011 6:19 PM
Anonymous #1 -- Who is this Anonymous #2? Has my identity been stolen? I don't know him/or her.
Should it be Anonymii #2? My cousin Ambiguous will figure this out.
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Pete Stephenson on June 9, 2011 8:07 PM
Brenda do you remember the day Mr.Durr turned the canister over and we had to evacuate the building, He stay right there in the class room and participated in the clean up. I believe that was CS2 to my knowledge. Wasn,t the best chemistry student. I also was in his class one day and he set the seat of his trousers on fire with a knife he used to cut something or another up. Can,t remember what the substance was but it was stored in water I believe and ignited when dry. Mr Durr was a prince of a man. I believe that Mrs Ball was actually a chemistry teacher and Mr. Durrs background was physics. I lived at Lerona, right before you get to Pipestem for 12 years, My wife Judy was Mrs Ball’s caregiver when she passed. Mr. Ball passed a few months back. A dear friend and comrade.
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"Cookie" on June 9, 2011 8:28 PM
My response to Carl's quiz! I couldn't care less about either train unless one was a troop train of marines on their way to destinations unknown. In that case count me in! Please don't tell Delores I said this. She always gets her "proper" panties in such a knot when I disgrace the family with my "episodes." Maybe that's why she is so unhappy! Grumpy old broad!
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Carl on June 10, 2011 11:25 AM
Cookie, the thought of you and a troop train of marines is even more unsettling than a pop quiz. (: }
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Brenda Persin on June 10, 2011 9:54 AM
Anonymous 2 here. I told you Anonymous #1 if you'd fess up then I would.
Brenda Persin on June 10, 2011 9:58 AM
Now how many of you so called Anonymous people out there have I thoroughly confused?
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Michael Murphy on June 10, 2011 10:39 AM
Carl - (were all of the times eastern?)?
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Carl on June 10, 2011 12:05 PM
Now that's funny. [Sounds like a question that Cookie might have asked.]
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Pete Stephenson on June 10, 2011 9:39 PM
Hey Murphy, that was a cool way you covered your rear with the 2 question marks at the end of you sentence. one on each side of the mark.
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"Cookie" on June 11, 2011 10:35 PM
So, now I've learned that BOTH Arney and McDonel lay claim to being #2. I always knew they were full of---- Oh! I'm sorry.
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Michael Murphy on June 12, 2011 12:52 PM
Pete - thanks for the compliment, I think(?)?
Carl - your answer was untimely?
Cookie- "I would like to say if I have offended any of my constitutients (SIC) or my detractors I am sorry?"
I take full responsibility?
signed Honorable Rep Wee Ner
Carl - "since you won't give a spell check I have resorted to quoting and if I can't Spll (SIC) I blame someone I am quoteing (SIC)?"
Keep the faith
Fred Lucas on June 14, 2011 7:34 PM
Recently, I sent a letter to Linda Ferrell.I told her how very much my parents, brother and I enjoyed eating at the Diner. The food was good and Mickey our server was quite efficient. She had a daughter but I don't remember her name.
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"Cookie" on June 15, 2011 12:11 PM
The sun is out on a cloudless day here at the hospital on the shores of the Chesapeake. 72 degrees, no humidity. The staff felt this perfect day could be beneficial to the patients so we are enjoying the weather in the garden overlooking the dumpsters.
My husband's nephew, a retired career Air Force Colonel with a string of academic credentials and a highly successful career has posted a question on his blog. I am shocked at his question since I always considered him particularly intelligent. Before I respond to him I thought I'd pass it along to my verbose Tigers for your opinion. His question was: "Why was it when I grew up that Mom stayed at home, Dad worked one job. We had a house, one car, food on the table, a full Christmas stocking, took a vacation every summer, and he retired at 62--all with a high school education. What went wrong?" Before I respond with a "Duh!" I'd like your opinion.
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Pete Stephenson on June 15, 2011 1:39 PM
Cookie, I,m sure glad that the staff let you out for some fresh air. Don,t know how fresh since you are the where the dumpsters are. Do they have you in a straight jacket or can you move your arms any. Most women like to talk with their hands so this I,m sure this is a problem. When people started overliving their incomes in the early 70s is when I believe the economy and family life went down hill. everyone had to have two cars,a vacation home somewhere and most of all they had to out do their neighbors. I believe a false since of security turned out to be a lot of insecurity. Not only for the citizens of this country but the government as well. A screwed up mess.
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"Cookie" on June 15, 2011 4:33 PM
Pete: Maybe we need the TOP 10 LIST.
P.S. No, I'm not in a strait jacket. I've been realllllllllllll nice to Bruiser.
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Pete Stephenson on June 15, 2011 7:47 PM
Cookie, Its gratifying to know that Bruiser lets you out to play without the jacket.Mighty nice of him to do that for you.a top 10 list might serve the purpose.i hope you don,t have to stay there in the slammer very long. Maybe that honery delores will bail you out. The funny farm is not the place to be. A word to the wise,don,t double click the submit button or you will do like me again. Why hasn,t Brenda got on you about the blunder.HMMMMM.
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Brenda Persin on June 15, 2011 8:00 PM
OK, OK, OK, give me a break. I'm really not the b----- Mokie called me in high school.
Now I have to clear up the Anon thing. After the first Anon was quiet for awhile, I decided to bait him or her by posting as Anon myself. Then I became Anon #2 and Arney became Anon #3. But then Arney forgot she was #3 and posted as Anon #2. Is that all perfectly clear? It is time for Anon #1 to come clean!
Cookie, I promise to rescue you if Delores refuses to help.
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"Cookie" on June 15, 2011 11:33 PM
Oh Lord! Round up the Reunion Committee and get something organized. Looks like we don't have much time because Brigitte Bardot and the Homecoming Queen are losing it.
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Pete Stephenson on June 16, 2011 10:37 AM
Hey Brenda, I never thought you were a b----. Just thought you talked a lot. Anyway about the anon, If you give someone enough rope they will hang themselves. I hate to think that Navarro is swing down there in the hot sun of floridaville. Looks like you both fessed up. Now for #1lets face up and get this over with. Driving some of the girls crazy. Poor Cookie, Delores sure makes it hard on her. Just breaks my lil ole cottin picken heart to hear all that she does to her.lv ya have a good day. Hey Geno where you is?
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Delores on June 16, 2011 11:31 PM
Printing in Tiger Blue!
Besides Anonymous #1 there is one person who knows who it is....the webmaster can determine whose e-mail address generated the message. Makes one wonder....Carl are you ready to confess?
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Carl on June 20, 2011 8:03 PM
Sorry darlin' and all others,
This ole web custodian has no way of identifying where blog postings come from. But one thing is for certain: NONE of the Anonymouses -- 1, 2 or 3 -- is Carl Thomason. Most of the posts under those names are intelligent, serious and provocative. None of these qualities appear in anything that I post. I'm just a shameless old coot always looking for a laugh, and I damn sure don't want my identity hidden in case I ever say something that's actually funny.
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Brenda Persin on June 17, 2011 2:47 PM
You are right, Pete. I did talk a lot, and I have spent the last 50 years trying to overcome my propensity to do this. Now, here I am running my mouth and spewing nonsense on this Blog. I promise to get off and let the rest of you have your say.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 18, 2011 7:23 AM
Brenda please don't stop. I love reading all of this. I did hear that Pat Smith fell and broke her hip Thursday night. Praying for a quick recovery.
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gene law on June 18, 2011 5:57 PM
got to tell you folks about my adventure, started off with 3 mile swim, 220 contestants, I came in 3rd, then the 9 mile bike race, I was huffin and puffin, but was holding my own, got to 3 mile hill went across it like it was an ant hill, down hill now get chance to rest and catch my wind back, then I saw the leader of the pack I thought man I've got a chance nerves tense muscles taught chest leaning over the handlebars, aerodynamics you know, legs pumping, I can't believe it I'm catching this guy, then I see the yellow tape across the road, finish line is in sight got to push harder my front wheel is even with his back wheel, then I saw the tape break, so close, oh well now the foot race starts, a 5k, gonna be tough put my running shoes on, grab a bottle of water, and hit the road running pitty pat pitty pat pitty pat, shoes hitting the asphalt no wheels now just pure adrenalin and muscle and tennis shoe rubber on the road, I looked just ahead of me and saw the leader and I'm catching him I think to myself if I just work a little harder put forth more effort I can not only catch this guy, I can pass him, one more drink of water and toss the bottle, now it's gonna be a foot race to the finish, seems like in no time at all I see the yellow tape across the road, now we are side by side, stride for stride, and there is the finish line if I can just make a desperate lunge I can cross first with a desperate lunge I threw myself out of bed and woke up, shucks I'll never know who won that race. That is what life is its our moments, one moment more of sleep, I would know who won, oh well, a glass of chocolate milk, and a peanut butter and banana sandwich will suffice and soothe all disappointment, you know what they say in the old country.......I hope you do cause I don't. Brenda that b-----everyone uses that's gotta be for beautiful, right? geno
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"Cookie" on June 19, 2011 12:23 AM
Sounds like Geno had a peanut butter and banana sandwich before he went to bed.
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Pete Stephenson on June 19, 2011 6:07 PM
Brenda don,t pay any attention to what I tell u, I always thought you were a very personable girl. Then and now. As for Geno and the banana sandwich, I believe it was dill pickle and pnut butter being chased with a cool bud lite. every time i ever did that I don,t believe I ran in any marathons though. Usually hung out in bathroom in a terrible mess. I didn't know about Pat. Hope all is ok gal. take care of yourself. Happy fathers day to all you dads out there in tiger land. have a good day. Brenda,don't stop talking here on the blog. Just pulling on wonder woman’s cape.
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Becky Novarro on June 20, 2011 4:22 PM
Well, I have promised myself I wouldn't get on the blog again but I cannot resist the peanut butter combo so common in the south. I introduced my husband to peanut butter sandwiches and he gained a whole lot of weight. He had never had peanut butter as a kid because his Italian mother didn't think it was nutricious. Crap, Mrs. Teachers, I know it is spelled wrong!
Makes me want a sandwich. See ya later Tigers!
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"Cookie" on June 20, 2011 5:17 PM
Hold on while I look "that there" word up in my Funk & Wagnalls.
Pete Stephenson on June 20, 2011 7:55 PM
Pete here, There is one thing for certain that I have learned here on the blog the past few months. You just don't know what you are going to read here on the blog. Homecoming queen, you had better not stay off the blog. I,d hate to come all the way to floridaville to switch your legs. get on her Cookie give that girl a good tongue lashing. As far as the peanut butter goes, I had a new england patriots middle line backer as my next door neighbor, 6"5" 265 and he ate peanut butter by the jars. High protein I guess. later/
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"Cookie" on June 20, 2011 8:10 PM
The Homecoming Queen is in Princeton watching her better half's tomato plants grow and going to street fairs on Mercer Street. All this old broad does is pick up limbs and trash out of the yard and woods after the 1000th Chesapeake Bay storm. Why didn't I marry rich like my Momma told me to do?
gene law on June 20, 2011 8:15 PM
HEY! HEY! HEY!, what is this, every time I get on the blog some one writes, I ain't getting on the blog anymore, I ain't blogging again. over and over there is a someone else who ain't gonna blog again, precious people go back and read what you classmates have written, count your blessings to know these people and be a part of them, I feel very fortunate to have read this blog a lot of my classmates I thought were snooty are good people shame on me for thinking that, no don't quit blogging, even if you think no one reads it, put my picture on the wall and say there's one ol' boy that loves all the comments, call me getting to know you for the first time, don't let this ol' man down by quitting, just picture this fat ol' man sitting in front of his computer laughing out loud enjoying folks I know, when I read your writing I can see your faces so plainly in my mind's eye, that's God's t.v. he gave us you know. I absolutely think this blog is great, I thank Carl every day he come up with this, when I read you are thinking about quitting the blog, or ain't gonna blog no mo' I get down in the dumps in my psyche, come on where's that ol' TIGER SPIRIT, if you don't have any thing to say, you can log on and say HELLO IDIOT, i'LL KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING TO and I'll get a kick out of it but plz don't quit, nobody likes a quitter. I have an appreciation of this high school class, like you wouldn't believe, love hearing those ol' war stories. Some one once said even if we can't go home again, it's o.k. because we just open up our memory lane, walk down it, and we are home again. yeahhhh boy. geno
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"Cookie" on June 20, 2011 8:28 PM
Everyone was snotty in high school. They were all trying to prove they were grown up. No one knows everything better than a 16 year old. Just ask my grand daughter. I can't hold it against her though--its in the DNA--her college educated mother ask me not long ago were Viet Nam was located. I told her it was just below Kegley.
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Brenda Persin on June 20, 2011 10:02 PM
Did you think I was going to abandon the PHS Blog? I love you Pete , Darla, and Geno.
Cookie, do you remember Kegley Tech?
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"Cookie" on June 20, 2011 11:08 PM
Yelp! If I didn't know better and hadn't spent so much money I'd swear thats where my kid went to school.
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Pete Stephenson on June 21, 2011 2:00 PM
Brenda I'm sure glad you and the homecoming queen haven't left the blog yet.We all have our diffrences I know but one thing for certain is (We are all family of sorts) we have argued over the years and even got mad at each other for some time, but we always come back to each other. Call it what you may, I just call it family. I love all you guys for what we had in our growing years. Yes, I do remember Kegley tech, thought about going there myself. Just remember one thing, No matter what you've become in life or where you go you will always come back sooner or later to the class of 1960.The best graduating class of all time from PHS.just remember family and all will be ok. we have each others backs. no one is ever left behind.
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gene law on June 21, 2011 2:49 PM
I tawt I taw a putty tat, it wasn't it was tigers on the blog hallelujah, I'm glad you haven't gone away, Pete it's good to see you so faithful even when you repeat, Brenda with the big B glad you didn't leave, and dear sweet kooky, oops sorry I really meant cookie, can always count on you, for a blog, I just wish the other bloggers would come on back home, remember that, ol' tune "away from home away from home cold and tired and all alone, and I'm still one blog away from home", or something like that, Becky miss ya, seems like you've been gone for so long, did you folks hear about the man that told his wife he was gonna make her the happiest woman in the world, she said I'm gonna miss you darling. call me happy geno once again.
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Becky Novarro on June 21, 2011 8:20 PM
Thank you for my welcome back. I read the blog every day and love all that Cookie and Delores rant on about. Now how can I top that! Happy first day of summer, glad I took a nap as it is the longest day! Also, Happy Birthday to Tom Dillon. Geno, I hope I don't pass you in a store and not speak. No, my fat ----, is in Princeton and I love it. Pete, it took you soooo long to rejoin us, thanks for being at the 50th.
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Michael Murphy on June 22, 2011 12:11 PM
Does anyone remember Giato Tech?
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gene law on June 22, 2011 1:48 PM
Hello Becky, good to see you blog, Mike I don't remember Giatto Tech, but I seem to recall Lamaar U., perhaps one of us is confused on the schools, Beck did I understand you are in Princeton? Has anyone heard from Pat, and if so how is she doing? Has anybody heard from Lee Tolliver? I send e-mails they keep coming back undeliverable. Someone out there get in touch with him and tell him about the blog. Has any body heard from Mike Farley? Need some updates lest we let some of these people fall by the wayside, Becky it's not about topping, it's about keeping in touch, you know reach out and touch someone. Cookie how bout some mirth, Brenda need some more anons, Carl how bout some of that wit, liked the one about there oughta be a law against those genes, good one, Pete missing ya, Darla need a comeback, Fred thanks for updates need more, a little more work a lot more play that's what we need, ever heard of gung-ho, well gung-ho gang, Dillon where you been, you can't take time off just because you have a birth day, we've all had 'em, old hat now. Every day is somebody's birthday, you don't see the world stopping cause of it, did you guys hear about the little girl walking in the rain, every time lightning flashed she would stop and look up and smile, her mother yelled at her and said what are you doing, she said I'm just smiling when God takes my picture. geno
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Tom Dillon on June 22, 2011 7:34 PM
Becky, thanks for rememberizing my birthday. One's 59th millstone should be a special day.
And Geno, thanks for acknowledgizing my absence from the blog. I was hurt when Brenda professed her love for so many of you, but left me out. One summer, she said that she would "Stand by me" forever.
My sabbatical from the blog was due to my being in Rehab in northern Florida for a week plus. Now before one of you psychological pundits says something like -- "I knew it was just a matter of time -- Dillon was acting weird and I don't rememberize his being so in high school" -- I wasn't in Rehab rehab, but enjoying a family vacation on the beach near Port St. Joe, Florida. This was a Christmas present from our kids and so 3 families and a total of 10 of us drove in 3 separate vehicles from cold and wet Indiana. We frolicked in the warm gulf waters, and enjoyed shrimp almost every night, plus fried oysters, and a few Bud Lights. Family is great, but 7 days of living together again with 2 sons, their spouses, 3 grandchildren, and 1 other began to wear toward the end of the week.
I must ask myself the question, however, why did I ever leave Florida in the first place?
More later --
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Becky Novarro on June 23, 2011 10:39 AM
Well Geno, yes I am in Princeton and would like to say "hey" sometime, maybe at the Ryan's meeting or a street fair. I am not afraid of making a fool of myself nor misspelling but I do dislike what I write as soon as I do. However, remember our autograph books and how silly we were. Well, we're old and allowed to be silly again. So, when you grow up and think you are sweet, take off your shoes and smell your feet. ha
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Michael Murphy on June 23, 2011 1:36 PM
Carl- I like the new blog format, however it took a while to load, out in the hinderlands. Perhaps it is time to partition the old comments in quarters etc.?
You are still my hero - hope you and family are well happy and super prosperous. Miss working with you.
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Michael Murphy on June 23, 2011 1:42 PM
Loaded blog again and format changed to old. Scary - could it be Grimlins?
Thanks again Carl
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Anonymous #1 on June 23, 2011 5:01 PM
I am the infamous, ignominious Anonymous #1. Catch me if you can. Who added ignoramus?
Carl, it is unfair if you compromise my identity.
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Carl on June 24, 2011 10:31 AM
All I can promise is that I won't compromise your virtue.
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Tom Dillon on June 23, 2011 6:14 PM
Does anyone have any info on Pat Smith?
Geno- you had me going on your triathlon sojourn. I was feeling your pain and leaning forward in my seat trying to help you push past the leader and win the big prize. I read your entry aloud for Kay and she also thought until the last that you truly were racing. Although my current physique belies it, I actually completed the New York City and Long Island marathons several years ago and completed several half marathon races. I never tried a triathlon because my swimming skills are poor.
I apologize for going backwards, but was absent from the blog while in Florida. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches were a staple for us boys when we were growing up. I can remember brother Jim and I spending all Saturday at the Princeton swimming pool and coming home famished. We would go through a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. When the bananas ran out, we switched to peanut butter and relish (sandwich spread). Brother Jim (250 plus lbs.) still eats the latter.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 23, 2011 7:47 PM
I understand Pat is out of the hospital. They put a pin in her hip and she does not have to have physical therapy. Her brother is staying with her for a week.
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gene law on June 23, 2011 8:51 PM
wow, anon you leave me at a loss for words, those certainly are 2dollar words if I ever read a 2 dollar word, but nonetheless, look at that long word, it's good you back. Becky so glad to see reg. blog, what's this about old folks feet stinking, Tom I knew you were athletic but didn't know you competed in the foot races, too hard for me, when I run my belly flops up and down like a big bowl of jello gets me out of time with my feet, seems like belly comes down while foot is going up, foot can't lift it and foot falls down again before it's supposed to, out of time don't you see my wife tells me it's my mind out of time, thanks Darla for info on Pat sounds like she is doing o.k. Ol' geno got out his trusty ol' bow and rusty ol' arrows and started shooting again, been awhile couldn't hardly pull bow back, but enjoyed shooting again. Any body remember Fred Bolton, he died last night, owned W.V. pipeline. WEll every enjoy life and each other I've rambled on and on now I gotta go, Brenda come back on line and give us another" love you" leave Tom out it makes him jealous. geno
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Fred Lucas on June 23, 2011 10:21 PM
I'm a member of the Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Chapter. Tomorrow evening, we're having our annual spring dinner at the Montgomery Inn which is well kmown for ribs. Our speaker will be Bob Huggins Basketball Coach.
Over the years, we have given eight $1000 academic scholarships to students from our area who are attending WVU.
Last evening I read that Glenn Campbell, the singer has stopped touring. He has alzheimers dementia.
Hope that all of you are well Fred Lucas
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Michael Murphy on June 24, 2011 10:22 AM
Geno - Sorry to hear about Fred Bolton. He and my brother owened B& B Boiler and WV Pipeline. I worked with Fred and thought he was a good man. One of the jobs was to put the gas lights on Lewisburg's main street. Are they still there? Please pass my condolences to the Bolton family.
Keep the faith
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gene law on June 24, 2011 12:39 PM
Mike never knew that your brother was that Murphy, small world ain't it. Fred was a good man, he is my sisters father in law, she married David, you probably remember the whole family, never knew your brother personally, from what I've heard about him he also is a good man, as you are. I will pass your condolences on, thank you. geno
gene law on June 24, 2011 12:42 PM
I don't know about the lights in Lewisburg. geno
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Michael Murphy on June 24, 2011 1:28 PM
Thanks for the compliment although not everyone would agree with you. Also worked with Fred's brother can't remember his first name - he was a welder and owned the Mink farm. I went to voc school with Fred’s nephew Gayle, he was a year ahead of me in school.
Fred was accident prone - once got his pants leg caught in boring machine. It was in Mullens. The old gas pipes were leaking in fact they were lifting the pavement. Bazz Roland and I jack hammered the concrete streets to reveal the tubing and would occasionally run the steel through. Bazz made some wooden plugs to drive into the holes. My goggles would fog up and I was caught with them on my hat by DOL inspector and warned. Kept them on for 2 days and figured it was OK. Next day was busted again, they threatened fines but nothing happened. The gas was leaking so badly that we would light the hole to burn off gas before the welder would strike an arc. Kept baking power handy to put out the fire afterwards.
Fred also welded on a hot water boiler for the old motel (that was on Thorn st ? near the Athens road intersection) it was galvanized and Fred had to be taken to the hospital. Later learned that Zinc Oxide is the main ingredient for blue dragon dust ( insecticide).
Keep the Faith
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 24, 2011 1:45 PM
Just talked to Pat's daughter and she said Pat is doing good. She can only put 25% weight on that hip and is not getting out yet. Her son, not her brother, is in and helping with her at this time. I am sure she would enjoy getting cards.
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Tom Dillon on June 24, 2011 4:53 PM
Had a nice phone conversation with Mr. St. Clair last evening. We are both going to try and orchestrate a day or so in Princeton the first week of October to coincide with the PHS class of 1960 monthly meeting at Ryan's. Sure would like to see as many of you as possible. Hope Pat is up and about so we can also experience the cuisine at her restaurant.
Kay and I are planning a visit with brothers Jim and Bob that week in Charlotte and plan to attend the Wake Forest versus Florida State football game that Saturday.
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gene law on June 24, 2011 9:49 PM
about that monthly meeting at Ryan's is that the 1st Tuesday or the 2nd Tuesday of the month, never think about it till the Jones boy e mails me to see if I went, I only made one and that's because Darla blogged when it would be, what would be? I done forgot what would be wait a minute I'll go back and read up on what I was writing, oh now I remember the monthly meeting at Ryan's I wrote that down somewhere but I can't remember where. Any way somebody blog or email that day, maybe we should form an informing committee, to see that the uninformed would be informed, hey I've got a great idea we'll form a committee of the un in formed to talk to the committee of the informed to see what the informed know that the uninformed don't know then the uninformed would not be uninformed any longer but would be as informed as the informed now is, don't you see, wow what an idea with this as my criteria I can run for congress, I have just informed myself now I am in the elite of the new informants. Just call me no longer uninformed geno. bye
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Delores on June 25, 2011 1:34 AM
Geno: Contact Doug Neal! He is well-informed on all things especially, trains, planes and late night video creeping.
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"Cookie" on June 25, 2011 2:22 AM
THE LITTLE LADY IN THE PHILIPPINES IS A FREQUENT FLYER!
OK! So, last Sunday the internet went out for the third time this spring/summer here on the 5th floor. Against my better judgement I called Verizon three days later and who answered but the little lady in the Philippines(after 30 minutes of useless prompts, music and editorials about how important business was to Verizon). She must be a Frequent Flyer and fled her homeland when the truck load of dirt and gravel plus the 3 inches of asphalt I sent her way last month came down on her smiling face because she is now in BumF... India.
She must have taken her 3-ring binder of prompts with her because we again started through the litany of questions for which I am now most familiar. I stopped her to remind her we had spoken before and I was now well versed in unplugging, re-booting, and watching for a non-blinking DSL light on the modem. I further told her that we had again experienced a severe thunderstorm, electricity was out and two of my neighbors were without Verizon internet as well. I suggested she contact a service man and have him check the feed box up on Route 4 and see if my DSL card was tripped. She didn't appear to understand. After probably an hour I asked her if she brought the little American flag with her that she had on her computer in the Philippines then I hung up and waited. Yesterday I called again and Bingo--she was still there. Doesn't this woman get a day off? Again, we went through the previous day's dialogue and after 57 minutes a man come on line who spoke perfect English. OMG! He was tech support in Silver Spring, MD. I can almost see Silver Spring from my front porch.
I explained my situation and he set up an appointment for today between 12 noon and 4. I was so excited I was prepared to either offer him my first born or myself. However, I decided that before I made such a commitment I needed to give him the "Cookie" test to evaluate his intellect. I told him I was going to give him a test and I would be asking him two questions. First, I asked him what was Fannie Fox's claim to fame. He said, "Oh! She is that Kardashian who is engaged to that tall ball player." No, I told him! That Fanny can swim. My Fanny can't!
Next I asked him what was Wilbur Mill's claim to fame. He said, "Oh, now I do know that. He had a television series about a talking horse." I thanked him. "Why did you ask me the two questions?" he asked. I told him I found informed, intellectual men an aphrodisiac. He asked if he could put me on hold while he googled that word on his I-Pad. I told him no that my dog needed to go out but that I would see him tomorrow.
At exactly 11:55 today the doorbell rang. Upon opening the door I was dumbstruck by a tanned, 6 foot plus, early 40ish, clean shaven hunk of heaven that smelled like a fresh Spring rain. He was dressed in a form fitting polo shirt and shorts with pecks of a Greek God. He checked the system and told me he was going up the street to-------check my DSL card at the feed box.
Duh! In less than a half hour he was back, had reset my DSL card and my beloved internet was back on line. I thanked him profusely, gave him a nice, cool glass of tea with a whole bunch of sugar in it and sent him on his way. As he drove away I could only think to myself. Why can't women be more like men, they never put brains first? What would Ophra have done? After all, she seems perfectly happy with Stedman.
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gene law on June 25, 2011 1:20 PM
cookie, enjoyed your blog, but I am seriously worried, I reread my blog after yours, is it possible that somehow through cyber space I have caught the cookie syndrome? can cyber space invade one's psyche? If I start hanging out at trash dumpsters what is the antidote? is there an antidote? where can one go to un cyber space a situation? Tune in to this blog for more exciting adventures of cookie and watch as the unfolding mystery of the cyber space invasion of a nice sweet fat ol' man tries to solve the mystery of cyber space invasion of his psyche, however remember these views are not the views of this blog or any affiliation of it. on a more serious note I must go, so adios amigos.geno
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Tom Dillon on June 25, 2011 2:42 PM
The other night St. Clair and I were talking about chinquapin nuts. I remember filling my pockets with them and surreptitiously eating them during school. I told Terry that I would pay dearly for an overnight shipment in the fall.
Terry related that he and Doug Neal had had a similar conversation a few months back. Doug said that he had not seen any around Princeton for probably 10 years -- horse chestnuts could be picked up on the courthouse lawn, but no chinquapins.
Have any of you seen them in the past few years? Does anyone harvest them commercially?
I have my green apples and Concord grapes, but miss the taste of those little nuts.
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gene law on June 26, 2011 1:28 AM
Dillon, all of my chinquapin bushes have died out, all of my chestnut trees have also died, there is a little worm that drills into the tree and kills it. All the chinquapin bushes that I used to pick from, when I was a kid is now all gone, there was also huckleberry bushes there, and alas they are also now gone, same with the gooseberry bushes, and also the blueberry. It's a shame but all the places where this fruit grew has nothing but briers and broomsage now. I know a man that sold some chinquapins last year, they don't come in until Sept. you know, remind me at about that time, I will try to get you some, and send your way. remember the hazelnuts, and the mulberrys, I don't even know of any cherry trees now. geno
Anonymous #1 on June 26, 2011 12:05 PM
Carl, thanks, but my virtue was compromised several years ago. I fell for the oldest line in the book (Genesis), "If you really love me, then prove it by ............".
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"Cookie" on June 26, 2011 12:09 PM
Anonmyous: It was the Verizon repairman wasn't it!
Reply Becky Novarro on June 27, 2011 9:16 AM
Holy Cow! Geno, you are right. Where did the cherry trees go? Also, kudos to you Tommy for knowing how to spell chink e pins.
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gene law on June 27, 2011 5:45 PM
Becky you remind me of my buddies and neighbors, same exclamation when you mention something is gone, Holy cow what happened. gonna soon be that way about industry in America, seems like every industry in America is being attacked by the govt. The oil companies have been given huge huge tax cuts for drilling, I wish someone would tell me where they are drilling, because I do not know, and it seems to me no one cares. Any way good question on cherry trees, growing up we took at least 2 and sometimes 3 days of nothing but cherry picking, had plenty of cherry trees to pick from too, just as many black hearts as red, now all I know of and all I have found in my wanderings around is the wild cherry, not a fruit producer different tree altogether. I know the price of cherry logs is very high the lumber is very costly, I do not know where it comes from, at one time I knew location of many cherry trees,mulberry trees,chinquapin bushes, alas those times are gone, at least around this neck of the woods. So Beck how you enjoying Pctn? By the way did ANY of you see how bad the Americans got booed at the Rose Bowl, I think the Americans were outnumbered 80,000 to less than 20,000, strange to be booed on one's own soil, Times we're living in I suppose, but according to the media it was Mexicans who live here and supposedly American citizens, perplexed geno
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Michael Murphy on June 28, 2011 10:04 AM
Murphy here
Geno - Oil companys are drilling in the gulf, off shore in California, Florida,and Anwar Alaska, ohh I forgot we can't drill there and we cant surface mine for coal because we might fill up a wet weather stream and create more flat land for another Welch High School.
But don't worry green jobs (SIC) are plentiful and green energy is plentiful?
We recently gave Brazil Billions to drill offshore "so we can be one of their best customers".
We need to become energy independant with cheap Oil, Natural Gas and Coal. Every one should know that you can run a refinery or a metals mill from windmills!
Sorry for the rant but our government borders on being criminal with their ignorance/arrogance! Save a job shoot a tree huger?
Carl - Help with my syntax idiom and spelling but most of all my anger!!!
Keep the faith
Mike
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"Cookie" on June 28, 2011 12:29 PM
Mike: I share your PAIN! In fact I'm getting down right disorderly. I used to be nice until I woke up! An election is coming.
V - O - T - E.
Hopefully we will get a First Lady or maybe even a President who has sense enough and enough class to know that "All clothes do not fit all bodies." What the heck is that all about?????????????
$500,000 for a week in Africa according to the press. Even this ole country girl knows half a mill won't touch that trip. Not to fret, I get to go camping at the lake next month and I'm gonna cook up a whole bunch of hot dogs over a campfire. At least I will know the taxpayers didn't pay for my slaw dog and wine in a box.
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Carl on June 28, 2011 10:40 PM
Michael my friend, I can help you with your syntax, etc., but hell, I can't control my own anger. As you're wont to say, "keep the faith."
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gene law on June 28, 2011 6:09 PM
Mike, geno here gave your condolences to David and Danny Bolton, they wanted me to express their gratitude to you for remembering them. Talk about green things in 1940 the Germans manufactured petrol from coal they called it "greenfuel" fought a five year war using that method of obtaining fuel, strange after 70 years of progress we cannot do that....hmmm, well pretty soon we will be mining no more coal in W.V. our illustrious politicians have almost brought it to a close, I myself have thrown my hands up and surrended, I'm gonna sign up to quit, I have decided I am not educated enough to figure how these brilliant people figure, heard Al Gore the other night, listened carefully, and I decided if this man is educated, I am glad I don't have that curse on me, listened to a scientist who followed him, did you know there is no such thing as cold? there is only an absence of heat, there is also no such thing as darkness, since darkness cannot be produced there is no such thing, there is only an absence of light. Back to age old question, "if a tree falls and no one is there to hear it, will there be any noise" these are not jokes these people are serious, serious to the tune of 5billion dollars. That's what the green program for America is estimated to cost, don't believe me ask Al Gore, making more on global warming than he ever could have as Pres. geno shutting up now.;
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Carl on June 28, 2011 10:50 PM
Welcome to the club Geno. I had the sad realization some 30 years ago that I had been educated beyond my intelligence. It's only gotten worse since then.
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Michael Murphy on June 29, 2011 10:01 AM
Murphy here - Minus 283 C
A man was asked which is more important the Sun or The Moon. He replied that is simple the Moon shines at night when we need it.
Keep the faith
Mike
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Tom Dillon on June 29, 2011 1:22 PM
Dillon here -- Mike, my education didn't go for nothing (two negatives make a positive) and google helps.
The moon does not emit its own light, but reflects the light from the sun, ergo, the sun is the most important whether it is day or night.
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gene law on June 29, 2011 3:37 PM
alright reminds me of two drunks I used to know standing on the corner arguing over the street light whether it was the sun or the moon, another drunk walks by, they asked him "is that the sun or the moon" he said I don't know I'm not from this neighborhood. Did you guys hear about the blonde, whups, some people are sensitive, did you guys hear about the person who took the box of cereal back to walmart, wanted a refund, clerk asked why, person said there's nothing in there but cornflakes, so what were you expecting? eggs, there's a chicken on the box. Another person, same store opened cheerios box and spilled it, yelled WHEE 10,000 DONUTS. cheerful geno out.
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"Cookie" on June 29, 2011 6:20 PM
Geno
That must have been the same elderly woman who called her daughter with an emergency. When the daughter arrived she asked her mother what was her problem. "Well" she said, "See all these puzzle parts on the floor? I've been trying to put them together for two weeks." "What is the puzzle supposed to be?" asked the daughter. "Duh!" says the mother. "The picture is right there on the box, its a ROOSTER stupid." "Come on mother and I'll take you to Cracker Barrel--right after we put the corn flakes back in the box."
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gene law on June 29, 2011 7:04 PM
All right good chuckle, I love those little bits of humor makes me feel normal, did you hear about thoe 3 persons went into a bar ordered a bottle of champagne and 3 glasses, immediately started dancing aroud the table giving each other high fives and shouting 3 days rah rah 3 days rah rah, bartender said hey you're going to have to hold it down, what are you celebrating any way one of them said we just finished a puzzle and it only took 3 days, barkeep said well 3 of you that don't sound like much of a victory, one of them said duh; the box said 3 to 5 years. geno gone
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"Cookie" on June 29, 2011 8:47 PM
And all those nights we thought we were "under the moonlight." I've "larned" more from this blog than I ever "larned" with all that schoolin' I got. Gonna stay on this-here blog cause I'm gettin' me a heck of an education. Just goes to show you that old women can still learn a thing or two--even with one and one-half knees...on a good day.
Reply Carol Martin on June 29, 2011 8:44 PM
Carol here... Speaking of roosters, I hear them crowing! The GAMECOCKS just won the college world series again.
Mike M., Do you think it is a coincidence that George Soros owns major stock in Petrobros, the company Mr. Obama "loaned" our tax money to?
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Delores on June 29, 2011 8:49 PM
Carol: Thanks for spreading the word. Comforting to know that if I'm nuts I'm in good company.
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Michael Murphy on June 30, 2011 10:11 AM
Murphy here
Tom- is it a joke or is it because of global warming? Plus we would not have moon shine!
Bigger joke - we have to pass the bill so we can later find out what is in it. Depends on what is is?
That light from the moon is 8 minutes old anyway!
Seriously - Geno thanks for passing msg to Boltons and google 283 Celcius
I would be interested in anomous's take on the light and the path.
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Michael Murphy on June 30, 2011 12:43 PM
Murphy Here
Carol - The "Spooky Dude" is keeping us from the "light".
Geno - I meant to say -283 Celcius cold in the light!
Carl Thomason is a Genius?
Keep the faith
Mike
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Anonymous #1 on June 30, 2011 1:38 PM
The Sagacious Anonymous quotes an old Indian proverb --
"In the beginning of all things, wisdom and knowledge were with the animals, for Tirawa, the One Above, did not speak directly to man. He sent certain animals to tell men that he showed himself through the beast, and that from them, and from the stars and the sun and moon should man learn.. all things tell of Tirawa".
There is only one true path and it is narrow!
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gene law on June 30, 2011 6:32 PM
Mike you amaze me most folks don't know Soros, nor have ever heard of him, He's the power behind the throne, and keeps very low profile. Do you by any chance know about the Muslim brotherhood? also do you know anything about Osama"s falling out with the muslim brotherhood? I ask you these questions because any one who knows George is usually on top of the mysteries coming from the White House, also I heard top man talk of Ghadaffy's fall from the grace of the brotherhood, if true explains why U.S. planes bombed and strafed Libya by presidential act alone, If you have info would like to hear about it. Cookie stay tuned to this blog you may get more educated than you ever thought, It is my hope that America gets educated and soon, I believe perilous times are just around the corner. Most Americans, and even the Christian community are ignorant of the uprising of the middle east, I know the folks in my church are, have no understanding of what is going on, if I had a hammer I'd ring out a warning all across this land. geno
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Delores on June 30, 2011 9:31 PM
Geno:
"Cookie" is a flake! Don't ask her anything. Her alter ego on the other hand has judiciously done her homework and continues to do so. She also continues to be amazed at stupidity. She long ago realized she wasn't in "Kansas anymore." She flies Ole Glory everyday with pride and is currently drafting a letter to the editor of the local paper regarding their recent editorial in which they state a resident of one of the county "up-scale, planned communities" of "mega-mansions" should remove his Confederate flag immediately. It was (1) undermining property values and (2) was validating the unspeakable cause of the Civil War. The editor of the paper needs to learn something about States Rights and the role those Rights played in historic conflicts. The alter ego seems to have too much time on her hands. It gives her plenty of time for research, fuming and throwing "hissy fits"....now on an almost daily basis. One TV is already in the backyard but for some reason she can't get Matt Lauer's face off of it.
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Michael Murphy on July 1, 2011 9:54 AM
Murphy Here
Geno- I get most of my info from FOX news.
Facts
Soros was run out of Europe for manipulating currency market and now wants to turn the US into Europe. He funds many liberal organizations and loves the liberal Oboma admin. Media Matters is one Org he helps sponsor which is at war with Fox News. He loves green jobs and other initiatives that deal with government manipulation of commerce and diminishing of manufacturing and jobs.
The Musulim Brotherhood is worse than the Wahabis who I lived amoung in Saudi Arabia for 9 years. They are sneakier. They are primarily in Egypt and basically want the world - yes that includes you and me and your church members to be musilum (their brand) or be inaliated (dead). Jihad (holy war) is a big central part of their beliefs.
If you can imagine our lifes being dictated by the Old Testiment (the Koran is very similar) and our government and laws from strict interpertations of the Koran and so called sayings of Mohammed (Shari Law). That is their goal and they are dead set to achieve it.
But don't worry our President and Sec of State believe they can be reasoned with and have reconized them as a legimitate part of the rising Egyptian government. If we are nice to them they won't bother us. As foriegn policy We should have never have aided in stopping the Iran Iraq war. Think about our current probems and enemies. Let them kill each other not us.
Their is a power struggle amoung factions of the Musilum world but basically all of the strict interperters of the Koran and Shari Law hate Chrisrtians and especially Democracy. Their God will decide your fate through the Musilum Religion.
I am almost as fearful of Black Liberation Theology. How can a person attend a Church where the Preacher roars God Dam America and not be influenced against the founding principles of our country.
Basic math should tell us that we cant continue with government runing every aspect of our lives. We are going broke! and we cannot spend our way out of it. we borrow 40% now and run all of our jobs off to China because of stupid regulations which only create more jobs for Lawyers.
By the way Lawyers should not be able to make the laws. I thought we had three branches of government. I guess we only have one since the admin is a law professor.
Throw all the Bums out!
Keep the Faith
Mike
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gene law on July 1, 2011 6:09 PM
Hey Mike thanks for the info, I had a feeling you knew some stuff, you know Iran announced yesterday they now have missile capability of hitting U.S., do you remember in 2005 when Iran and Russia, formed an agreement Russia would supply their armament, I think that was a billion dollar contract. I know the Russians gave them technology for atomic energy. And I also knoe Ezekial chapter 38 that for the last war Magog{Russia} and Persia{Iran} would team up. Thrilling ain't it. geno
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Carl on July 1, 2011 10:12 AM
Folks, here's wishing everyone a splendid Independence Day weekend. Grill those dogs & burgers; watch the fireworks; do something nice for yourselves and friends & family; and enjoy all of life's pleasures -- to the extent that you still can. Take care; stay well.
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Delores on July 1, 2011 10:53 AM
BINGO! BROTHER MIKE GETS THE PRIZE. LET'S ALL HEAR IT FOR THE GLENWOOD PARK BOYS! Gonna go shoot some fireworks--right after rehab/therapy. Peace Brother and don't forget why you are celebrating.
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Carl on July 1, 2011 9:19 PM
Well shut my mouth
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Carol Martin on July 1, 2011 9:35 PM
Carol here.. Thanks Mike, Cookie and Gene. It is encouraging to know that some folks are awake. Nothing makes sense to me; i.e., why are our borders not secured? Why did Bill Clinton lift export restrictions on super computers to China in 1995? The believed purpose to help China develop warheads for mobile missiles that could reach our west coast? Why do we have so many rules and regulations on businesses that hundreds of thousands of our manufacturing jobs have gone to third world countries? Who voted for a man who listened to a pastor for 20 years rant his hatred for America? Is the collapse of the dollar inevitable? I could go on and on....
The last time I went to a tea party meeting, folks were talking about stocking food, water etc. It is like insurance, you hope you won't need it, but why not be prepared.
Have a wonderful weekend! Carl, thanks again for all that you do.
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"Cookie" on July 1, 2011 10:51 PM
OK! Fess up local Tigers! Which one of you hit the bear at the Mall on 460????? Everyone on the 5th Floor is talking about it!
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 2, 2011 7:07 AM
Cookie...even though it was close to my home place, it was not me. Everyone have a safe holiday weekend!!!
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"Cookie" on July 2, 2011 7:42 AM
I KNEW IT! Darla Did It!
P.S. It was too close to my homeplace too! Althought, Daddy did find a bear's den on the hill behind the house "in the day." (Behind Ramey's auto) No Ramey's then, just a field of corn.
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Anonymous #1 on July 2, 2011 11:26 AM
Perhaps it was I who hit the Teddy -- there was a bump in the night for which I cannot account.
You Sherlock Holmes groupies would then hypothesize the following: (1) I was on 460 near the mall, (2) I must be local or was in the area, and (3) I am old enough to drive a motor vehicle.
I am not going to make it that elementary, my dear Watsonians. "Perhaps" still leaves a question and maybe I am now too old (per the state department of motor vehicles) to drive.
Signing off for now -- my lantern needs recharging.
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Delores on July 2, 2011 11:41 AM
DEMOCRACY AT WORK IN MARYLAND
(Interesting. I just typed this message and my computer shut down. I will try again so hopefully I don't repeat the message in case it is in cyberspace.)
Yesterday 132,000 signatures on a statewide petition were delivered to the State Board of Elections. Only 55,736 were required to bring the recently passed "Dream Act" to referendum. This Act, passed by the Maryland Legislature this year, would provide IN-STATE COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY TUITION TO ILLEGAL ALIENS. If you are interested, Google CASA de MARYLAND. They are a FEDERALLY FUNDED advocacy group whose former president is now head of the Civil Rights Division at the United States Department of Justice--a presidential appointee.
Their activities are questionable at best from a legal standpoint. CASA de MARYLAND has demanded that the Board of Elections turn over all the petitions to them so they can copy them at Kinkos. However, they are refusing to allow a third party to accompany them. I have not heard yet this morning where this stands. The documents contain the names, addresses and date of birth of all persons siging the petition. CASA de MARYLAND's position is that these are public documents and they have a right to this information. I understand that petitioners were represented by a wide range of political viewpoints. This was not a "right wing" movement--as some news organizations put it.
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Carl on July 2, 2011 1:09 PM
Computer shut down eh? Sounds to me like Casa de Maryland got your email addr in addition to that other petition info. Hope you're safe; keep the .38 close at hand.
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Delores on July 2, 2011 2:31 PM
Makes you wonder doesn't it.
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Pete Stephenson on July 2, 2011 3:41 PM
Pete here.Carl,i wonder who that was that used to bring coors back to hometown usa.i understand that the person in question could by coors at that time in Wyoming for4.25 a case.At that time I also understand that a case of coors sold in Myrtle bch for 26.95 a case.I am a true believer in our 2nd amendment rights.Its a shame that law aiding citizens are having to get carry permits just to feel safe here in our own country.I have to say that the fed govt.is no longer caring enough to fully protect each and every one of us.I bought judy a nice little protection device at ace hardware last week end.Its a little mace pepper gun that shoots a stream up to 20 feet.Is perfect for a womans purse and sells for 49.95.You can also buy a two can refil for 9.95.Perfectially legal to carry without permit,because it is not legal.I have heard that some folks have as a defense against intruders that is wasp and hoened spray in the foam version.very unlawful to use on anyone.Burns the skin and eyes very bad and person using it can end up with large lawsuit against them.Carl I face up.I don,t know who the coors supplier was,but that really tasted good after a day of mowing and such.
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pete Stephenson on July 2, 2011 3:48 PM
pete again,Correction on something i said about the mace pepper spray.i said that it was not legal,when I should have said not lethal.My bad.maybee tha delores could use one of these on that thare Cookie when she goes into one of her tantrems.
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gene law on July 2, 2011 8:47 PM
That thar bear, was the second one kilt on 460, the first one was at the top of Mooney's hill 5he year was 1965 or 66, funny I can't remember just when, I know it was in 60's I had a 65 chevy impala, any body remember that bear? funny we remember the beer and not the bear, what is that a sign of, is that an omen for cookie to figure out or are we just aging, the times we are living in are thrilling exciting, and scary all at the same time, it looks like its coming down to Christians and Muslims, we are at a time I would never have thought would come about in America, the Muslims can go to prayer 3 times a day no matter where they are, Christians cannot. Our law has a double standard, if you are a heterosexual and I beat you up all they [the law] can charge me with is simple assault, if there's no weapon involved, If you are homosexual, and I beat you up, I can get 10[count em]10 years for hate crime, does this mean a normal person's face is not as important as, can I say, an abnormal person's face. I can burn an American flag, I can lay it down on the ground and walk on it, I can deface it, if you try to stop it the law says you have to go to jail, If I slander the islam flag in any way, I have to go to jail. Strange times, for an American, and I feel we have not seen any thing yet.geno
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Michael Murphy on July 3, 2011 10:08 AM
Murphy here
Geno - Muslims pray 5 times a day. However they are exempt when traveling and can make up their prayers later. Makes one wonder about Muslims wanting to pray in the airport or on the plane?
I am more concerned about people in the USA who do not recognize the Musilum problem and want to turn the other cheek or pray for them. I know exactly where the radical Muslims stand. Some of our government wants to give them our rights and allow Shariah Law. I suppose giving them their (our) rights as with the Guantanimo prisoners will insure more lawyers work and bring in more liberal votes!
Happy 4th of July, Independenance Day. Be proud of our country. I have visited over 50 countries and worked in several and most of those folks would love to be here. Especially 3rd world - would give a kidney and some a child to be here in the greatest country in the world!!!
God bless America
Mike
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gene law on July 3, 2011 7:42 PM
Mike, I was watching a news broadcast, and they were talking about Shariah Law was gonna be proposed for some of the states, just exactly what is that? You said something about being in Saudi Arabia? Would like you to share that if you don't mind, I myself am ignorant about such things, not stupid, I can learn. You know we have many muslims in our govt. now, there is a push on for them to expand their places of worship, one of which is ground zero where the twin towers stood. geno
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Michael Murphy on July 3, 2011 7:58 PM
Murphy here
Shariah Law is derived from the Koran and the teachings of Mohammed and the Mullahs ie Muslim priests. It is a little different in each country and in different muslim factions. For example the Koran says that women should dress moderatly ie cover their hair and wear long dresses much like early america. The veil came about because the Turks were stealing their women and it later was added to Shariah.
A good source is "SHARIAH the Threat to America" more at shariahthethreat.com
In most muslim countries there are religous police "Matawha" who enforce the religous beliefs and can arrest and punish for atrosoties such as stores staying open during prayer time.
Keep the faith
Mike
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 4, 2011 4:54 PM
Darla here...
This is a reminder for Pete, Gene and everyone else, please come to our get together tomorrow night at Ryan's at 6:30. We have a great time and would love to see you there.
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gene law on July 4, 2011 7:01 PM
All right, thanks, if I can hold on to this memory until tomorrow night, I will make every endeavor to visit the tiger den. However a friend of ours has been killed in amotorcycle crash, it might be his wake will be tomorrow night, we will have to wait and see. I love this blog I mentioned that I always forget when this dinner is, don't you know I have had three reminders, count them 3, I think this is great, where else would people be nice enough to remind you, only from the nice folks from the PHS60 class, what a group. grateful geno out.
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Becky Novarro on July 5, 2011 9:32 AM
Darla, thanks for the dinner update. Last month there were 6 of us. Still got to catch up and loved seeing the two other couples. Hope we have a bunch. Gotta admit, the food leaves a bit to be desired but the friendship is fabulous.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 5, 2011 1:28 PM
I had bronchitis last month for a month. I sure missed being there, but will be there tonight. See you in a few hours.
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Carl on July 5, 2011 9:18 PM
Folks, for those of you near Pctn. who attend the monthly dinner meetings at Ryan's, I can only say that it pleases me just knowing that you do. I appreciate that a certain ongoing "anchor" exists that maintains a class connection in our hometown. I thank those who "keep the flame alive." Kudos to PHS60.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 5, 2011 9:50 PM
Darla here...
Gene, The movie was called "Posse From Hell". It was made in 1961 and co-starred John Saxton.
pete Stephenson on July 6, 2011 12:55 AM
Pete here,Hey guys and gals in the Princeton area.I truly was planning on coming tonight to the get together at ryans.Unfortunately we here in the Roanoke valley was hit with a hellacious storm at about 7.30pm last evening. had a big ash tree blow over and have been getting the thing cut up since early this morning.tree fell across property line and you know what that ends up being,Like my neighbor just thought I got up in the tree and blue the darn thing over.Oh well a few hours tomorrow and me and the ole still farm boss will have everything under control.Also a lot of broken glass from my picnic table that blew off the back deck.came so fast didn,t have time to move anything.I,m getting to old and feeble to cut wood at my age.and to tight to have it done.I still think i can tackle jobs like this but the bod says no.
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gene law on July 6, 2011 10:28 PM
Hey Darla, thanks, can you believe Terry just called me on the phone and he's got the movie, I've searched high and low at these movie places, shoulda went to Terry's place, you know if you want information, or anything you need to find out about, YA GOTTA GO TO THE PHS60 CLASS. Pete if you could get this class to your place that tree wouldn't stand a chance. Just the other day I heard Buck owens singing "I've got a tiger by the tail" 51 years and still a good bunch, I'm with you Carl. grateful geno out.
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Carl on July 9, 2011 1:18 PM
Yo Darla (or somebody),
Who was at the class dinner meeting at Ryan's this week? I want all names: classmates, spouses, children, friends, guests, body guards. Thanks.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 9, 2011 3:31 PM
Carl...
Becky Arney Novarro and Jim
Gene Law and Sandra
Patty Baker Anderson and Myron Anderson
Tracy French
Terry St.Clair and Kay Marino Williams
Darla Winfrey Pitzer (Johnny did not feel good)
were at the last get together. We were there for 2 hours and had a good time visiting with each other. When are you coming to dinner again?
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Carl on July 9, 2011 3:41 PM
Thanks Darla. I'll be there the next time I'm down that way at a "Ryan's time." Sadly, I don't get down there as often as I'd like, but keep the faith and watch out. I could show up any time.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 9, 2011 5:03 PM
Anytime you are in town, let someone know and we can get a group together in a hurry. Mention food and we show up!!!
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 9, 2011 5:03 PM
Anytime you are in town, let someone know and we can get a group together in a hurry. Mention food and we show up!!!
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gene law on July 10, 2011 7:05 PM
OOPS!!! Darla you double dipped on the food again. geno
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 10, 2011 7:33 PM
I know and I am sorry. I hit the enter key and then thought I need to hit the "Submit Commit" box. I will try to do better from now on, but no guarantees.
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Carl on July 10, 2011 9:20 PM
Folks, always remember that it's better to be a repeater than a deleter. No one cares if you submit a comment twice. Everyone here is happy to hear from you -- if I do dare to speak for all, which I just did.
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Anonymous #1 on July 11, 2011 11:27 AM
Spmifgy ond Piecm sind pae frr !!! Ir motisopeem wonere forpe? Nop, ig preqaciop ond droppimire.
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"Cookie" on July 11, 2011 1:53 PM
SAY WHAT?
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Anonymous #1 on July 11, 2011 3:07 PM
Too cryptic?
Try Parseltongue.
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Carl on July 11, 2011 3:42 PM
Sorry, I'm not nearly smart enough to "parse el tongue" [which, come to think of it, may be just as well].
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Anonymous #1 on July 11, 2011 4:45 PM
If Henry Porter of Bluefield,Virginia can, so can you -- Grand Master and Creator of the blog.
Check out -- http://www.theparselmouth.com
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"Cookie" on July 11, 2011 5:57 PM
MOST DAYS I HAVE TROUBLE PUTTING A COMPLETE SENTENCE TOGETHER. I'M IMPRESSED! THATS SOME GOOD STUFF. ALL I EVER KNEW WELL WAS
ASDF JKL; AND HOW TO GET REALLY PISSED OFF!
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gene law on July 12, 2011 1:18 AM
Can't handle parsel tongue, I can't even think about that if I ever thought about anything such as that it would be more the much,and can't get into any thing over my head Some times my eyes cross when I get into heavy thinking that's why I don't do any of that and none of this so I don't have any of this and that, know what I mean? well I sure don't I've already forgot what it was that I don't do when I don't think I can do it any way, or was it when I don't think I can't do it anyway,where was I, who am I, whatam I doing here any way? I must have left, I'll go look for me if I get back before I find me tell me to wait I'll be right back. do you see how I got turned around, oh well if I'm turned around I must be coming back, or was I going? cookie I'm coming to join you save me a seat by the dumpster we'll watch the big ol' truck come and take both of us away, or maybe we're already gone, this is not the Twilight Zone is it? wish I'd never read parsel tongue genogone.
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Carl on July 12, 2011 10:58 AM
Geno, just how closely related to Festus Haggen are you?
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gene law on July 12, 2011 2:08 PM
Carl funny you should ask that ,I was just wondering where Dillon was. we might be kin got same color hair. By the way finally heard from Oaky Doaks, Lee Tolliver to you called me on phone last night, shocked me right out of my shoes, these tigers are just popping up all over the place. if we could get them all a blogging, what a time we would have. Darla is Johnny feeling better? See what a lucid moment I have had, maybe all is not going downhill, has any body ever heard of a busted wrecking ball, or a beat up anvil? wondering geno gone.
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Tom Dillon on July 12, 2011 2:24 PM
The Doctor is in -- Mr. Law, you may need help, but we must begin with "baby steps".
Conjugate the following profundities and drink 2 Buds
"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there".
"You've got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there".
And as Toby sings, "Cause if you don't know where you're going
You might end up somewhere else.
Our next session will cover the parameters and consequences of where you have been.
Same hair color?? Mine is white.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 12, 2011 2:48 PM
Gene...
Johnny is feeling better. His tummy was a little upset that day. Thanks for asking. I am glad Lee got in touch with you. I agree with you..."what a class we have".
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gene law on July 12, 2011 7:42 PM
alright thanks doc feel better already, don't understand two buds, is that buds off flowers,if so what kind of flowers, or does it matter, I suppose if roads make no difference then certainly flowers could not make a difference either, you know if you have white hair you may be kin to a lot of my friends they all have white hair, mine is flesh colored. Darla I am glad Johnny is feeling better. You know it was nice to hear from Lee, it's just a nice feeling after all these years, folks still remember you, and can relate to you, come to think of it that's a treasure chest. feeling rich geno.
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gene law on July 13, 2011 9:39 AM
well guess what, what? since you asked I will tell ya, I bowled a perfect 300, I had 98 in first game 100 in 2nd game and a 102 in 3rd game, pretty good huh? I was proud, walked up the woman working the lanes at the bowling alley told her about me feat, she burst out laughing, I said Reba what's so funny, she said you idiot you're supposed to bowl that much in one game, I said does this mean I don't get any kind of award? she continued to laugh, hysterically, I'm beginning to feel a little pang of anger, you work hard ,concentrate to a headache proportion, bowl every frame hard and almost a malicious fervor, and then they nip it in the bud, oh I just had a revelation, this is the buds Dillon was talking about, well I don't have any mine has been nipped. out of buds geno gone
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Anonymous #1 on July 14, 2011 10:36 AM
Now I am also miffed. What happened to the poor "G" and "H"in ASDF JKL? They wish to play also.
Took me a few days to decipher what the "H" (Heck) your mind had conjured up, Ms. Cookie.
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"Cookie" on July 14, 2011 6:52 PM
Dear Anon: You of superior intellect are questioning the Master. If is not JKL? it is jkl;. Only the Shadow knows unless you once taught typing. Miss Lilly and Miss Keatley know. You may want to wait awhile to ask them. I would prefer not to talk to them either -- not yet! I need to dance some more first.
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Carl on July 14, 2011 10:03 PM
I'd say this is all about Dr. JKL [or dr. jkl] and I'm ready to be Mr. "Hide." [Can you see me now?]
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Tom Dillon on July 15, 2011 5:01 PM
Dillon here -- Carl, are you disappearing? I could see you better Mr. Hide earlier.
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Anonymous #1 on July 16, 2011 8:17 AM
Home! Home! The keys are to Home, but we do not have a right-hand pinky on my planet.
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"Cookie" on July 16, 2011 8:14 PM
Old Bluefield Road Hypes Clan Does Smith Mountain Lake
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Carl on July 16, 2011 11:16 PM
Sounds like a wondrous gathering to me. I recently was diagnosed with skin "protrusions" that the dermatologist said are commonly referred to as barnacles, so I think I'd have passed the "thin skin" standard. Really glad to hear that you're mobile enough again to venture outside of Md.
More importantly, as one who long ago resorted to making my own hotdogs, given the difficulty in finding reliably good ones, I'd pay a price to have
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Becky Novarro on July 17, 2011 11:05 AM
Carl, Maybe you can start a campaign for the chili recipes. So far, Linda Phleger Mills has been asked as well as a few others. I remember Linda because I ran to her uncle's restaurant when I got to town to have a wonderful, REAL, hot dog. In NJ you get mustard, relish or sauerkraut. Yankee Stadium gives you a packet of French's mustard. Well maybe now it is Guildens. Anyway, I used to fly home with a tube of Valleydale chili in between my t-shirts and savored each bite until my next trip. So, you chili people out there, how about sharing? I'm sure there are a lot who would pay for a decent chili. Anyone know the Brock's recipe? How about Mooney's?
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"Cookie" on July 17, 2011 11:56 AM
Mooneys gets my vote. A Mooneys hot dog and a bottle of Orange Crush pop followed by the "then" Devil weed.....a cigarette. What bad girls we were! Should have listened to my daddy! "Who has been smoking in my Oldsmobile?" "Not me daddy! You know I wouldn't do that!"
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Michael Murphy on July 17, 2011 12:50 PM
Murphy here
Cookie - I noticed Surfaces in the relatives. Was Roy Surface one of your relatives? He owned Surfaces Grocery Store at Glenwood and the Rolling Store which traveled the coal fields and sold out of the back of the truck. He and my Dad and I went to see the Darlington 500 in 1958 and watched a 57 Chev win, the 58s blew up!
We have a wonderful country Resturant here in Kenna WV called Your Family Resturant that has excellent hot dogs. I like mine with Chilli, Slaw and Mustard and sometimes onions. My sister in law Malita Murphy has the recipe for Mooneys Barbecue but it starts with a hole ham shreeded. Mabey too much?
The Middle East food I miss most is a Shawammer. You ocassionally see them in the US the closest thing to the origional was at the Lebanese Taverna in Bethesda Md. Carl- at the Woodley Park Zoo Metro Exit. But in S.A. They would roast chicken or lamb on a spit with oranges and other fruit on top and wrap the meat in fresh Pita bread with Tahina and grilled Onions and herbs including mint. Each one was about $1.00 in the 80s and I must say they were better than any hot dog I have ever had. I have seen a similar thing called Gyros but not nearly as good.
I have gained 5 pounds writing about this! Now at 308!
To all you typing Teachers, I wish I had taken Typing in HS. I did have to take in College, fortunately it was a night course and I faked it. I got Bobby Hawks (PHS Classmate) to type my lessons. I went in typing 9 wrds/min and came out typing 7. But got a C some way. Now I regret not being able to touch type.
Weather here is scourching! Hope you enjoy your summer.
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Delores on July 17, 2011 2:43 PM
Mike: My Aunt Janice Hypes (mother's sister) married Donnie Surface from Sandlick. They ran Surface Dairy Farm up there. I think Roy is Donnie's cousin. Roy was the Banana Man wasn't he?
Speaking of typing. I could never get my son to take a typing or computer class. Guess what he does now? He is a website developer and manager for several organiations in Richmond. He finally admitted this week that I was right. On another note -- do you know why there is so much carpol tunnel? Its because the keyboards on computers are not slanted and after a few minutes typing on a flat surface you are in major pain. The wrist is arched abnormally. What say you Ole McDonel?
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Carl on July 18, 2011 1:10 PM
Eve Garland Bradford just shared the following obit for Virginia Houchins Pritchard. NOTE: Her photo from our 1960 Yearbook appears on the "Faculty & Staff 1960" page on our website.
June 1, 2011
Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Virginia "Ginny" Houchins Pritchard, 86, of the Princeton Health Care Center in Princeton, W.Va., departed this life on Sunday, May 29, 2011 with her daughter, Amanda Sue Houchins, at her side.
Born July 10, 1924 in Roanoke, Va., Ginny was raised in Bluefield, W.Va., the daughter of Clyde S. and Ethel B. Caviness.
Prior to her return to Princeton on April 27, 2011, Virginia was a resident of the Marietta Care and Rehab Center, along with her husband, Ernest K. Pritchard. However, Virginia always thought of Princeton as her "home" and it was her desire to return.
On Nov. 11, 1949, she married William C. Houchins, making their home in Princeton until his death. On April 28, 1998, Ginny married Ernest K. Pritchard and they made their home in Belpre, until their health no longer allowed them to reside outside of a nursing facility.
Her teaching career started at Wade Elementary School for two years, followed by one year at Bramwell High School before moving to Princeton High School. For 36 years, Virginia walked the halls of PHS, as Teacher, disciplinarian, mentor, friend and "Mom" to her many students. Most importantly she provided the Mercer County School System with the first College Prep Biology courses and the only AP Biology classes offered in the state. She "demanded" that each student learn to think for themselves, which enabled them to enter any field relating to the medical sciences. Throughout the educational community she was affectionately known as "Green Frog" because of the many frog dissections performed in her classroom and also for her tremendous frog collection.
Ginny was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she and her husband, Bill taught Sunday School for several years. Additionally, she served on the Church Board, served as a Circle Leader and President of the Christian Women's Fellowship (CWF), sang in the Chancel Choir and served as Worship Department Chairperson. She was a graduate of the Princeton Bible Study Fellowship Class; past president of the Princeton Community Hospital Volunteers; member of the Mercer County Retired Teachers Association; member of the Red Hat Society; and participated as a Lady Shriner.
Left to cherish her memory are husband, E.K. Pritchard; daughter, Amanda Sue "Mandi" Houchins of Princeton; four step-sons, Thomas K. Houchins (Teda) of Baytown, Texas, William C. Houchins of Durham, N.C., Leslie Pritchard (Jane) and Ronald Pritchard (Trish) all of Parkersburg; and son-in-law, Andy Andersen; grandchildren, David Houchins (Leslie), Michael Houchins (Lollie), Randy Houchins (Amy) all of Baytown, Texas, SSGT Andrew "Chip" Anderson (Keri) of Valdosta, Ga., Andrea "Riki" Hall (Jack) of Morgantown, W.Va., Susan Maninga (Randy Gum) of Princeton, Holly and Carson Pritchard of West Palm Beach, Fla. and Ryan and Nathan Pritchard of Parkersburg; thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbi Houchins Andersen and a step-son, Tony Ray Pritchard.
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gene law on July 18, 2011 3:39 PM
WOW!!! Got to share this with you folks, My good friend Homer Skeens had a heart attack Tuesday night, they flew him by helicopter to Roanoke when he got there they examined him, told him he probably would not survive the operation so he would have to make the decision, said to sleep on it and let him know in the morning, Homer woke up, told his wife Evelyn, "I'm going to have the operation I talked to Jesus, and he said go ahead with the operation, I'll be with you." To make a long story short, the doctor called him his miracle boy, said he was glad to have a part in such of a miracle, Homer was released and came home last night, I called his wife while ago and she shared with me what I am sharing with you. I think this is fantastic. geno
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Tom Dillon on July 18, 2011 4:02 PM
Dillon here -- Great story, faith can move mountains. I remember the name, Homer Skeens, but will have to look at some annuals to trigger more specifics.
One other thought today -- in looking at the Faculty & Staff section of the web page to see Ms. Houchins (don't think I had her for any classes -- had biology with Ms. Carpenter), I saw Mr. Mills. Some of us boys were downright sadistic in our treatment of him -- Mokey Crawford and me for sure. Mr. Mills had this speech pattern wherein he put the emphasis on the second syllable of a word regardless of whether that was appropriate and sort of ended his sentences as if there was a question. We made fun of him constantly. I think we may have also hidden his grade book.
He was a true gentleman and always held his composure. I am truely sorry for having been such a punk.
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Michael Murphy on July 19, 2011 10:11 AM
Murphy Here
Cookie - I replied yesterday but I think the Custodian swept it away? Roy was not the Surface banana Man. Not sure if he was related to Sandlick Surfaces - probably so?
I hate typing on a lap top - invented by sadists! Also mousing around is difficult. funny my left thumb feels like it is burning in the tendon. Carple??
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Carl on July 19, 2011 12:37 PM
If you ask me -- I know you didn't, but I don't care -- a man your age shouldn't be "mousing around" anyway. You're pretty darn lucky if only your left thumb is burning.
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"Cookie" on July 19, 2011 3:09 PM
Mike: Don't listen to Carl. I think at our age we need to "mouse" around, "horse" around or whatever we get a chance to do. Not too long ago I read that this wasn't a rehearsal and I was royally ticked off. I'd planned to do all the really interesting stuff next time around. Dance as fast as you can Darlin!"
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Michael Murphy on July 20, 2011 10:14 AM
Carl - keep up the good work??
Cookie - thanks for the encouragement. My thumb feels better today.
Carl- I labored once before under a Custodian - The King of SA who was also the Custodian of the Great Mousks.
Keep the faith
Mike
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Tom Dillon on July 20, 2011 3:25 PM
Dillon here -- Current temperature of 95 and heat index of 112 -- I'm melting.
OK fellows, two-a-day football practices start in less than a month. Are you getting in shape? I may try to exempt out with Manning and Brees to make sure I am not designated a franchise player this year.
The only thing more ludicrous than the back and forth rhetoric related to the NFL lockout (do we really believe that current players were concerned about rookie compensation for future players), is the rhetoric in Washington. I wish anyone would just do their job and cut out all the BS.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 20, 2011 3:47 PM
Amen!!!
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Carl on July 20, 2011 5:09 PM
Thomas, get hold of yourself! Get in out of that heat; drink gallons of iced tea and wrap a cold cloth around your neck. Take a dose of smelling salts if necessary.
What are you saying? "Cut out all the BS"? Why, what would be left? For example, I conducted a quick content analysis of our Blog. By a conservative measure, BS accounts for 81.64% of total content -- I think it might just have gone up too -- and that's giving you and me the benefit of the doubt.
You can trust me on this: I live in the DC metropolitan area (and have worked here with Mike Murphy).
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"Cookie" on July 20, 2011 8:08 PM
Yelp! I'm up to my waist in it here in Calvert County. What the Congress doesn't dump on me, Governor O'Malley does when he isn't playing his guitar at the Embassy of Israel and looking in the mirror. "I'm so handsome, I'm so handsome."
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Brenda Persin on July 20, 2011 9:05 PM
Brenda Here:
I haven't been on the Blog since July 9 when my computer crashed. Do you think it had anything to do with this Blog? I had to do a lot of reading to catch up--could any other class in the world talk about such a variety of subjects? As a former typing teacher all I have to say is asdf jkl;.
As to hot dogs--when you are in Bluefield, WV, visit the Cumberland Road Dairy Queen and order one with everything (mustard, onion, chili, and slaw)--excellent.
Now to Mr. Mills. He never looked up during a test to see if anyone was cheating. I was in the same class with you, Tom, and I remember once during a test that Curly and Paul Strasko had their books wide open not even trying to be discreet. Oh, and by the way, as we all know, open-book tests were not "in" in those days. I have never had less respect for a teacher in my life! I hope nobody is related to him. I did have a lot of memorable teachers at PHS, and although I never had Ms. Houchins, I do remember her.
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Carl on July 20, 2011 10:19 PM
Hot Dogs: The Dairy Queen in downtown Bluefield, VA does a pretty good job too.
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Michael Murphy on July 21, 2011 10:15 AM
Murphy Here
Carl- All the BS aids with organic farming and green jobs.
Politicians must think we can't do 6th grade math or can they? or are they just prevaricating?
I read in the Farm Bureau Mag that EPA is going to increase its standards on farm dust! Next we will take the ecoli out of organic farming. Where is Buddy Belcher?
Keep the faith
Mike
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Tom Dillon on July 21, 2011 10:40 AM
Dillon present -- Carl, what kind of BS measure did you use to suggest that the Blog had such a high percentage of said product? I always thought we were providing posterity with some profound information.
Brenda, glad you are back. We missed you.
What did Mr, Mills teach (American History)? Did he begin as a sub and then become permanent? I never thought he was incompetent, but almost afraid of confronting anyone and especially not a Curly, Strasko, Crawford, Farley, or Dillon.
Charlie Keatley was also a recalcitrant "student". Has anyone ever heard from him?
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Becky Novarro on July 21, 2011 12:42 PM
Hello to all us hot people! I never thought I would want to be in FL in July. The biggest difference is that it doesn't get cool there until Christmas.
Charles Keatley is in Princeton. I saw him at the Princeton downtown festival and said hi.
Curley, David, was coming to the monthly eat-out but haven't seen him lately. So, maybe next month.
Jim says that he has never been anywhere like here for their obsession with hot dogs. Remember Woolwines?
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Raymond (Wayne) Jones on July 21, 2011 12:54 PM
I remember Woolwines well, as I remember our lunch (hour) was 37 minutes at PHS, a friend and I would run all the way to Woolwines, have 2 hot dogs and a glass of chocolate milk for 50 cents and run back anf get there on time. Some people that I know who's initials are Pat and Ginger Clowers like to go to Dairy Queen at Hinton (on the water) for their hot dogs.
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Tom Dillon on July 21, 2011 1:17 PM
Dillon again, When I worked at Kendrick's Clothing store, I would walk directly across the street and purchase 2 chili dogs at the counter that was at the front of the pool hall. The dogs were delicious. What was the name of the establishment?
Several of us hung out in that pool hall on a Saturday mornings after a football game. The Hall was also the place to meet up with other guys almost any night prior to jumping in some-one's car and trying to find a little trouble and/or a beginning point for the nightly ritual of cruising.
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Carl on July 21, 2011 1:45 PM
Tom, when you would have been working at Kendrick's the pool room was the Central Grill. [When we were mere kids, there was a 2nd pool room a few doors down on the same side of the street called the Sportsman's Grill, but it closed sometime in the mid-50s I believe.] The Central Grill food was pretty good, with one of my favorite burgers -- nice and greasy. By having the pool room separate from [behind] the restaurant, kids under age 18 could eat at the counter and play the jukebox and pinballl machine, which Keatley & I often did in 7th & 8th grade. Oh my, what enticements! Years later, I was at the Central Grill where I learned of JFK's shooting, having reached an age where I could inhabit the pool room.
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"Cookie" on July 21, 2011 4:23 PM
I sure do miss the Hinton Dairy Queen. For YEARS everytime I went back to Princeton it was a ritual that Mother, Daddy and my grandparents would get in his big ole' 72 Oldsmobile and drive down to Hinton for supper on the water. They loved it and we continued to make that trip for as long as they were able. Tonight its fresh green beans cooked in fat back until they are almost black with tomatoes, cukes and a pan of cornbread. Yum!
Arney: Tell Jimbo that when he finally accepts hot dogs as a food group then he is legit!
Ole McDonel: I've been to the one at the Bluefield State Line a million times, my grandmother Hill lived up the street behind Wade School. I understand from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph that you can now have a REALLY GOOD TIME on her street.
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Pete Stephenson on July 21, 2011 5:15 PM
Pete here.Cookie if you will check you will find the dairy queen in the same location as always.Judy and I lived there at Lerona,just before pipestem and to my knowledge it has never closed.We lived there for 9 years and the Dq there at Hinton is the king of WVA hotdogs.The make them on white bread buns.Simply delicious.Tom,i used to hang out at the grill also.The little short guy that ran the pool room was named Ferrius.He would ocassionally let me and some of the others in to play a game or too.Dad kept tellling me to stay out of there,I didn't listen so one day he caught me in there and I thought he was going to kill me and Ferris.Never to my knowledge ever went back in there after that.tooo embarassed.Still like to stick a game every now and then.You guys on the blog here lately have brought up a lot of old memories.Thanks for the ride down memory lane.I love this place...Anybody remember standing in line at the mercer theatre when love me tender with elvis came to town.i honestly believe there was some girls in line that actually peed their pantys.Just saying.
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"Cookie" on July 21, 2011 6:48 PM
Pete: Yelp! White bread in Hinton.
How is it in the valley today? I've shoveled snow most of the day but tomorrow they forecast 100 degrees with a heat index of 118. Hopefully the rest of the snow will melt.
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gene law on July 21, 2011 8:07 PM
The B.S. has been served with chili,onions,slaw, and snow cones on the side.geno
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"Cookie" on July 21, 2011 10:16 PM
Since the Class of 60 is deep into B.S. I must take this opportunity to share a true story. Last spring I was attending the neighborhood "so-called" Garden Club meeting. Keep in mind that I've attended these gatherings for 25 years and still can't grow anything but Virginia Creeper. I keep going for the "Whine & Cheese" aspect of the meetings. We now have a new group of extremely idealist young woman who have joined the aging blue-hairs and who are going to (1) Save the Bay, and (2) Stop Global Warming. They are the ones who keep sending me websites where I can order environmentally friendly weed killer because the Round-Up I spray in the ditch line is destroying the Patuxent River and all its tributaries and, insist on "designer beer" for our meetings--whatever that is. I only recently outgrew Boone's Farm. One "youngster" asked the group what kind of fertilizer she could get for her 4 x 4 foot vegetable garden that wouldn't give us all cancer, pollute the air, water, kill the wildlife....well, you get the point. After an hour of this discussion a certain elderly matron had enough, the cheap wine didn't hurt either. I told her, "Well, for God sake, go up the road to Mr. Hatcher's barn and get a load of cow manure. You'll have the bigget tomatoes in Calvert County." The hush was deafening. When we meet again in September should I tell her to just go on the Class of 60 website? She will find a ton of it on there.
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Pete Stephenson on July 21, 2011 10:44 PM
Pete here,Cookie the temps here in the valley are pretty much like yours there in your area.The bad thing about the valley is that we are surrounded on 4 sides by the mtns.Not any air stirring at all.Catch myself going from one a/c to another.I got the trusty ole stihl chain saw from repair today to start work on the downed oak,but decided to wait the heat out if that is posssible.What the heck,might wait until winter comes.I have noticed ocassionally that there is a little BS here on the blog but don't know if much of it would grow any tomatoes that would take ist place up in Fairlea next month though.All you guys and dolls keep the pot stirring though.
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Fred Lucas on July 22, 2011 7:28 PM
Hi,
Like many of you, I enjoy driving to Hinton to eat at the DQ along the New River.I also had fun going to Talcott and getting Grapette sodas from the CJ store that was in Talcott.
My family would drive to Lowell to a cabin that my aunt and uncle owned. The children would pump water from the well in a bucket and take it to rhe kitchen.
During the day, we would swim, fish, and paddle a canoe in the Greenbrier River. At night we listened to the country music station in Nashville.
There was no indoor plumbing so we used the outhouse. Often we awakened to a train whistle. The main line of the C&O passed in front of the cabins.
A couple of years ago, I visited Talcott. There was a statue of John Henry. The old bridge to Lowell was replaced by a new bridge. CJ's store was closed. The road to Lowell was still a one lane road. The two CSX tracks were down to one and there was a lock leading to the cabin. The post office was closed. Still the Greenbrier River flowed as it always did.
Recently my computer was hacked and some of you received some E-Mail that I didn't write. I changed my password. I asked the Geek squad to check for virus activity.There were no viruses.
Have an enjoyable weekend. Fred Lucas
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Delores on July 22, 2011 8:10 PM
104 degrees in Annapolis today with a heat index between 115-120. Received the oil company budget plan for next winter's heating oil--$406 per month. The devil is at work somewhere in all this. Tommy, can you bottle heat for later use?
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Carl on July 23, 2011 9:47 AM
Same here Cookie. Heat index of 118 yesterday; same expected today. It got hot enough that I decided to take off my long underwear and wash it in the creek. Got to dangle my feet in the cool water, just like when we were kids. Funny thing tho', it seems a lot farther down to the creek than it did then.
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Mike Murphy on July 23, 2011 10:04 AM
It has to be global warming? oh, I am sorry climate change?
Carl - DC was built on a swamp and folks used to go to Bethesda and Germantown areas in the summer before AC. The only thing I miss about DC is on the two days it was comfortable outside, I would get a half smoke from the cart run by an Ethopian outside Francis Perkins and walk to the Capitol fountain to enjoy!
Keep (cool) the Faith
Mike
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Fred Lucas on July 24, 2011 5:53 PM
I thought that I would mention a funny event that happened when several of us went to the Key Club Convention in Toronto Ontario.
We were able to go via rail passenger service. From Bluefield, we took the N&W to Cincinnati. Then we took the B&O to Detroit. Then we took the Canadian National from Windsor to Toronto.
The first night some of the boys wanted to go out. So they chose an illegal brothel. While they were there, the police raided the place and the boys had to run back to the hotel.
When we returned, we went through customs in Detroit. Our bags were loaded with fireworks. Fortunately, only one bag was searched. The boy from Bluefield didn't have fireworks so we were able to go home with fireworks.
Another time, several boys got on the passenger train of the Virginian Railway. The car was old circa 1910. There was no air conditioning so we treated ourselves to water. We went to Kelleysville where the train took on water. Our parents met us there and took us back to Princeton. The cars on the C&O and the N&W were modern and were air conditioned compared to the Virginian.
When I was a student at Concord, several of the boys visited the brothel at cinder bottom. Several of the boys were downstairs. One was upstairs with one of the girls. All of a sudden, there was a thump thump on the ceiling.Everyone laughed because the boy was new to sexual experiences. I didn't go to cinder bottom. Now it is closed for lack of business. Have Fun. Fred Lucas
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Carl on July 24, 2011 6:33 PM
Well J. Fred, you were quite the naughty boy, weren't you?
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"Cookie" on July 24, 2011 6:48 PM
Dearest Freddie: How do you know Cinder Bottom is closed?
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Pete Stephenson on July 24, 2011 11:17 PM
Pete here,Freddie,sometime when you have the time look up a place in Nevada callled the (Mustang Ranch).Would make cinder bottom look like a girl scout camp.All kind of philllies runing around in there.Just saying.
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"Cookie" on July 24, 2011 11:59 PM
Pete: You must have driven that big ole semi through Nevada in the day. LOL
These Pcton boys amaze me!
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gene law on July 25, 2011 11:03 AM
I cannot believe what my virgin eyes have just read, well life does go on, It's just 85 here today will have to wear my jacket, be hard getting used to wearing clothes again, I think its supposed to get cooler tomorrow, may have to dig out my wool scarf and tobbogan, looked for snow this morning, got disappointed, didn't see any, checked gutters for ice, none there, wonder where I put my lindsey woolsey and woolen socks, is it Christmas yet? hang in hang out stay warm, geno
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Pete Stephenson on July 25, 2011 3:30 PM
Pete here.Cookie.Been thru Nevada many times.I like Reno the best.By the way,Mustang Ranch is a brotherl just east of Reno of I-80.For all who belive this never been there.The prettiest ride in Nevada is the one going south out of Reno down over Hoover dam and lake mead.Beautiful lake and area,I might add.the state I like the most was Montana and the town was Bozeman.Really laid back area.Carl,who was the dude I brough the coors too?At that time had a lot of friends who liked that beverage.
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Pete Stephenson on July 25, 2011 3:35 PM
Pete again.Let me correct something from my previous post.I said the prettiest ride was from Reno,I should have said Las Vegas dow over hoover dam.
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"Cookie" on July 25, 2011 4:15 PM
Enough of the geography Pete. Just tell us how the shopping was????? LOL That ole Devil is out in full force since Freddie got him stirred up.
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Carl on July 25, 2011 6:11 PM
Pete, social decorum prohibits my identifying, for all herein to see, the identity of your Coors recipient. All I dare say is that she was one of Princeton's more highly respected and socially positioned citizens, a generation ahead of our ours: a matron was your patron.
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Fred Lucas on July 25, 2011 9:01 PM
Cookie regarding cinder bottom, I have relatives who live in Northfork. They mentioned that the brothel closed several years ago.
The church at Jolo WV where they handle snakes is still open. There are interesting videos on you tube.
Cookie, I still laugh about the boys running back to the hotel in Toronto.
Take Care and have fun. Fred Lucas
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"Cookie" on July 25, 2011 10:37 PM
Freddie: Fast thinking! I'm proud of you. I'll believe you----this time!
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Anonymous #1 on July 28, 2011 1:37 PM
Fast thinking or a play on his name? Fast Freddie?
There had to be some gentlemen's clubs in/or around Princeton. Anyone have any info?
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"Cookie" on July 28, 2011 4:40 PM
The Class of 60 has gone from hot dogs to hookers. This is just pathetic! Looks like wishful thinking to me! You can't get a good hot dog anymore and.....Oh, excuse me! I have to go! Someone is at the door!
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Ambiguous Clarifying on July 29, 2011 7:59 AM
Cookie, to clarify, you have the sequence out of order. It should be that we went from Hookers to hot dogs. Given that smoking was so bad for one's health, we had to come up with a more healthy (duh) alternative.
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"Cookie" on July 29, 2011 8:21 AM
In this age of fading traditions something occured to me as I ate my McDonald's Happy Meal (with apple slices and no french fries). If Cinder Bottom went out of business, the question is why? Was it "out-sourced" to a call center in India? Too much competition? The law of supply and demand? Or, could they not afford the healthcare premiums under ObamaCare?
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Wayne Jones on July 29, 2011 12:00 PM
I think it's a matter of convenience. You can now get the same diseases right here on Mercer Street. In fact it has been modernized, I understand it is the equivalent to going through the drive-thru window or automatic car wash.
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Michael Murphy on July 29, 2011 12:54 PM
Don't get your Hot Dogs and Hookers at the same location!
keep the Faith
Mike
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Sagacious All-Knowing on July 30, 2011 12:01 PM
Being the wise sage that I am, and due to the interest of some regarding the demise of the infamous Cinder Bottom, I decided to do some scholarly research related to the question. The following two major conclusions are offered:
(1) As in the case of many initially very successful entrepreneurial endeavors, the death blow was dealt due to the lack of business acumen of management. The Madam, Saucy Susie, was not the sharpest hanger in the hooker garage, in fact; she was several shades beyond blond. Sweet Susie, as she was known when she was young, was a drop out from Stumpy Bottom Elementary School (go Muskrats!). She had begun her few years of formal education at Knob Elementary School (class of 1960). She was forced to transfer after one of the floods that used to frequent the Bottom floated her family’s trailer into another school district. Later, the trailer caught fire and was burnt to cinders. Does everyone get the symbolism? Cinder Bottom?
(2) One of Susie’s favorite patrons was a miner from Cabin Creek, named "Big John", (no relationship to the famous John Henry). They made quite the couple and fell in love. John worked a lot of overtime and was not able to travel every weekend to visit his soul mate. Susie, therefore, started leaving the business to the girls as she sojourned up north to be with John. Some of the girls, in turn, started to give their favors away free. The majority, however, started to accept lumps of coal as payment and when the price of coal decreased, there went the business. A point of clarification –– one girl had read an article about the relationship between coal and diamonds –– ergo.
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Tom Dillon on July 30, 2011 12:56 PM
Dillon here -- I want to party also. Sagperson, when did you start? This morning or was it a carry-over from last night? I think I may have remembered Little Susie at Knob. I do remember the floods in the Bottom.
Almost 3/4 inch of rain last night. Another 90 plus projected for today -- Kay and I were supposed to volunteer working at the qualifying sessions for the Brickyard today, but got out of it
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Pete Stephenson on July 30, 2011 1:51 PM
Pete here,Hey fellow blogsters,I just this morning learned from a fellow classmate some bad news.[THE MUSTANG RANCH WAS CLOSED IN 1990 for tax evasion. Tell me what is this world coming to.A person can,t even go have a few beers,some socializing and a few laughs without the govt. stepping in and putting a thriving business out of business.Just saying.
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"Cookie" on July 30, 2011 2:38 PM
Well, from what I've heard here on the 5th floor, it reopened after 1990 but I can't verify its still open. I understand the merchandise ranged from the Nordic blonde to a midnight ebony beauty, from the wide-eyed waif to a weathered shrew and a rail-thin 6-footer to a dwarf! Sounds like my Wallie World on a Saturday afternoon. Prices ranged from the basic $100 to "the sky is the limit." Tours are available now for only 5 bucks, museum included. The working girls had to pay for their room and gave half their earnings to the house." Now, being a graduate of the Class of 60 I did learn enough in typing class to know that only a fool works their butt off and gives half of it away.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 31, 2011 4:24 PM
Brenda, good picture in todays paper...congrats.
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Tom Dillon on August 1, 2011 12:16 PM
Dillon here -- Brenda, why are congrats in order? Did you open a new Cat House ?
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Brenda Persin on August 1, 2011 4:56 PM
Thanks, Darla. No, Tom, I didn't open a new cat house. Are you talking about a home for my beautiful animals, or do you think I might revive Cinder Bottom? Actually, I won an award at a Garden Club Show--it was a fluke; I didn't have a clue as to what I was doing, as usual.
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Tom Dillon on August 1, 2011 7:35 PM
Dillon here -- How embarrassing!! I knew you would not own up to your new endeavor. House for animals? Give me a break.
I had a very, very close friend in high school who won a Betty Crocker award for cooking. She also didn't know what she had done.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 2, 2011 7:26 AM
Gene, Pete, Brenda and everyone else...
Hope to see you at Ryan's tonight at 6:30. It is almost like 1960 because we have such a good time visiting with each other.
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Becky Novarro on August 2, 2011 11:03 AM
Darla, Thanks for reminding me about the dinner at Ryan's. I was about to defrost a TV dinner--want to earn my award. Also, Brenda, I think I was in your backyard garden, literally, and it was comfy. Hope to see a lot of you tonight. Stay Cool!
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Delores on August 2, 2011 11:13 AM
I also think you were in her backyard garden.
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Brenda Persin on August 2, 2011 12:07 PM
Brenda Here:
I KNOW you were in my backyard garden!
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Ambiguous Clarification on August 2, 2011 2:04 PM
OK Ladies, what do you mean?
Forgot about the heat and drought conditions, my grass and garden look more like this.
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"Cookie" on August 2, 2011 3:55 PM
Well, lets put it this way..........."some senior citizens still got it! We gotta remember that one boys." At least thats what the Sheriff of Tazewell County said as he drove away.
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Brenda Persin on August 2, 2011 7:34 PM
Brenda Here:
Who in the h--- is Ambiguous; is this the same person as Anonymous? I think it ought to be a requirment that you can't post on the Blog unless you reveal your real identity.
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Pete Stephenson on August 2, 2011 11:25 PM
Pete here,Hey darla,Doug,Patty.Myron,Gene,I wan,t to say how gratifying it was this evening to see all you local class of 60 at Ryans this evening for the monthly get together.I have to admit over the years I have missed out on a lot.Judy and I wan,t to say thanks to each and everyone of you.Thanks for keeping the gang going.Becky,it was a pleasure to see you and Jim there along with Gee hole.terry,and tracy to name a few.I believe there were 19 of us there this evening.Great felowship for all.Tracy my prayers will be with you tomorrow for your surgery.Gene I don't think you've changed a bitfrom the first time I met you at thorn school The pleasure was all mine for sure.Hope to see all of you in September if all goes well.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 3, 2011 7:32 AM
Pete, it was so good to see you and Judy last night. Some of the regulars were not there, but what a good time we had. There was not a quite moment...what a great class we have.
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gene law on August 3, 2011 3:21 PM
WOW, good get together, Pete it sure was good to see you and Judy what a serendipity to find out your wife and mine used to work together, Good to see Joe there Doug always good to see you, that is one good bunch of people, although I might be out of my class with such a high class bunch, I'm glad I'm in that class, folks I tell you if you got any questions about those old movies we enjoyed as kids, all you have to do is give Terry the st. a call that guy is a walking library of information, can't ask a question he can't answer, I hope I didn't get on his nerves, I asked him a bunch last night, Darla I was glad to learn Johnny picked the guitar, got a peck on the cheek from Becky, won't wash or shave for a week, keep it right there. Ol' Pete ain't changed a bit, always got a big smile and hello for everybody, stay just like you are enjoyed hacking over old times, like the poet says "our memories are what we are". For the good times geno.
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Pete Stephenson on August 4, 2011 10:52 PM
Pete here,Hey Darla,any up date on Tracys surgery today?Or have you heard anything about the outcome.As i said last night judy and i had a real enjoyable evening with everyone.You folks there on the home side sure make us wandering tigers feel right at home when we are there.I'm going to try to make as many as I can in the coming months.let me know if you hear any news on tracy.thanks loads.
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Carl on August 5, 2011 10:06 PM
I've been out of town for 11 days (and still am), trying to escape the sauna that is DC in summer. Just now re-visiting the blog, and am mighty gratified with the comments following the most recent class dinner meeting. Wish I coulda been there.
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Tom Dillon on August 6, 2011 10:06 AM
Tom
Computer has been down for a few days -- thought it was the modem, so AT&T overnighted a new one -- turned out to be the power cord for the modem -- I think it got fried with a power surge.
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Michael Murphy on August 6, 2011 12:03 PM
Murphy here
Does anyone know the where abouts or anything about Don Lawrence? He and I caddied together and were very good friends. Would like to contact him.
Mike
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"Cookie" on August 6, 2011 12:59 PM
Giant black snake is living under my front porch. One of her offspring ventured into the garage at midnight last night. Granny took snow shovel in hand and a battle began. Granny won. Granny spent the rest of a sleepless night eating peanut butter from a jar sitting at the kitchen counter in snow boots with snow shovel in hand waiting for the brothers and sisters to slither under the kitchen door. Daughter informed Granny this morning that she wasn't supposed to kill snakes she was supposed to take them to church. Granny has indigestion today!!!!!!
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 6, 2011 12:59 PM
I forgot to mention that Joe Holdren was at the get together Tuesday night. It was good to see him.
Pete, I have not heard anything about Tracy's surgery yet. If I do, I will let you know.
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Pete Stephenson on August 7, 2011 9:13 PM
Pete here,Thanks Darla,if you do hear anything please let me know.I also forgot to mention Joe myself.Gene covered it for us anyway.i was good to see Joe and also to know that he had bought him a little piece of land and home over Athens way.Thomas,you would have enjoyed the get together the other day for sure.We all had a great time,great fellowship as well.I hope to see you in october myself hope you can make it.Stay well my friend.Carl missed you on here the past few days.hope you had a good vacation.
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Tracy on August 8, 2011 11:30 AM
French here. Surgery went just as planned by the doctor and I am doing much better than he expected. He has moved me from a liquid diet to a soft diet but my wife still wants to feed me stuff I don't like. Oh well, the doctor will re-evaluate August 15th. - It was good to see so many at our class dinner last week. If I see anymore about "Cinder Bottom", the "Mustang Ranch" or "brothels" on here I may just have to hold a "revival".
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 8, 2011 1:08 PM
Tracy, happy to hear that things went well with your surgery.
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Pete Stephenson on August 8, 2011 2:08 PM
Pete here,Tracy good to hear that you are doing so good.I promise you that i will never say anything else about the ranch.But on the other hand if you hold a revival I might surprise you and show up.Again glad that you are feeling well and your diet has changed to the better.God speed my friend.Stay in touch.
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Becky Novarro on August 8, 2011 4:00 PM
Hey Tracy, So glad you are well. Sorry your diet isn't better but at least you can have ice cream. If you have a revival, I am sure you could fill a tent. BTW, it wouldn't be my first tent meeting which might surprise you! Keep us posted.
Love, Becky
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Tom Dillon on August 8, 2011 4:49 PM
Thomas here, Do you (collectively) remember the annual tent revivals that came through Princeton each year? I don't remember attending any myself, but had several friends and classmates that made the annual trek to the front to be saved. Their behavior improved for a few days -- less cussing, observance of the Sabbath, i.e., couldn't go to the movies on Sunday, no Post Office at parties (who am I kidding?) and in general, much nicer people. But alas, it evidently didn't take, and they (we) were back to our old selves until the next year when we repeated the cycle. Without the grace of God, we would all be heading south to a much warmer eternity.
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"Cookie" on August 8, 2011 11:35 PM
WANTED: 535 Americans with a brain. If you find them, please ship them to Washington!
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Tom Dillon on August 9, 2011 5:49 AM
Thomas here -- Cookie, they have done such an outstanding job that they are taking a well-deserved vacation.
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gene law on August 9, 2011 4:59 PM
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, geno laughed out
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Tom Dillon on August 11, 2011 7:44 PM
Dillon here -- Heard on the CBS news this evening that the Congress's absence from Washington was a 5-week recess (not a vacation). Our dear friends needed to get back to their home bases to raise money.
Geno, you may laugh again, but watch that you don't bust a gut.
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gene law on August 11, 2011 9:27 PM
geno here, ya might as well laugh, if you take this government seriously you will surely die, what is really funny they are stupid enough to try to remove God from America, and watch them fail at every attempt they do, if you are where you ought to be with God, you will see the hilarity of it all. I think this governing body we have saddled ourselves with is bringing down America, America is not mentioned in the Bible in the last days, well maybe she is one of the young lions in Ezekial, but if you read it you will see that the lions only watch, you know watchers don't participate they only watch, so even if America is one of the lions it will only be a watcher. What is amazing with this government, which I personally think this is the last batch for America, I have a bunch of friends who are hardcore democrats, and they think this body is doing a bang up job, if it wasn't for what Bush messed up, America would be fine. I truly believe the people are blinded to the last days, by the way, do any of you fellow classmates know of the new money proposal? It's called the Amero. Look up, your redemption draweth nigh. Geno
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Carl on August 12, 2011 11:50 AM
Geno, I pray that you soon get your laugh back.
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gene law on August 12, 2011 2:49 PM
Thanks Carl I need your prayers and I need laughter, the reason I laughed at Dillon's blog was "they have worked so hard" it still cracks me up. Has it occured to anybody the greatest country in the world is run by elephants and asses; think about it if you can't laugh about that, well then you have to cry. I love this country, I love the flag, I respect the offices of the president and our lawmakers, I cannot respect the attitudes of our elected officials at this time, stand back and take a look at these clowns, all each one can do is point the finger of blame at the other, I have not heard one resolution to rescue our country, and it certainly needs rescuing. Oh well, off the soapbox and back to joviality. Have ya heard a good joke lately? jovial geno out.
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Carl on August 12, 2011 4:22 PM
Well, there was this traveling salesman whose car broke down way out in the country at nearly dark . . .
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gene law on August 13, 2011 5:08 PM
I remember that the farmer told him he would have to sleep with the red headed school teacher, salesman smiled real big and said "that'll be fine I'm a perfect gentleman", farmer said "so's he". ho ho geno
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Carl on August 13, 2011 8:34 PM
"Ho ho" you say. Seems that just like that, you got your laugh back. I knew you could do it.
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Anonymous #1 on August 13, 2011 4:12 PM
Miss Brenda, I would love to give up my identity, but we are prohibited by the Webmaster. Sir Carl is evidently currently asleep as he double-dipped and hasn't realized it as yet so we will attempt to explained our existence before he awakens. We are Anonymous, Sagacious, Ambiguous, Magnanimous, and others and are artifacts created by the web designer. We were built in to the PHS web page as sort of a "back door" measure (see the movie "Wargames") by Sir Carl and are automatically triggered by the blogging of you and other PHS classmates. When a blog entry is unclear, the Ambiguous artifact is tripped -- when wisdom is called for, Sagacious appears -- when forgiveness and generosity are called for, then Magnanimous reponds.
And if you believe any of the above BS, I must protect my physical self and my anonymity and sign off as Anonymous so I don't get stoned by you and/or another classmate at a future reunion.
Sir Carl, please forgive you adoring Artifacts.
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gene law on August 13, 2011 5:13 PM
there's a classic example of the old axiom, "if you can't dazzle with brilliance, baffle with bull s__t". no anon here geno.
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"Cookie" on August 13, 2011 10:48 PM
Thank you Geno! One can still recognize Bulls... from the 5th floor so there is hope!
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Infelicitous Artifact on August 14, 2011 12:50 PM
Red Alert! Red Alert!
This alert has been issued by the Princeton High School Class of 1960 Web Page. Two recent blog entries by a Geno and Cookie have triggered the "Infelicitous Artifact" created by Sir Carl.
The aforementioned blog entries referred to animal excrement which was inappropriate.
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Brenda Persin on August 14, 2011 1:04 PM
Brenda Here:
These last few entries have made my brain hurt!!
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Delores on August 14, 2011 1:20 PM
Delores Here!
I spent quite some time with "Cookie" prior to her latest rant and frankly her final post was an extremely sanitized one. Her proposed post was, while on the money, one even her late, colorful father would have found over the top. Her parting words to me were, "OK Miss Stuff Shirt, I'll work on my post but, the point remains that whoever this ......is, they are just a showoff. I'm wearing out my American Heritage Dictionary looking up these words and no one from the Class of 60 is all that smart, even the girls from the typing class." Bless her heart, she does have such good intentions. But, that dictionary is the high school version that she stole when she retired from teaching. Maybe she could be as smart as this mystery blogger if we got her the college version. I'll pick one up the next time I visit her on the 5th floor.
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Carl on August 14, 2011 3:29 PM
NOTE: I ask everyone -- except Anonymous -- for forgiveness in advance.
Ode to Anonymity (in Defense of
Sagacious, Ambiguous, Magnanimous too?
Whatever, classmate, are we to make of you?
At first all was upbeat, perhaps in extreme,
And then "Infelicitous" sprang on the scene.
Expressing concern for "appropriateness"
And seeming to seek some small form of redress,
‘Tis somewhat instructive to note that your bit
Of protest takes clear aim at use of bulls...
Now normally I’d sit back and broach no concern
But buddy this last post took quite the wrong turn:
To think that bulls... is regarded unfitting
Reveals PC mind-set deserving of twitting.
Our blog clearly demonstrates many aspects
Of attitudes, both male and opposite sex.Oops! Did I just trespass on yet one more bound
By using the "s" word on which you might frown?
Am I to restrict my words most carefully
For fear that I’ll speak inappropriately?
Should I shelve my simple, pathetic persona
Like Cookie’s beloved antique Smith-Carona?
My heavens, I’m put at a loss to describe
How focus on verbiage just roils my inside.
I ask just one favor, and this with dispatch:
Don’t throw me in the "inappropriate" brier patch.
Why I’d rather live in a cage of starvation
Than land in which bulls... endured deprivation.
On what, without that, would our comments, perforce,
Rely to support our social intercourse.
Or do you, moreover, view that term unfit
For blogging exchanges, sincere or bulls...?
As each has the right both to grouse or pick nit,
I exercise mine in defense of bulls...
So let me expound in an unbridled way,
To wrench such enjoyment, day after day,
As PHS60's blog norms it befits
To post, pure or profane, sinceres and bulls...s.
Approaching three score and a decade of life
I now must reflect on the joys and the strife.
I’m happy to note many pleasures, to wit,
Enduring enjoyment from well-formed bulls...
So braced like Quixote, I’ll defend her high honor.
She’s my Dulcinea no matter who’s gonna
Attempt to disparage her appropriateness.
Now that’s my position. Goodnight, and God bless!
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"Cookie" on August 14, 2011 3:57 PM
Let me post this quickly before my morally superior alter-ego Delores steps in to critique the verbage. I think I'll take sabbatical leave from the blog for awhile before I burst a gut and get down right disorderly.
Me thinks someone must have sat on the sidelines during "Wake-up Little Susie" at the Ritz and has waited 50 years to strike their vengence.
Damn Web Master....that some good sh.....! Ok you(s) out there....go for it! Critique that!
Signing off! I'll off to 5:00 Mass!
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pete stephenson on August 14, 2011 4:32 PM
Pete here,Does anybody have any excedrin they are not using and could send me some.After all that bullS--t my head is spinning around and I can,t catch to it.In a way i guess i,m just a simpleton.I can,t keep up with the dictionary fast enough.Geno help me out here.My biggest worry right now is that Cookie is going to jump out the 5th floor window wearing her snake charmer rubber boots on and riding a snow shovel.Delores you better help her before she does somethin crazy.Brenda,baby girl you and I seem to be in the same boat.Just saying.Keep it simple so we all can join in.
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Carl on August 14, 2011 4:48 PM
Daggonit Pete, I asked for your forgiveness at the outset. (I know you're of a forgiving nature.) And you must know by now that it's best just to ignore what I write on the blog. That's a lot better than Excedrin. (: }
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Pete Stephenson on August 14, 2011 5:39 PM
Pete here,Hey Carl sorrry for my intrusion,but sometimes i just have to open mouth and insert foot.Forgive me please,for I am the forgiving type most times.However I do worry about Cookie diving off the 5th floor.I guess annnoyous and the upscale vocabulary just got everyone thinking.Some days its hard to even think at all.Must be one of those days.Have a good one.Its raining in the valley as we speak.
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Carl on August 14, 2011 6:17 PM
Pete my friend, no intrusion at all. In fact, my ear-cringing "poem" was simply an effort to encourage ALL comments and full participation. My uncontrollable urge to try to be funny got the best of me again.
And, like you, I'm always a bit anxious about what Cookie's next move will be. She's a pure treasure, so we sure don't want to lose her. Thank goodness Delores is nearby to keep an eye on her.
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gene law on August 14, 2011 6:20 PM
woweeee! now that was a cranial experience well balanced bone session of the funniest caliber, humor and poetry, I must confess along with jabs and puns relieves one of duress. I like this stuff; well done, with hilarity and mirth. Pete this shouldn't give you ahead ache my belly is hurting laughter makes my belly shake up and down, hey do you suppose this will build abs, guess not but keep it up any how, read intensly; enjoyed immensly!!! in a better mood geno out.
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Carl on August 14, 2011 8:07 PM
Geno, all of this was provoked by your indicating that you'd "laughed [yourself] out." I couldn't be happier than reading your last comment.
Reply Carl on August 14, 2011 9:14 PM
Music poll
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Tom Dillon on August 15, 2011 7:31 AM
Dillon here -- Sir Carl, I am green with envy. What a great poem! Tell your webpage triggered arti-feces to mind their own business.
What a great weekend of blogging!! I must offer the following of a more serious note -- Some of you have hinted that the class of 1960 was not that smart and therefore the show-off language of Anon was too much.
I think our memories of one another's "smartness" is based upon where we were that last month of school in 1960, new graduates with a high school diploma in hand (some of us probably needed another year to prepare for the real world).
With time, life experiences, further education, world travel, we have become Doctors, Lawyers, not sure about Indian Chiefs (unless Murphy had a covert opt), Dentists,Educators, Real Estate and Insurance Agents, Ministers, Authors, Administrators, Business Owners, Engineers, Consultants in numerous fields, Executives, Parents, Grandparents, Great Grandparents, and the list goes on and on.
I am often amazed when I read our profiles and see what we have accomplished.The potential was always there -- remember the WV Golden Horseshoe Awards in the 8th grade, the Merit Scholarship Finalists, etc.? Who would have ever thought that a bunch of Hillbillies could make such an impact?
Don't sell the Class of 1960 short. We done real good!!!
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Michael Murphy on August 15, 2011 9:54 AM
Murphy Here
Carl you are still my hero although not my favorite rimer rymer? Seriously you have brought a lot of fraternity to many old f--ts like me.
Tom - only had overts, but many thought I wore a wig.
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Carl on August 15, 2011 10:58 AM
Tom, you've given me food for thought so I must admit that not everything I wrote in my reunion book bio was completely accurate. Truth to tell, I didn't win those six Olympic swimming medals, the Pulitzer prize or an Oscar for best song; I haven't climbed Mt. Everest or been awarded patents for so-called miracle drugs. "Well I never been to heaven, but I been to Oklahoma" but I didn't write that either. (Oh, I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point.) Anyhow, I stand by everything else that I put in my bio.
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"Cookie" on August 15, 2011 11:24 AM
Let me slip this in before Delores comes for her daily visit. She prisses in here all dressed up in her Chico finery acting all know-it-all, telling us how smart she is and what we need to do to get out of here. (What makes her think we want to get out!) Just for the record, the only reason she buys that Chico stuff is because thats the only place in Annapolis that makes anything big enough for her fat ass (Oops..is that permitted on the blog) I told my roomy, Betty Jane (she is married to her first cousin, Bobby Joe--their kids stop by once in awhile acting like they have jumping beans in their pants--I told her next time she got married to please check the family tree.) Anyway I told Betty Jane that Delores may think she is really smart but obiously no one else knows because she keeps telling them. Gotta go! I hear her waddling down the hall as we speak.
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Tom Dillon on August 15, 2011 1:43 PM
Dillon here -- Gentlemen, do you know what today is?
Did any one of you get out there this morning? I can't believe that I missed it again and will probably have to wait another year. Eventually, I will be too old -- at least physically.
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Carl on August 15, 2011 3:20 PM
Tom, please don't tell me that I missed the one-day-a-year, half-price, early-bird special on denture re-alignment at Wal-Mart. dad-GUM-it!!!
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gene law on August 15, 2011 4:41 PM
dad gum is right on, what a bunch, and I thought only bananas came in bunches, Tom I never made chief but I am a good indian, there were ten of us but the other nine got horned at the little big, that's how come the bottom is at the top, I'd go on but I forgot what I was oh now I remember, Carl, "Do you remember these", by the Statler bros. how about Purple People eater, Sheb Wooley, I listen to those golden oldies all the time. I'm glad some one else does, nothing like the Everly bros. to make you tap your feet, Elvis, The big Bopper,to name just a few. Laughing geno out.
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Brenda Persin on August 15, 2011 5:19 PM
Brenda Here:
Carl, you should become a poet, and Cookie, you should be a stand-up comic. (I think you forgot these two professions, Tom). Wasn't Grandma Moses in her 70's when she began to paint? It's time for a second career my friends.
This Blog has become my path to insanity.
As for music: what about Jackie Wilson's Lonely Teardrops?
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Carl on August 15, 2011 5:36 PM
". . . my pillow never dried 'em" either
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Carl on August 15, 2011 8:14 PM
Brenda, I love the expression "path to insanity." While I haven't heard it before, I plan to adopt it as my own. Hope you don't mind.
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"Cookie" on August 15, 2011 9:03 PM
"In the Still of the Night"--Memorial Building--Pretending I was in Hollywood.
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Anonymous #1 on August 15, 2011 9:19 PM
"The Great Pretender" -- I don't know who I am.
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Carl on August 15, 2011 9:58 PM
If "The Great Pretender" doesn't quite capture it, perhaps you're more suited to a Ray Stevens composition BEFORE he became a legendary novelty song genius. Try this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqyDK8d59pg
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Pete Stephenson on August 15, 2011 11:30 PM
Pete here,Mates let me ask you this,Has there ever been a prettier song ever sung than unchaned melody by thr rightous brothers?Also Buddy Holly had a good one in True love ways.I also believe that Whitney Houston recorded a Dolly Parton song called I will always love you that ranks up there at the top.Those have to be my picks from the croud.
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Pete Stephenson on August 15, 2011 11:36 PM
Pete here,sorry I forgot to add a couple more songs in there,The first is called giddy up go,and the 2nd Is white line fever.I guess after driving for over 3 million miles i definately have white line fever,Accident free I might add.
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Tom Dillon on August 16, 2011 11:02 AM
Carl, you were closer than you thought -- the significance of August 15th was that it was about the time we began 2-a-day football practices when we were in school. Bobby Bowden of WV and Florida State fame always used the utterance -- dad-gum-it.
I was there this morning, got tackled, swallowed my Redman, and the ambulance transported me to the hospital. Cookie, they have a 5th floor here also. Yearout, Stephenson, Showwalter, T. Goins, St.Clair, Belcher, Herring, Clark, Crawford, Cordell, Watkins, Lambert, Mckensie, et. al., --where were you guys?
J.K., you were supposed to make sure that we had our uniforms and got to practices!!!! The football is mightier than the pen and/or computer.
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Carl on August 16, 2011 2:25 PM
As Plaxico can attest, mightier than the pen perhaps, but not the penitentiary.
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Michael Murphy on August 16, 2011 7:50 PM
Murphy here
New logo on WVU helmets- A Burning Couch
Go EERs
Mike
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Tom Dillon on August 16, 2011 8:27 PM
Herr Murphy -- Ich verstehe nicht.
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Michael Murphy on August 17, 2011 12:32 PM
Murphy Here
Sied Dillion -mosbould
Great social anal. I had to look it up!
Carl - I am going to identify my "humor" as jokes in the future.
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Tom Dillon on August 17, 2011 1:31 PM
Mike, I knew it was humor. Again, I didn't understand. Inside joke?
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Carl on August 17, 2011 5:13 PM
Malone, while I don't use it often, if I'm unsure that someone will recognize my comments as joking, I throw in a smily-face emoticon [e.g., (: } ]. I never know if it works, but heck, I enjoy typing the smily face anyway -- and that's no joke. {: )
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"Cookie" on August 17, 2011 5:28 PM
I'm crazy,thus, forgiven if I step in here. Being of the "yellow school bus" class--I "is" kind of dumb. So, I just have a question. Do I need to do an anal extrapolation to understand what you boys are talking about.
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Michael Murphy on August 17, 2011 5:54 PM
Murphy here
Sorry folks I thought everyone knew that when WVU wins big or loses the students take the couches from the front porches in Morgantown and burn them in the streets.
Tom - I had to do extra research to associate "verstene" with my joke. It was right on. Good one joke is on me.
Cookie - Library at WVU burnt down with 30 books and 20 hadn't been colored "in". A sentence is a bad thing to end a prepisition with.
Carl - : (:
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Tom Dillon on August 17, 2011 8:46 PM
Dillon here. Hey football fans, check out the football/basketball scandal at the University of Miami. If the allegations are proven, the Ohio State fiasco will pale in comparison -- buckeyes at OSU to leviathan-sized nuts at UM.
Perhaps Bobby Bowden will get some more wins because UM beat Florida State numerous times over the period in question.
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Michael Murphy on August 18, 2011 12:24 PM
Murphy Here
One thing I can not understand about the NCAA is why they allow Colleges to recruit coaches before the season and bowl games are over? Seems they have a rule for everything but this.
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Carl on August 18, 2011 8:03 PM
NEW TOPIC!!! OK, so not everyone is smitten with football, doggerel, climate conditions, and bellyaching. [Perhaps, in fact, I'm the only one.] But there's one thing for sure, no one coming of age in the late 50s/early 60s could escape the gravitational pull of rock 'n' roll.
Soooo, I'm posing the first PHS60 blogpage R&R trivia question. Who is Jerry Leiber?
[uh uh! No Googling. Tell me what you already know -- or suspect.]
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Tom Dillon on August 19, 2011 8:29 AM
Didn't he run away with Etza Fletcher in the 1st or 2nd grade at Knob? I think they eloped and joined the carnival.
Who remebers Etza?
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Carl on August 19, 2011 10:05 AM
Good guess Tom, but you're thinking of Terry Leiber. Remember, the category is rock 'n' roll.
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Michael Murphy on August 19, 2011 12:44 PM
Murphy here
Carl - is Jerry Leiber a German Organ?
On a more serious note a friend sent me a link to videos of the Diamonds singing Little Darlin in 1957 and 2004 at:
http://www.flixxy.com/the-diamonds-little-darlin-1957-2004..htm
I remember doing a pantomine at 4H camp to this song with friends in late 50s.
Carl - I couldn't get this to come up as hypertext can it be done on the blog or can you do it for me, so that folks can click on it rather than having to type into browser?
Thanks
Mike
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Carl on August 19, 2011 1:36 PM
Thanks Mike.
1. While your Jerry Leiber answer clearly connects to rock 'n' roll, it's incorrect -- at least in this country, where the question is posed.
2. Here's your active link to 2 really good videos of one of the all-time great songs: http://www.flixxy.com/the-diamonds-little-darlin-1957-2004.htm
SUGGESTION: Right-click the link and open in another tab/window so that you don't lose the Blog page.
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"Cookie" on August 19, 2011 7:09 PM
Carl: Jerry was Eddie Laufer's brother. You didn't spell his last name correctly.
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Michael Murphy on August 19, 2011 8:49 PM
Murphy here
Carl you are a genious and still my hero!
Was Jerry the inventer of Leiber noodle soup?
Keep the faith
Mike
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Carl on August 19, 2011 10:25 PM
Cookie, Murph,
I can't describe how pleased I am at your participation. Howsomeever, it's a trifle disquieting that old rock 'n' rollers like you aren't closer to accurately identifying Jerry Leiber. But keep working on it.
I'll give you a clue: Jerry Leiber is a 2nd year (1987) inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame -- and should have been a charter member.
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"Cookie" on August 19, 2011 11:33 PM
I do have a piece of Jerry Lee Lewis' shirt. He took it off at a Bluefield concert, threw it into the crowd and they tore it into shreds. I guess he was getting ready for the woman he had just married...his cousin.
I cheated. I looked up Jerry Leiber. Didn't have a clue.
"Little Darlin" and "The Duke of Earl" are still HOT in this aging Rock n' Roller's opinion.
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Wise Sagacious on August 20, 2011 9:36 AM
Sir Carl,
There are cryptic notices on telephone poles in Memphis saying, "Lost Hound Dog, last seen in vicinity Of Graceland. Please contact Jerry Leiber in Kansas City".
No contact info, however was given.
Would I cheat also?????????????
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Carl on August 20, 2011 10:56 AM
Kudos! Congrats! Well done!
Jerry Leiber is half of the legendary song-writing team of [Mike] Stoller & Leiber. In my view, no one contributed more to the range and quality of R&R than Stoller & Leiber. Here's a short list of songs that they penned:
"Hound Dog"
"Jailhouse Rock"
"Kansas City"
"There Goes My Baby" (with Ben E. King)
"Stand By Me" (with Ben E. King)
"Yakety Yak"
"Poison Ivy"
"Charlie Brown"
"Love Potion No. 9"
"Searchin'"
"Young Blood" (with Doc Pomus) "Ruby Baby"
"On Broadway" (with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil)
"Spanish Harlem" (Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector)
"Is That All There Is?"
"I'm a Woman"
Sooo, the list merely ranges from Elvis to Dion to Ben E. King to The Coasters to Peggy Lee.
Here's a 43-minute documentary on Leiber & Stoller:
http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DM29TEIvgjDQ -- just try not to watch it all.
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Carl on August 20, 2011 11:14 AM
. . . and one thing leads to another.
Should you watch the above-linked documentary, the bearded guy who first speaks is legendary recording engineer Tom Dowd. There's a wonderful documentary film titled "Tom Dowd & The Language of Music." It's available from Netflix.
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michael murphy on August 22, 2011 3:30 PM
Murphy here
Carl - That list of songs is amazing - I liked every one and some were favorites esp Ben E King and Coasters
WVU is rated 24th and projected to win big east.
Keep the faith
Mike
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Carl on August 22, 2011 8:23 PM
And PHS60 has plenty of Hokie fans, so let's not overlook the fact that they're ranked #13 in the AP pre-season poll.
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Pat Smith on August 23, 2011 2:58 AM
OK Carl, I took the hint! Here's my answer to songs - Money by Barrett Strong, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by the Platters, It's All in the Game by Tommy Edwards.
Everybody - Back on my feet again with just a little limp, which actually is my knees rather than my hip. I think Myron is getting a new hip next week. Send some prayers for him.
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Michael Murphy on August 23, 2011 10:09 AM
Murphy Here
Sad to report that Jerry Leiber passed away yesterday at 78. Obit at Rolling Stone.
RIP
Keep tha Faith
Mike
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Carl on August 23, 2011 10:12 AM
And Doug Neal sent me the link to the Rolling Stone obit:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/source-songwriter-jerry-leiber-dies-at-78-20110822
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Carl on August 23, 2011 12:09 PM
Once again, here's a link to the wonderful 43-minute documentary on Leiber & Stoller:
http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DM29TEIvgjDQ
:Michael Murphy on August 23, 2011 1:44 PM
Murphy here
Pat- great to hear that you are up and at em. Best to you and Byron on recovery.
Great and extensive article in todays Charleston Dail Mail on renov of Mercer School in Princeton. I was there only once during a marble tornument representing Glenwood. Interesting about "Bird" and history of building. I think more schools should be renovated maintaining the community concept instead of consolidation. Kan Co is planning a 1400 student elementary school. poor kids will be lost in cracks!
Keep the faithMike
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Carl on August 23, 2011 2:03 PM
Here's a link to the Charleston Daily News article that Mike described re the renovation of Mercer School:
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201108221792
And here's one to an article re the Mercer School Parrot -- interestingly appearing in the Food section of today's Daily News:
http://dailymail.com/foodandliving/201108221789
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Delores on August 23, 2011 3:00 PM
California can have ALL the earthquakes. Was in my upstairs, floors started going up and down, then walls started going in and out. The noise was like nothing I have ever heard. Not sure I can describe it. At first I thought someone was in my house then I thought one of the great oaks had fallen. I ran outside and ran all the way around the house and bingo! "OMG We just had an earthquake." At least one thing is in the floor in each room broken and all my bathroom cabinet drawers are open. Thats a first and hopefully the last. Now, how am I going to sleep here tonight? I'm 25 miles south of D.C. We do have a nuclear power plant on the Bay south about 20 miles. I'll wait for the tidal wave.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 23, 2011 3:51 PM
Cookie, happy to hear you are o.k. We felt it here in Princeton. My daughter in Newport News, VA and a brother-in-law in Fredericksburg, VA felt it more. A cousin in Franklin, NC talked like it was about what we got.
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Delores on August 23, 2011 4:25 PM
Thanks Darla. Now I'm just waiting for the Hurricane. Wonder if Mountain lake got its water back as a result of today's excitment or its drained for good now?
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Becky Novarro on August 25, 2011 11:30 AM
Thanks all of you who wished me a Happy Birthday. It is wonderful being 39 again. Cookie put it so aptly, I am so important that the earth shook! ha
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 25, 2011 12:41 PM
So that's what the tremor was...
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"Cookie" on August 25, 2011 4:19 PM
Beck: I was hoping "the earth would move under your feet" while in Mexico but God went overboard with my Brithday wish for you. And it came "tumbling down, tumbling down." Now we are waiting for the Cat 2-3 hurricane. What a week. 4.2 tremor this morning at 1:00 a.m. Should we check into that Mayan calendar thing???????????
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Becky Novarro on August 25, 2011 5:04 PM
Hey Cookie, We are at the Jersey Shore and the NJ Governor has told people not to come down here. We are to fly out Sunday but am pretty sure we will not make it out of here. Sorry you have had a scary time and I am afraid it's not over.
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Carl on August 25, 2011 6:05 PM
. HEAR YE! HEAR YE! (& yous too)
A new web page, titled "Birthdays, has been added. It contains two (2) listings:
1. the first is sorted from earliest monthly date to latest;
2. the second is sorted by last/maiden name.
Please provide additional entries to me; please advise me of any errors in the list.
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Brenda Persin on August 26, 2011 6:43 PM
Brenda Here:
Cookie and Becky--board up and come to Tazewell immediately. Becky, you may bring Jim.
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Delores on August 26, 2011 9:44 PM
Thanks Brenda but I probably won't see you until Sept/Oct provided we don't get blown or washed away. Can you give me a back road map so I can avoid that Tazewell County sheriff? He may not be so patient this time. Been an eventful week. All packed up here waiting for Irene. I'd just like to tell her, "Good Night Irene." Only the Homecoming Queen goes to New Jersey with Christie telling everyone to "Get the Hell out!" Hope she holds on to her crown. PHS60 stay safe!
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Carl on August 27, 2011 7:25 PM
Cookie, keep us posted -- assuming you retain internet service. I know that Irene is getting close to you, so let us know that you're faring well. Farewell.
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Becky Novarro on August 28, 2011 8:59 AM
Good Sunday Morning, The Jersey Shore is still here. Lots of leaves and water but we are safe. Cookie, I hope you are too. Don't know about Mexico yet.
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Fred Lucas on August 28, 2011 9:28 PM
I've been following Hurricane Irene. I hope that everyone of our classmates who live in the costal states aren't affected by power outages, uprooted trees that are down.and torrential rainfall Several years ago, Cincinnati had a powerful windstorm that uprooted trees and had power lines that were down in addition to much rain. That situation was no fun since many of us were without power for four days.
College fotball season will soon begin. I will be interested in the football fortunes of WVU since I have a degree from there. Carl will be interested in football at Va. Tech. Others will follow other teams. The season should be fun.
I believe that Mike has been interested in the type of books in the WVU Library. Mike there are a few books devoted to nano technology. There are a few devoted to medicine, a few devoted to engineering, law ect. It's the small children of faculty and staff who like coloring books. So do the children who are patients in Children's Hospital.
Why don't you consider donating coloring books to children at the WVU Children's Hospital?
I'll close with a joke Mike.A kennel with dachshund puppies for sail advertised "get a long little doggie"
Regards,
Fred Lucas
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Delores on August 28, 2011 11:53 PM
I am fine. Just to be on the safe side I packed up all my mother's hand painted china and cyrstal and spent all day today putting it back. Just lots of trash in the yard. The beach areas in our county were hammered and St. Mary's County was especially hard hit but we were lucky. 24 hours without power. It wasn't as bad as Isabel. Just have a week's worth of yard work to do cleaning up. Hope all of you in the storm's eye did well and that the Novarro clan is Mexico bound soon. Let us hear from you Queen! P.S. Did Snookie survive the Jersey Shore's pounding?
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gene law on August 29, 2011 7:27 AM
hallelujah, sounds like everyone made it, I,ve been watching the devastation on t.v. man everything,s torn up everywhere, I hope you folks in harm,s way haven't suffered too much, I have never seen so many natural disasters in one year, it is unbelievable, we have had more natural calamities in 2011, and it's only Aug., than in any of the preceding years. This is the year of calamities, could this be tjhe birth pangs Jesus spoke of in Matt. 25. I for one am perplexed, as I myself have never experienced so many devastations as is being poured out on mother earth, quite an adventure, an exciting time to witness, yet with an overwhelming awe of the awesome power of nature gone wild. As Mike says "keep the faith" geno.
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Michael Murphy on August 29, 2011 9:44 AM
Murphy here
Good to hear everyone is storm worthy and safe.
Fred - I have 2 degrees from WVU so I take some liberties with Jokes. Also library was destroyed with $12.00 Damages! Send me your old moldy cash money and I will put it with mine and forward to WVU.
(: A Dislectic, Insomoniac, Agnostic stays up all night wondering if there is a DOG?
Geno- Power to the Faith
Mike
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Becky Novarro on August 29, 2011 12:02 PM
We at the Jersey Shore have survived. The Beach areas were flooded and some without power but only for a short while. We didn't get the amount of hype for Andrew that we had for Irene. Thankfully, the forecasters were wrong and we are still standing. However, Queenie isn't going to Mexico and neither is Perfect! Anyone want to buy a timeshare in Cabo?
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"Cookie" on August 29, 2011 12:20 PM
But just think! You got to ride out the storm with your kids and the grands. Woo! Hoo!
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Pete Stephenson on August 30, 2011 1:57 PM
Pete here,Hey Becky and Cookie and all the others that were in the pathway of Irene.Extremely happy to hear that all are ok.I was most worried about the Cookster jumping out ot the 5th floor window down at lockup.its hard to believe that all that water fell over on the coast and just a few drops fell here in the valley.Saturday starts the new season for the eers and the hokies.The hokies start out ranked 13 in the country.don,t know about the eers.VT plays app state to start their season.I guess Becky you and
big J will be there along with Linda and Rob.Heard last evening on teck sports net that this is the 89th consecutive sell out for the tecksters.All of you stay straight,be safe and like big Mike says,Keep the faith.
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Tom Dillon on August 30, 2011 2:49 PM
Dillon here -- Pete, who has the tie-in with Applachian State? Becky? Brother Bob's daughter and step-son both graduated from there.
Fred, how about a health check up on classmates -- Pat, Farley, Fran, Myron, others. Tom Goins told me that B. Lambert had been in the hospital with double-pneumonia, was home, but still suffering due to some bruising of the lungs. The Doc had told Bob to take it easy, but Lambert was out cleaning up after Irene -- EJ now lives on the NC coast -- Kitty Hawk area?
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Pete Stephenson on August 30, 2011 4:04 PM
Pete here,tom,there is one thing I know about app state and that is they are a tough bunch to play.they are ranked #2 in the 2a divison pre season.Teck had better watch out.Teck has a new qb this year and he is untested.Sorry to hear about Lambert.He had better watch himself.good to hear though that not to many affected by the hurricane.Not as much affected as the hurricanes there in Miami.later
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Carl on August 30, 2011 4:58 PM
. . . and they're off!!! Nothin' like the start of a football season to get the juices flowing. Some think the Hokies might be a top 10 team, maybe even a BCS bowl entry. VaTech has a pretty soft schedule, but let's recall that they lost to James Madison last year [following a dispiriting loss to a good Boise State team]. But they've almost established a tradition for early season losses to lesser teams, so watch out for those "other" Mountaineers. I think that the young QB might just be "the goods," but the Hokies will have to play well in the early going to get him settled. Here's hoping.
And those 'eers could be good again. While I didn't care for the way the Bill Stewart "situation" was handled, it's time to move on.
Sure would be good to see one of these teams play for a national title again, while I'm still young enough to kinda understand the game.
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Tom Dillon on August 30, 2011 6:00 PM
Watch my Seminoles this year!!! Brother Bob has our tickets for the Wake Forest versus Fla. State game in early October at Wake. We are still planning on visiting in Princeton on our way down to NC and eating dinner with some of you Hillbillies at Ryan's.
Our minister is from Kentucky. They refer to themselves as Hilljacks.
I bought a Va. Tech cap last year and will also be proud to wear it. Ditto, on a Mountaineer head dress. One of those 3 teams must carry me this year -- the starting QB for Purdue has already blown out his knee for the season.
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gene law on August 30, 2011 7:06 PM
All this glee, and our beloved "tigers" lost their first outing there is no glee here in mudville this wk. I,m wearing black until at least Fri. Mournful geno.
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Pete Stephenson on August 30, 2011 8:07 PM
Pete here,I am a firm believer that the sec is the dominant conference in the US.I still think that the (ole ball coach) will put it all together one more time.he has a good situation there in SC to do it .i understand he had one of his better recruting yrs of late.Carl,you are so right,Beamer and Ad Weaver like to pick on the little guys.(aka)JMU.teck has another little guy on their schedule and I don,t remember who.I do know that the school they are playing turned in most of their ticket to tech.Consecutive sell out might be in jeapordy.Going to be interesting to watch.Stewart got the shaft as far as i,m concerned.Later,
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Carl on August 30, 2011 9:08 PM
Dillon, the Hokies will be raging when they meet your Seminoles in the ACC championship game. Don't get too ramped up.
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Pete Stephenson on August 30, 2011 10:35 PM
Pete here,Carl,Clemson might have a say so in the Acc championship game also.Teck has a few hard games to play and I don,t know if they have the fire power on offense to get them that far.when they lost tyrod and evans they lost a lot.
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Carl on August 30, 2011 10:45 PM
And that's why these discussions are so interesting in the pre-season. [I'm a diehard Redskins fan, so of course I like the pre-season best of all.]
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Becky Novarro on August 31, 2011 8:32 AM
Yeah Pete, you're back. Love talking about football. I think you have me mixed up with someone else. Linda & Bill Mills will be back for the Tech games but we have to like the 'eers or be disowned by Jerry Tennant.
Carl, my cousin & friend, I am a GIANTS fan! nuff said!
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Michael Murphy on August 31, 2011 10:36 AM
Murphy here
WVU plays Marshall this wknd on ESPN. Went to both and taught at Marshall, but still root for WVU.
Byron Leftwich (PITT/Marshall) broke his arm in pre season, seems he can't get a break, he is a great quarterback!
Still root for the Patroits even though 81 is long gone.
Hold that line
Mike
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Michael Murphy on August 31, 2011 12:37 PM
Murphy here
Marshall at WVU Sunday 9/4 at 3 PM
81 = Randy Moss
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Pete Stephenson on August 31, 2011 7:13 PM
Pete here,hey Beck,,sorry for the mix up,my meds must have had my mind tore up there for awhile.Didn,t mean to get you one the wrong side of the stadium.Personally,I hope all teck fans will forgive me but I,m still die hard blue and gold.Go eeeeeerrrrrrsssss.I have to say though I,m on the same side as Big Mike.you can,t beat Tom Brady and the pats.Back in the 80,s I had a neighbor in Martinsville named Ed Reynolds.he was a middle line backer for the pats.Great guy.Later
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Tom Dillon on September 1, 2011 8:45 AM
I am sorry to have to share this with you, but Jock Mahoney wore tennis shoes. Ask St.Clair, Pundit Emeritus, of The University of Cowboy and Indian Lore.
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Carl on September 1, 2011 10:04 AM
Attention college football fans! Here's a link to a nice profile piece in today's Washington Post on Va. Tech's next great QB: sophomore Logan Thomas, 6'6", 253, rocket arm, great athlete:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/virginia-tech-football-logan-thomas-carries-local-fame-in-lynchburg-on-to-blacksburg/2011/08/31/gIQAuPL1sJ_story.html
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Tom Dillon on September 2, 2011 6:06 AM
Go Tigers!! Kick Bluefield's butts. Remember our senior year game at home against them?
Does it matter that Jock's tennis shoes were black?
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Jim George on September 2, 2011 2:54 PM
George here. Hmmm. No, Jimmy here. How 'bout JK here. Need to get the system down pat.
Wonder if this works. Called Tommy (oops, Tom) Dillon this morning and he suggested I get back on the blog. What blog?
Can you say Dementia? Oops. Hope not.
Anyhow, it had been a long time, almost a year, since I was here. The blog starts at the top, and there have been a ton of comments. Not realizing how many, I started reading them. After the political section, the cat-house section, the ol' time rock-and-roll section (now I know who Jerry Leiber is), I finally got to the bottom and August of good old 2011. Which, I might add, has been the hottest year on record here is the great state of Drought-land, er, Texas. Every day except for two has been 100 or above in the month. No rain, more or less, in six or eight months.
Nice to hear from everyone. Diana and I are fine. No plans to get back for any VT football games. We let our season tix expire two or three years ago after nearly twenty years. Just too expensive for one of two games a year, especially when they are on HD here.
Best wishes to all. Oh yes, Dillon, regarding your jersey. Jack Honaker, Phil Selig, and I sold all of them. Sorry. :-)
Jimmy, er JK, George
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Tom Dillon on September 2, 2011 7:40 PM
Dillon here, J.K., we always wondered why you managers only gave us one jock strap and one pair of socks for the entire season. I guess your selling our necessary equipment was better than selling contraband -- were we that naive? Did we even know about drugs? A bottle of Mogen David wine shared among several of us was the drink of choice.
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Anonymous #1 on September 3, 2011 7:40 AM
Contentious here. You Guys!! Unless you are willing to have some discussion about real football
In Soccer, use of the hands and or tackling one’s opponent brings out the penalty flag. Penalty kicks or free kicks are awarded for minor rules violations and yellow or red cards for other violations and/or for a player committing other and/or more fouls. FIFA is the governing body of choice, not the NCAA nor the NFL.
Have a great "football" Saturday.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 3, 2011 2:58 PM
Last night...
Princeton - 35
Bluefield - 21
enough said!!!
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gene law on September 3, 2011 8:06 PM
Somebody got their wheaties peed in!!!!!!!!!! signing my real name not anon geno
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Tom Dillon on September 4, 2011 12:08 PM
Dillon here -- Anonymous or is it Gadflyious (is there such a word?), you cannot be a Princeton High School graduate of the class of 1960 and truly lobby for your sandled-shoed, girls "sport" that does not allow the use of hands and/or tackling. Where did you go to school? We called your "sport" kick ball.
Way to go Tigers and Hokies (we sure wish we could get some of the ACC games up here).
We had a great football Saturday -- Kay and I went to Lafayette and saw Purdue eeked out a win (at the noon kickoff, the temperature was 93 degrees with a heat index of 99). It was reported that the temperature on the field was 120 degrees plus.
We then returned home and variously watched numerous games continuing to try and see the final of the S.Florida and Notre Dame match. We don't like the Irish very much in the Big Ten.
We saw at least 10 hours of FOOTBALL and are looking forward to the 3:30 PM game today between Marshall and the Mountaineers.
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Cookie on September 4, 2011 6:58 PM
Cookie here: I must comment on Anonymous and the various other arrogant, intellectual titles you give yourself. You are truly getting on my last nerve and I don't have too many nerves left. Seems like you are the only blogger who won't put yourself out there like the rest of us aging fools. My patience ended that morning several years ago when I awoke and found my rear-end had expanded exponentially sometime after 2 a.m., couldn't see to make the coffee, the hair under my arms had moved to my upper lip and I had one hormone left and "she" was madder than a wet hen and more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. For the love of Heaven! We know you are smart and if you will just knock it off I'll admit to being a limb on the Jessco White family tree. Google Jessco and then tell me I mis-spelled his name. Guess what! I stopped caring about that kind of stuff around 1980 when I woke up and knew "Show & Tell" had ended. Much more of this and I'm going to be laying on the kitchen floor in front of the frig drinking cheap wine out of one of those boxes again.
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Brenda Persin on September 4, 2011 7:44 PM
Brenda Here:
OMG Cookie, I just recently watched two movies about Jessico (don't know how to spell it) White from Boone County, WV. How do you know about him? I thought I'd seen something nobody else knew except the perverted people I was with when we watched it--a lawyer, a dentist, a teacher, etc.
I agree, Tom, that Anonymous isn't from our class. Somebody has hacked our Blog.
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Delores on September 4, 2011 8:37 PM
Best party I ever had....Jessco White movie and a whole bunch of wine. Anyone who hasn't seen that has missed something! Interesting thing about him....he isn't stupid. Just a victim of his environment...with a little bipolar on one branch of the family tree. Well, sniffing gasoline didn't help either. Thats worth watching on my next trip to Tazewell County. Maybe the Sheriff will join in. I could watch him dance all night.
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Carol Martin on September 4, 2011 9:25 PM
Carol here...It has been a long, hot summer. More about that at another time. We are happy to feel the cool breeze of fall approaching.
I have several friends who are members of First Baptist downtown Spartanburg. They tell me two mission trips are planned soon, one to Port Au Prince, Haiti, and the other one to Bluefield West Va! Has Bluefield become a third world city? Downtown Bluefield was rather sad when we drove through it last year.
An interesting fact about First Baptist Church here -- Billy Graham is a member. He lives 80 miles away but is good friends with the Pastor.
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Becky Novarro on September 5, 2011 9:54 AM
Dr. Tom, my daughter played soccer and broke legs so I don't think it is a sissy sport, however, I do love football.
Saturday we went to the new Yankee Stadium to see them beat the Blue Jays. Traveled by car, train, subway and very sore feet. Gotta love New Yorkers! They really are a lot friendlier than given credit. At least the ones who can speak English. ha
Still at the Jersey Shore watching the boats go by and eating lots of seafood.
Those of you who haven't seen Jesco must tune in....makes you so proud to be a hillbilly.
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"Cookie" on September 5, 2011 11:34 AM
Hey Queenie: If you see Snookie at the shore please ask her what's with that bald spot on the back of her head. I assume she is back from Italy and her nursing assignment to "The Situation" and his run-in with that brick wall. We watch a lot of TV here on the 5th floor. Crazy people admit they watch trash TV.
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Pat Smith on September 5, 2011 4:12 PM
This was a terrific week-end for me here in Princeton. We have the catering contract to feed the Tigers football team, so I'm taking credit
for the win over Bluefield, as I fed those boys red meat before the game on Friday. Promised them a free meal at Nonna's if they have a winning season! Darla & Johnny were in Saturday evening, left and Linda & Bob walked in about ten minutes later. Love my classmates who support my new restaurant venture. Waiting for Becky & Jim's return, so I can pick up some hints.
We're going to be featured in Princeton Times soon. Love the publicity! Gotta plan a grand opening, now that I'm up & around. This week, we're starting to also be open on Thursday nights.
Has anyone heard anything about Myron? A couple of weeks ago, he told me he had surgery planned on his other hip. Gosh, I guess we are going to have to start calling ourselves the bionic class of 1960!
Happy Labor Day, everyone!
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 5, 2011 6:59 PM
Sorry we missed Linda and Bob. The food was delicious and the service was great!!! Thanks, Pat!!!
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Michael Murphy on September 5, 2011 7:43 PM
Murphy here
There was quite a flap over the production of the Jesco White episode. Govt funds were used and it was to depict typical WV Applachian culture. Most WVns thought it was atypical and hillbilly including me but to each his own. Did not put a positive image on wv hills.
Jesco was from Booone county and I have heard if God hadn't wanted people to have guns he wouldn't have created Boone county.
power to the 2nd.
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Delores on September 5, 2011 9:13 PM
Mike: The story I heard (and I haven't researched it for verification) was that NPR sent a reporter to do a piece on Jesco's father who at the time was dancing in a club in Charleston. He was well known for his unique style...what i guess we call "flat footing." By the time the reporter tracked him down he had been shot and killed. Evidently the material was so great and plentiful that he decided to do a piece on Jesco. Unfortunately, some of my highly educated neighbors here in Maryland think we all grew up that way. Of course they are the same ones who think there is one state, Virginia (with a western portion.) I found it particualrly disturbing when Jesco went to Hollywood and Roseann Barr and Tom Arnold treated him so poorly on their show. Jesco did get the last laugh however. In one scene he is walking down Hollywood Boulevard in his Elvis outfit with the boom box over his shoulder. He says, "These people in California are crazy."
He should come to Maryland. In a heated debate the other night regarding the validity of Global Warming (and you can guess which side of the fence I was on there) I asked. "So, lets say the US cleans up all our pollution, stops burning coal and our skies are azure blue, do you suppose China will follow suit." Answer, "Well, yes they are going to have to because the people are starting to demand it." Guys a career government official with a degree in meteorology but he drank the cool aid. Nuf said?????? Man, I've got to delete this blog before I end up on the 5th floor as well. It just brings out the crazy in me.
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Carl on September 5, 2011 10:36 PM
Folks, I'm very pleased that the blog has provided a discussion of Jesco White, the son of an allegedly pre-eminent mountain dancer, and the story of his quest to follow in his father's footsteps. I believe, however, that many may not be familiar with this uniquely colorful, WV character. So let me add a bit of background.
Jesco first became familiar to some via a documentary film titled "Dancing Outlaw," released in 1991. Jesco almost instantly rose to cult favorite status. I believe that this is the best -- and most honest -- introduction to the person and his culture. If you can find it [e.g., your library or thru computer rental on www.amazon.com], I recommend that you watch it first.
In 2009, a film titled "The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia" was released. While not as well regarded, it adds to Jesco's reputation.
In either event, Jesco White can be viewed as a curiosity, a colorful character, a pathetic dreamer, or any of several characterizations. Some may find his life a disturbing one; others funny or socially/emotionally intriguing. None will find it ho-hum.
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Michael Murphy on September 6, 2011 9:23 AM
Murphy Here
WVU 34 Marshall 10 Game called due to lightning twice and finally after 8 hrs.
Speaking of persona - Who was the famous Baltimore Dancer from Wayne County?
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Carl on September 6, 2011 11:46 AM
Murph, I always thought that you were the Baltimore Dancer.
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Delores on September 6, 2011 11:56 AM
Jiggle, Jiggle!!!
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 6, 2011 12:27 PM
For those who need a reminder, tonight at Ryan's at 6:30. See you there.
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Carl on September 7, 2011 1:24 PM
Darla Darlin', who'd I miss seeing this month at Ryan's?
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Becky Novarro on September 7, 2011 3:30 PM
We missed last night's dinner but am anxious to hear who was there. Darla is typing with two fingers as she is recovering from surgery. If I know her she will post today.
Hate to not talk about Jesco---people in the other part of the US think we are all like him. I have had fun with it. See, Jim bought me shoes and I had to marry him.
Let's talk football---at least until the baseball playoffs. Show your colors.
We like Concord and of course PSHS but also WVU. It should be an interesting season for the 'eers. AND,, how about those Terpin uniforms/costumes?! NFL anyone?
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Michael Murphy on September 7, 2011 3:53 PM
Murphy Here
Answer to Baltimore Dancer- Anyone - Anyone - Bulier, Bulier
Google Blaze Starr
I was attending a leadership seminar at UM College Park in 1967 and my roommates from Rhode island and I went to the "Block in Baltimore to her club. Did not see Blaze but was accosted for drinks from working girls.
Keep the Faith
Mike
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Carl on September 7, 2011 4:34 PM
aah, those sweet memories; enough to set one's heart a'Blaze. [sorry, just couldn't resist]
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Delores on September 7, 2011 5:45 PM
Mike: Interesting reading is the story of Blaze and her love affair with the Nuttier than a Fruitcake Governor of the Great State of Louisana. He was quite the colorful character....brother to the one who was shot a few years earlier. Only difference between this behaivor and that of Jesco White of Boone County is education and money.
–– Soccer, than I would suggest that you cease and desist. Blogging about Tigers (with a long "i") Hikies, Skins, and Noles, rather than Red Bulls, Earthquakes, and Dynamos tell it all. Your brand of "football" involves young and older men tackling one another and using their hands on most every play.Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 7, 2011 7:44 PM
Hope I don't miss anyone that was at Ryan's last night. We had a good time, but we missed Becky and Jim.
Linda Phlegar Mills and Bob
Jeff Shumaker and BettyBarbara Calfee Fields and Harry
Gene Law and Sandra
Doug Neal
Tracy French
Terry St. Clair
Pat Smith
Darla and Johnny
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Cookie on September 7, 2011 11:36 PM
First it was the earthquake, then it was Irene. Now we have whats left of the Gulf storm and its raining cats and dogs. Got a leak in the roof. Nice roofer came today in the rain and says he can't repair it until the rains stop....maybe by the weekend. Second floor has a really pretty drank stain in the stairwell ceiling. Guess I'll get a bucket and pretend we are "Still in Kansas." Never seen it rain so hard for so long. What were the dimensions of the Ark again and do I really have to take two of everything especially the black snakes that are living in the shed? Yes Murphy, I'm beginning to feel like Old Maxine.
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Carl on September 8, 2011 11:06 AM
startin' to sound a bit like her too. (: }
Just joking; I didn't mean to say "startin"
(Don't read anything into this. I consider your Maxine-isms part of your charm.)
Reply
Michael Murphy on September 8, 2011 12:50 PM
Murphy here
There was a guy building an Arc on I-68 in western Maryland. I used to pass it when traveling from Rockville to Charleston, For years the steel frame was there, but haven,t traveled that way for years. Need an update so I will know which way to go during next flood. Not sure about the animals, but will not be taking any cats! I think Al Gore may be building an Arc for all of his Bulls.
Another WV Persona by the name Murphy that I hope all of you will watch and support is Eugene Landow Murphy from Logan. He is a finalist on Americas Got Talent. He is a fabulous singer of Sinatra and Martin. Has a great story and deserves our support. We voted for him as much as we could. Not sure if he is related, but my granfather was rumored to have second family in logan?
Keep the faith
Mike
Reply
Carl on September 8, 2011 5:26 PM
Logan? Hell Murph; all our grandfathers were rumored to have 2nd families in Logan. (It's likely that some of these rumors were true.)
Reply
Brenda Persin on September 8, 2011 8:16 PM
Brenda Here:
Mike, why no cats? Rick Swope, where are you when I need you?
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Michael Murphy on September 9, 2011 9:55 AM
Cats are evil! and Liberal!!
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Brenda Persin on September 10, 2011 3:13 PM
Brenda Here: My cats are sweet, smart, loveable, and conservative! Rick, help!!!!
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Becky Novarro on September 10, 2011 6:47 PM
It is hard for me to believe that one week ago my family and I ran all over New York City without a thought about our safety. People were helpful and friendly, the city was clean and it was a beautiful carefree day. Tonight as I watch the security of helmeted, rifle armed, heavy swat equipment warriors on the news I am reminded of how naive and trusting a nation we are. Let's pray for peace.
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Carl on September 10, 2011 7:51 PM
Amen
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Michael Murphy on September 11, 2011 10:06 AM
Murphy here
Amen & praise our troops, past and present.
Brenda - Just kidding about cats, they are not my favorite, however Tigers are cats so I may reconsider and allow them on my Arc manifest.
Keep the Faith especially today
Mike
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Carl on September 12, 2011 11:00 PM
Gentle friends,
My time on our blog -- its subjects and sentiments -- frequently brings me around to music, old and current. Having spoken of 50s and 60s songs that I hold dear, I commend to all a recent rendition that, to me, speaks to many of our shared views. Here's a link to a Keb Mo' composition titled "More Than One Way Home": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GjHJjnjUKk&ob=av2n Enjoy.
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Mike Murphy on September 13, 2011 10:04 AM
Murphy here
Carl - love the blues, got to see Kid Thomas Valentine play at preservation hall in NO. BB King is my favorite.
Tigers - be sure to watch Americas Got Talent tonight and vote for Landau Murphy from Logan WV.
Sing the Faith
Mike
Reply
Michael Murphy on September 15, 2011 10:07 AM
Landau won!!!
Keep the Faith
Mike
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gene law on September 15, 2011 2:52 PM
South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, know what these states have in common? Well since you got it, might jus as well tell the others, that's the only three states that haven't suffered any damage from a natural disaster so far this year. I feel blessed living in W.Va, but do you know what the biggest blessing is? Well you're right, it's knowing folks like you, the Classiest Class of all; the '60's bunch. It's folks like you that blesses folks like me, thanks; geno
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Carl on September 15, 2011 5:43 PM
Geno, blessed are they who count their blessings. Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and contributions to PHS60.
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Thomas Dillon on September 16, 2011 9:27 AM
Dillon here -- Good luck Tigers tonight! Who are we playing? Please pull for the Seminoles tomorrow night against Oklahoma.
For you out-of-towners that are close to Princeton as well as the regulars, Kay and I are still planning to be at Ryan's in October for the PHS60 get together. Sure would like to see as many of you as possible!!!!!
Geno, will there be any of those little, delicious nuts by then?
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 16, 2011 12:29 PM
Tom...Princeton is playing Capital tonight. Looking forward to seeing you and Kay next month.
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raymond jones on September 16, 2011 12:38 PM
In the event of any interest on Facebook there is a group titled "you may be from Princeton if" that is seeing a lot of traffic. People are posting their memories of Princeton, over two hundred people have posted their life travels and current where-abouts. Lots of comments and pictures. I find that most posters are a bunch of young whipper snappers but there is always room for a geezer or two. Maybe we can tell them how it really use to be.
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Carl on September 16, 2011 3:43 PM
50s TV * * * 50s TV * * * 50s TV
Did I mention 50s TV? Folks, here's a wonderful website with TV shows, performances, etc. from "our era" -- the 50s & 60s.
http://oldiestelevision.com/
It ranges from Elvis & other music performances, to TV series, "Who's On First?" and more. And it's free. ENJOY.
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gene law on September 16, 2011 4:18 PM
good site, way to go Big C you never fail to fascinate, how do you find these sites? Tom I have not forgotten, am still looking, I'm afraid chinquipins have gone the way of the cherry trees, gooseberries, and ol' time horse chestnuts, but if there are any around here I wii endeavor to find them for you, be good to see you folks next mo. geno
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Becky Novarro on September 18, 2011 1:49 PM
Congrats to Pat Smith with her charming Italian Restaurant! If you decide to come to Oct. dinner, you will get to try it for yourselves. Look forward to seeing all and having dessert.
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Thomas Dillon on September 18, 2011 7:09 PM
Dillon here -- may we still come to the Oct. dinner even if we don't like Italian food? Dessert only.
I actually love the "cuisine of kings". My Aunt Mary who lived with us for awhile was Italian and was famous for her eggplant parmesan. I'll take spaghetti or lasagna any day of the week. Bring it on, Pat.
See you in a couple of weeks.
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Pat Smith on September 19, 2011 3:35 AM
I guess all the attendees at the Sept dinner voted unanimously not to come to Nonna's as they preferred Ryan's, so you won't have to change your original plans, Tom. See you at Ryan's in October.
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Thomas Dillon on September 19, 2011 7:36 AM
Dillon here -- Pat, will you bring me a take-out sampler of the Italian variety?
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Carl on September 22, 2011 4:34 PM
Dillon, I was sorry to see your Seminoles lose to Oklahoma, and they'll probably have their hands full at Clemson this Sat. On a brighter note, I enjoyed the final minutes of their upset of #19 Miami last night --
in women's volleyball.
Mike on September 24, 2011 12:51 PM
Mike Murphy on September 24, 2011 9:56 AM
Murphy Here
Just returned from Dover DE and am happy to report that the Ark is still under construction on I 68. It looks big enough for Cats but no reptiles!
Still only the steel super structure, but I am sure it can be hastened by large contribution$.
Pat - good luck with your Restaurants. Hope to sample the next time in Princeton.
Keep the faith
Mike
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Anonymous #1 on September 24, 2011 1:53 PM
Hey, I had to come back again. Being archived really hurts.
You guys really like your p's -- there is either a plethora or paucity of blog entries -- no happy medium.
Where have all your classmates gone?
Reply
Aninymous #1 on September 24, 2011 1:45 PM
I had to do it! Being archived hurts.
Hey, you guys, you like your p's -- there is either a plethora or paucity of blog entries -- no golden mean.
Where have all your classmates gone?
Reply
Carl on September 24, 2011 1:52 PM
I detect a typo here. Did you mean instead to identify yourself as "Aninnymous"?
Reply
Anonymous #1 on September 24, 2011 2:03 PM
I was once a Nanny, but never a Ninny.
At least., I got a response from one of your classmates.
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Fred Lucas on September 24, 2011 2:06 PM
Thought I would give you news about an alumnae. Mary Mazey, a native of Greenbrier County earned the bachelor's and master's from WVU and a doctorate from the University of Cincinnati. This past summer she was named President of Bowling Green State University near Toledo.
This evening WVU will play LSU in football in Morgantown. Go Mountaineers.
Mike, do you think that all of the coloring books that you found in the WVU Library helped Mary land the job at Bowling Green State? Do you think that she will introduce coloring books to the students at Bowling Green?
I spoke to Jim Tressel's cousin. He was the coach at Ohio State who was fired. Next spring he will work as a commentator for the Washington Nationals baseball team.
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Carl on September 24, 2011 2:32 PM
Fred, Jim Tressel -- disgraced, dishonest, fat-cat former Big Ten coach -- should fit in perfectly here in DC.
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Thomas Dillon on September 24, 2011 6:48 PM
Dillon here, my Seminoles are getting their butts kicked by Clemson. Hope the Mountaineers make a better showing tonight. I don't know which of my many school hats I should or can wear with pride.
Carl, Tressel was hired by the Indianapolis Colts to sit upstairs and give info to the coaches as to whether they should appeal a call on the field. The NFL sanctioned him indicating that he could not start his employment until after 6 games or so.
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Becky Novarro on September 24, 2011 6:16 PM
Sept. 24, 2011.Today was Concord's Homecoming. We won! Saw a lot of former football players and wives – we needed name tags! The Fabulous 50's are at Pipestem. No, we weren't invited! Hope you were watching ESPN Sports show at WVU this morning. Let's hope we do well tonight.
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Tom Dillon on September 25, 2011 6:23 AM
Dillon here – Here is a link for any of you Nerds who like to know how much rain, snow, hail (precipitation in general) has fallen in your area in the last 24 hours. We got this from our local Purdue extention agent – I have been looking for such a resource for years.
www.cocorahs.org/
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Mike Murphy on September 25, 2011 10:11 AM
Murphy here
WVU lost to LSU. 4 turnovers against a good team!
Fred- I colored in the good humor book at WVU during my Doctorate, you might try that when & if you work on yours.
Keep the faith -
Mike
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Tom Dillon on September 26, 2011 9:10 AM
Hey all, that link I sent you about precipitation amounts, etc., allows one to pull up the reporting stations and their locations. It lists only 5 in the entire state of WV -- looks like one in the Princeton area and 3 around Bluefield. One of you with nothing else to do should register as a reporter.
Reply
Cookie on September 26, 2011 11:41 PM
They let me out last Thursday so I could participate in my "Girls" annual trip to the beach. Upon arrival at the condo I couldn't get out of the car...right knee was on strike. (Left knee is great after surgery and therapy). The girls got me up the elevator and into the condo. After cheese, crackers, cheap wine and "whine" they decided to take matters into their own hands. So, off to CVS they went. They returned with great giggles and fanfare. They had purchased a knee brace and a black and pink striped cane. Said brace and cane got me through the weekend and back home to Calvert County.
Tonight I had a 6:00 meeting...rush hour time. While traveling up my country road to the main Route 4 intersection I happened to glance in my rearview mirror only to discover a 40ish year old woman putting on her eye makeup and talking on a cell phone. Her convertible was rapidly approaching the interior of my exhaust pipe. Upon arrival at the light (a 4 land divided highway) I slowed to a stop as it was on yellow. At which time she blasted her horn, stood up in her convertible and gave said crippled senior citizen the universal salute.
Said senior citizen was in great pain and, by the way, is on a crusade to rid the world of bad manners and jack-asses. So she put her car in park, picked up her pink and black striped cane and got out of the car. She hobbled back to bimbo and said, "Excuse me Dear! The light was on yellow, it is now red. Would you like for me to pull into Route 4 now or when we get a green light?" The color had drained from her face and she was fixated on the pink and black cane." I hobbled back to my car feeling I had won one for the Gipper. Only as I drove up Route 4 did it occur to me. That fool thought I was going to beat the hell out of her with my cane. Today was a good day!
Ole Maxine
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Mike Murphy on September 28, 2011 12:15 PM
Murphy Here
Give them hell - Hill
I have a Maxine poster to the left of my computer:
Patience
Now that I am older I thought it was great that I seemed to have more patience.
Turns out
That I just don't give a SH_ _
Keep the Faith
Mike
Reply
Becky Novarro on September 29, 2011 9:51 AM
October is next week which means our wonderful gathering at Ryan's. I hope to see as many friends as possible and catch up on all the news. The leaves are starting to turn as is the weather so it's time to go to fall festivals and drive those country roads.
Reply
Fred Lucas on September 30, 2011 12:06 PM
Hi Becky,
I plan to come to Princeton after October 13. I am happy that everyone will have an enjoyable time at Ryans Restaurant. The autumn foliage will be beautiful and I plan to listen to the popular song Autumn Leaves.
Tom if you are interested in things German, there is an interesting restaurant and store on Pendelton Pike just off of I=265. It is called The Heidelberg Haus. In addition to German food, there are videos, Compact discs, clocks, steins and groceries from Germany.
Mike, I enjoy photography. Winston Link took photos of the steam engines on the Norfolk and Western Railway. These photos are in the book The Last Steam Railroad in America by Link and Abradale. Looking at the photos of the Powhatan Arrow brought back fond memolries.
I am studying the German language and enjoy that. Take care everyone. Fred Lucas
Reply
Fred Lucas on September 30, 2011 12:24 PM
Tom,
The Heidelberg Haus is located just off of I-465 at 7625 Pendelton Pike. They are on the Web. You are correct about Jim Tressel.
Have an enjoyable autumn.
Fred Lucas
Reply
Thomas Dillon on October 1, 2011 11:01 AM
Dillon here -- Kay and I hope to see as many of you as possible next Tuesday night at Ryan's.
Is the dress formal, semi-formal, or what?
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on October 1, 2011 5:29 PM
Casual...we dress very comfortable.
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Darla Winfrey Pitzer on October 1, 2011 5:32 PM
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Carl on October 2, 2011 5:12 PM
Hey you Jitterbuggers, rug cutters, puffernutters, and toe-tappin' scutters, here's a fabulous video link supplied by our own shuffle-footin' Doug Neal. You'll be glad that you devoted 4 minutes to watching this: http://www.youtube.com/v/uNE3YSr_o2A&feature=related
Reply
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on October 4, 2011 2:36 PM
Darla here. I hope to see everyone at Ryan's tonight. We have some classmates coming from out of state and hope to have a large crowd.
Pete and Geno, are you listening???
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gene law on October 5, 2011 10:48 AM
WOW, how bout those PHS grads, swell group huh? So good to see so many having such a good time. The din that arose from the chatter, you just knew that classmates were enjoying one another, biggest turnout I have been privileged to be among. I am so glad I found this blog, got you to thank for that Carl, through this blog I have gotten to renew acquaintances, relive some of those old memories and enjoy times with some of the best people I have ever had the privilege to know. Who would have thought a dinner at Ryan's could be so good, a very pleasurable evening. Thank you out-of-towners for showing up. "in awe" geno
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Carl on October 5, 2011 11:12 AM
A quintessentially reliable source tells me that last night's gathering at Ryan's was the largest ever with 27 present:
Tom & Kay Dillon, Joe Holdren, Pete & Judy Stephenson, Tracy French, Terry St. Clair & Kaye Williams, Tommy Goings & friend, Ginger Goings Clower, Linda & Bob Mills, Gene & Sandra Law, Edward & Evie Tomchin, Jeff & Betty Shumaker, Barbara & Harry Fields, Brenda McDonel Persin, Becky & Jim Novarro, Darla & Johnny Pitzer, & Doug Neal.Way to go, gang!
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Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 11:18 AM
Pete here, geno I can,t agree with you more. Is the class of 1960 the greatest or what.A great gathering was had by all in my summation.It was sure good to see Thomas and Kay along with Edward Tomchin and his wife also. Most surprising to me was to see Brenda P. She hasn,t changed much over the years. Also all the locals that attend sure was good to see all of you. Kinda missed seeing Patty and Myron but understand that Myron is still in recoup. Judy and I had a blast seeing everyone and think at one time I counted 30, but think I might have missed some that were in the chow line. It is an honor and privilege for me to have been a part of the 1960 class.Love all you guys.
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Carl on October 5, 2011 11:56 AM
If anyone has names to add to the Ryan's dinner list, please let me know.
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Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 12:43 PM
Pete here, Carl, I could have easily made a mistake on the count.When I run out of fingers and toes,I get into deep trouble.Wish you could have been there with us.By the way a few weeks back I wasn't criticising you on your poem.thought it was great.I was stating something about anon before your poem came out.sorry if I offended you.Sure didn't mean it to come out that way.you have always been a good friend and hope it stays that way.
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Carl on October 5, 2011 12:51 PM
Pete, old friend, I never found anything offensive in your comment. In fact, it sounds like you & I were in tune since the whole purpose of my poem was to make a statement about an Anonymous comment -- and, truth to tell, to have a bit of fun playing with low-brow language and low-brow poetry.
Thanks for all of your input to the blog.
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Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 1:08 PM
Carl,i need some help if you can.Above this message is font size the boldcolors and everything else.I can,t get the bold to come on or the colors and sizes either.Its like all of these are blocked what do you think the problem is?
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Carl on October 5, 2011 2:26 PM
Pete, try this: if selecting font, color, etc. before you begin typing your comment doesn't produce what you want, start by typing your comment. When you're finished, block it by left-clicking your mouse and dragging your cursor across it until you see it shaded. Then select the font, size, bold, italics, etc. If that doesn't work, get back to me and we'll try to figure something else.
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Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 2:39 PM
Pete here, Thanks Carl, I will try that.
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Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 2:41 PM
Pete here, Carl, looks like it worked, thanks much.
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Carl on October 5, 2011 10:27 PM
WOW Pete! Looks like you've enlarged and colorized yourself. Good goin'.
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Thomas Dillon on October 6, 2011 12:51 PM
Dillon here -- Enjoying the weather in Morrisville, N.C.
The fog in Princeton yesterday morning prohibited us from leaving early, but the drive up to the East River and Big Walker tunnels was tremendous.
I cannot express how enjoyable the dinner at Ryan's was to Kay and me. It was like a reunion, but with a smaller group and the lack of the din of loud music, we were able to really talk with one another.
Any of you locals or traveling-through classmates who have not taken advantage of the monthly dinners are missing a rare opportunity. The female classmates are still beautiful!!!!!!
I love each and everyone of you and pray that we will spend all eternity together.
Mike Farley, everyone was asking about you. Please get back on the blog.
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Carl on October 6, 2011 12:59 PM
Several of you have commented flatteringly on PHS60, and I completely agree. Then Pete got me to thinking –– about statements and interpretations. Next thing I knew, I was reading the comments in my PHS yearbooks and was surprised by the number of girls who referred to me as "sweet," plus several guys who dubbed me "nice" –– thank fate for teenage tact. (Not being one to challenge conventional wisdom, I suppose there was some truth to those views.) Heaven knows that I strived to be both, despite contrary instincts. But looking back some 50+ years later, I see clearly that I "got over it."
Having finally grown up –– quite different from maturing –– I know that I became more outspoken, more settled into my prejudices, and less constrained by niceness. (Otherwise, nothing could explain my ability to discomfit and offend –– and not to agonize over it.) So here I am, early into my 70th year, warts and all, inextricably tied to high school classmates whom, from 1949 on, I variously admired, envied, romanticized, loved, was intimidated by, felt resentful toward, hardly knew at all and, shamefully, didn’t always care.
Again proving that time is the great equalizer, I find myself more comfortable with, and appreciative of, all of my PHS60 classmates and their contribution to helping me through life (thus far, anyway).
Thanks to those who expressed kind thoughts –– captured for life –– in my yearbooks; thanks to all who contribute to the ongoing dialogue, to class reunions, and to the Ryan’s dinner gatherings; and thanks to those who remain in the background but check the blog or inquire of PHS60 contacts about classmates and class activities. As Ralph often said to Alice, "You’re the greatest."
I’ve said repeatedly that I think I was born at exactly the right time, and grew up in just the right place. I’m obliged to all of you who helped mold me into the fun-loving, irascible, comic curmudgeon that I’ve become. My gratitude is immeasurable. (Unlike my patience.) So again I say. "thank you."
P.S. Truth be known, I sometimes miss that sweet, nice guy.
P.P.S. Mike Farley, I miss hearing from you too.
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Ginger Goings Clower on October 6, 2011 1:36 PM
Hi folks,
I was so happy to see all those pretty faces at Ryans Tuesday night and, 'less' I forget, you guys too. It was great to spend a liitle time together with ya'll. Let's do it again. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Love ya for that. I said to one of my friends, " At our age now, life has blessed us in so many ways that we could never have understood when we were young." I kinda like being silly and foolish sometime, don't you. Now being old, well that's???? 'LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL' Please blog when you can folks. Take a little time out from your busy schedules and let us old folks back home hear from you once in awhile.
Always remember,
God loves you and I do too
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Pete Stephenson on October 6, 2011 2:37 PM
Pete here, Hey Carl, I surely liked your comments above. there is one thing from my prospective and that is this. I've always seen you as a class act and a nice guy. I will let the girls call you sweet. You have always been a great part of the 1960 group and always will be. I along with all the other classmates appreciate you more than you will ever know. My only regret over the years is that i didn't stay in touch many of you guys and gals. that for sure is my loss. Now that i have reconnected with many of you, Its going to be hard to get rid of me. Carl from the bottom of my heart,{thanks for all the time and effort you dedicate to our class}. Thomas, it was truly good to see you and Kay again and glad that you could make it in. God be with you on your travels to see family and friends, and be with you on your journey home. those classmates that are not participating in the get togethers are missing out on a lot. I love all you guys and gals. And from my house to yours peace and tranquility.
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gene law on October 6, 2011 6:51 PM
I absolutely love reading the blog, you folks make this 'ol man feel good all over especially on the inside. As I've gotten older I realize what I have missed by being self centered and focused only on my little world, getting to know you folks again I realize how nice all of you really are. I know now I should have went to those class reunions, I really thought there's no use no one would even know who I am, well shame on me for not realizing what a great bunch of folks you really are, if I can still walk and get around I'll do my best not to miss anything else you blessed people are involved in. May God richly bless you in your coming ins and going outs, thank you for enriching this 'ol man's life. geno
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gene law on October 6, 2011 6:58 PM
OOPS!!! I forgot to mention Lee Tolliver and his wife Jewell is coming to town tomorrow, we are going to meet at Ryan's at 12:30 for lunch, any one who would like to come by and meet with us would be welcome as rain in Texas. Seems Jewell has a class reunion this weekend. see Ya, geno
Becky Novarro on September 24, 2011 6:16 PM
Today was Concord's Homecoming. We won! Saw a lot of former football players and wives---we needed name tags! The Fabulous 50's are at Pipestem. No, we weren't invited! Hope you were watching ESPN Sports show at WVU this morning. Let's hope we do well tonight.
Cookie on September 26, 2011 11:41 PM
They let me out last Thursday so I could participate in my "Girls" annual trip to the beach. Upon arrival at the condo I couldn't get out of the car...right knee was on strike. (Left knee is great after surgery and therapy). The girls got me up the elevator and into the condo. After cheese, crackers, cheap wine and "whine" they decided to take matters into their own hands. So, off to CVS they went. They returned with great giggles and fanfare. They had purchased a knee brace and a black and pink striped cane. Said brace and cane got me through the weekend and back home to Calvert County.
Tonight I had a 6:00 meeting...rush hour time. While traveling up my country road to the main Route 4 intersection I happened to glance in my rearview mirror only to discover a 40ish year old woman putting on her eye makeup and talking on a cell phone. Her convertible was rapidly approaching the interior of my exhaust pipe. Upon arrival at the light (a 4 land divided highway) I slowed to a stop as it was on yellow. At which time she blasted her horn, stood up in her convertible and gave said crippled senior citizen the universal salute.
Said senior citizen was in great pain and, by the way, is on a crusade to rid the world of bad manners and jack-asses. So she put her car in park, picked up her pink and black striped cane and got out of the car. She hobbled back to bimbo and said, "Excuse me Dear! The light was on yellow, it is now red. Would you like for me to pull into Route 4 now or when we get a green light?" The color had drained from her face and she was fixated on the pink and black cane." I hobbled back to my car feeling I had won one for the Gipper. Only as I drove up Route 4 did it occur to me. That fool thought I was going to beat the hell out of her with my cane. Today was a good day!
Ole Maxine
Mike Murphy on September 28, 2011 12:15 PM
Give them hell - Hill
I have a Maxine poster to the left of my computer:
Patience: Now that I am older I thought it was great that I seemed to have more patience. Turns out that I just don't give a SH_ _
Keep the Faith
Becky Novarro on September 29, 2011 9:51 AM
October is next week which means our wonderful gathering at Ryan's. I hope to see as many friends as possible and catch up on all the news. The leaves are starting to turn as is the weather so it's time to go to fall festivals and drive those country roads.
Fred Lucas on September 30, 2011 12:06 PM
Hi Becky, I plan to come to Princeton after October 13. I am happy that everyone will have an enjoyable time at Ryans Restaurant. The autumn foliage will be beautiful and I plan to listen to the popular song Autumn Leaves.
Tom if you are interested in things German, there is an interesting restaurant and store on Pendelton Pike just off of I=265. It is called The Heidelberg Haus. In addition to German food, there are videos, Compact discs, clocks, steins and groceries from Germany.
Mike, I enjoy photography. Winston Link took photos of the steam engines on the Norfolk and Western Railway. These photos are in the book The Last Steam Railroad in America by Link and Abradale. Looking at the photos of the Powhatan Arrow brought back fond memolries.
I am studying the German language and enjoy that. Take care everyone. Fred Lucas
Fred Lucas on September 30, 2011 12:24 PM
Tom, the Heidelberg Haus is located just off of I-465 at 7625 Pendelton Pike. They are on the Web. You are correct about Jim Tressel.
Have an enjoyable autumn.
Carl on October 2, 2011 5:12 PM
Hey you Jitterbuggers, rug cutters, puffernutters, and toe-tappin' scutters, here's a fabulous video link supplied by our own shuffle-footin' Doug Neal. You'll be glad that you devoted 4 minutes to watching this: http://www.youtube.com/v/uNE3YSr_o2A&feature=related
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on October 4, 2011 2:36 PM
I hope to see everyone at Ryan's tonight. We have some classmates coming from out of state and hope to have a large crowd.
Pete and Geno, are you listening???
gene law on October 5, 2011 10:48 AM
WOW, how bout those PHS grads, swell group huh? So good to see so many having such a good time. The din that arose from the chatter, you just knew that classmates were enjoying one another, biggest turnout I have been privileged to be among. I am so glad I found this blog, got you to thank for that Carl, through this blog I have gotten to renew acquaintances, relive some of those old memories and enjoy times with some of the best people I have ever had the privilege to know. Who would have thought a dinner at Ryan's could be so good, a very pleasurable evening. Thank you out-of-towners for showing up. "in awe" geno
Carl on October 5, 2011 11:12 AM
A quintessentially reliable source tells me that last night's gathering at Ryan's was the largest ever with 27 present:
Tom & Kay Dillon, Joe Holdren, Pete & Judy Stephenson, Tracy French, Terry St. Clair & Kaye Williams, Tommy Goings & friend, Ginger Goings Clower, Linda & Bob Mills, Gene & Sandra Law, Edward & Evie Tomchin, Jeff & Betty Shumaker, Barbara & Harry Fields, Brenda McDonel Persin, Becky & Jim Novarro, Darla & Johnny Pitzer, & Doug Neal.
Way to go, gang!
Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 11:18 AM
geno I can,t agree with you more. Is the class of 1960 the greatest or what. A great gathering was had by all in my summation. It was sure good to see Thomas and Kay along with Edward Tomchin and his wife also. Most surprising to me was to see Brenda P. She hasn,t changed much over the years. Also all the locals that attend sure was good to see all of you. Kinda missed seeing Patty and Myron but understand that Myron is still in recoup. Judy and I had a blast seeing everyone and think at one time I counted 30, but think I might have missed some that were in the chow line. It is an honor and privilege for me to have been a part of the 1960 class. Love all you guys.
Carl on October 5, 2011 11:56 AM
If anyone has names to add to the Ryan's dinner list, please let me know.
Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 12:43 PM
Carl,I could have easily made a mistake on the count. When I run out of fingers and toes, I get into deep trouble. Wish you could have been there with us. By the way a few weeks back I wasn't criticizing you on your poem. thought it was great. I was stating something about anon before your poem came out. sorry if I offended you. Sure didn't mean it to come out that way. you have always been a good friend and hope it stays that way.
Carl on October 5, 2011 12:51 PM
Pete, old friend, I never found anything offensive in your comment. In fact, it sounds like you & I were in tune since the whole purpose of my poem was to make a statement about an Anonymous comment – and, truth to tell, to have a bit of fun playing with low-brow language and low-brow poetry.
Thanks for all of your input to the blog.
Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 1:08 PM
Carl, i need some help if you can. Above this message is font size the bold colors and everything else. I can,t get the bold to come on or the colors and sizes either. Its like all of these are blocked what do you think the problem is?
Carl on October 5, 2011 2:26 PM
Pete, try this: if selecting font, color, etc. before you begin typing your comment doesn't produce what you want, start by typing your comment. When you're finished, block it by left-clicking your mouse and dragging your cursor across it until you see it shaded. Then select the font, size, bold, italics, etc. If that doesn't work, get back to me and we'll try to figure something else.
Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 2:39 PM
Thanks Carl, I will try that.
Pete Stephenson on October 5, 2011 2:41 PM
Carl, looks like it worked, thanks much.
Carl on October 5, 2011 10:27 PM
WOW Pete! Looks like you've enlarged and colorized yourself. Good goin'.
Thomas Dillon on October 6, 2011 12:51 PM
Enjoying the weather in Morrisville, N.C.
The fog in Princeton yesterday morning prohibited us from leaving early, but the drive up to the East River and Big Walker tunnels was tremendous.
I cannot express how enjoyable the dinner at Ryan's was to Kay and me. It was like a reunion, but with a smaller group and the lack of the din of loud music, we were able to really talk with one another.
Any of you locals or traveling-through classmates who have not taken advantage of the monthly dinners are missing a rare opportunity. The female classmates are still beautiful!!!!!!
I love each and everyone of you and pray that we will spend all eternity together.
Mike Farley, everyone was asking about you. Please get back on the blog.
Carl on October 6, 2011 12:59 PM
Several of you have commented flatteringly on PHS60, and I completely agree. Then Pete got me to thinking – about statements and interpretations. Next thing I knew, I was reading the comments in my PHS yearbooks and was surprised by the number of girls who referred to me as "sweet," plus several guys who dubbed me "nice" – thank fate for teenage tact. (Not being one to challenge conventional wisdom, I suppose there was some truth to those views.) Heaven knows that I strived to be both, despite contrary instincts. But looking back some 50+ years later, I see clearly that I "got over it."
Having finally grown up –– quite different from maturing –– I know that I became more outspoken, more settled into my prejudices, and less constrained by niceness. (Otherwise, nothing could explain my ability to discomfit and offend –– and not to agonize over it.) So here I am, early into my 70th year, warts and all, inextricably tied to high school classmates whom, from 1949 on, I variously admired, envied, romanticized, loved, was intimidated by, felt resentful toward, hardly knew at all and, shamefully, didn’t always care.
Again proving that time is the great equalizer, I find myself more comfortable with, and appreciative of, all of my PHS60 classmates and their contribution to helping me through life (thus far, anyway).
Thanks to those who expressed kind thoughts –– captured for life –– in my yearbooks; thanks to all who contribute to the ongoing dialogue, to class reunions, and to the Ryan’’s dinner gatherings; and thanks to those who remain in the background but check the blog or inquire of PHS60 contacts about classmates and class activities. As Ralph often said to Alice, "You’’re the greatest."
I’ve said repeatedly that I think I was born at exactly the right time, and grew up in just the right place. I’m obliged to all of you who helped mold me into the fun-loving, irascible, comic curmudgeon that I’’ve become. My gratitude is immeasurable. (Unlike my patience.) So again I say. "thank you."
P.S. Truth be known, I sometimes miss that sweet, nice guy.
P.P.S. Mike Farley, I miss hearing from you too.
Ginger Goings Clower on October 6, 2011 1:36 PM
Hi folks,
I was so happy to see all those pretty faces at Ryans Tuesday night and, 'less' I forget, you guys too. It was great to spend a liitle time together with ya'll. Let's do it again. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Love ya for that. I said to one of my friends, " At our age now, life has blessed us in so many ways that we could never have understood when we were young." I kinda like being silly and foolish sometime, don't you. Now being old, well that's???? 'LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL' Please blog when you can folks. Take a little time out from your busy schedules and let us old folks back home hear from you once in awhile.
Always remember, God loves you and I do too
Pete Stephenson on October 6, 2011 2:37 PM
Hey Carl, I surely liked your comments above. there is one thing from my prospective and that is this. I've always seen you as a class act and a nice guy. I will let the girls call you sweet. You have always been a great part of the 1960 group and always will be. I along with all the other classmates appreciate you more than you will ever know. My only regret over the years is that I didn't stay in touch many of you guys and gals. that for sure is my loss. Now that I have reconnected with many of you, Its going to be hard to get rid of me. Carl from the bottom of my heart,{thanks for all the time and effort you dedicate to our class}. Thomas, it was truly good to see you and Kay again and glad that you could make it in. God be with you on your travels to see family and friends, and be with you on your journey home. those classmates that are not participating in the get togethers are missing out on a lot. I love all you guys and gals. And from my house to yours peace and tranquility.
gene law on October 6, 2011 6:51 PM
I absolutely love reading the blog, you folks make this 'ol man feel good all over especially on the inside. As I've gotten older I realize what I have missed by being self centered and focused only on my little world, getting to know you folks again I realize how nice all of you really are. I know now I should have went to those class reunions, I really thought there's no use no one would even know who I am, well shame on me for not realizing what a great bunch of folks you really are, if I can still walk and get around I'll do my best not to miss anything else you blessed people are involved in. May God richly bless you in your coming ins and going outs, thank you for enriching this 'ol man's life. geno
gene law on October 6, 2011 6:58 PM
OOPS!!! I forgot to mention Lee Tolliver and his wife Jewell is coming to town tomorrow, we are going to meet at Ryan's at 12:30 for lunch, any one who would like to come by and meet with us would be welcome as rain in Texas. Seems Jewell has a class reunion this weekend. see Ya, geno
Brenda Persin on October 6, 2011 8:40 PM
Thank you everyone for making Tuesday a night to remember.
I was so sorry to miss the 50th reunion, but Tuesday made up for it--Pete is right--there is no class like the PHS class of 1960.
I now plan to attend as many monthly get-togethers as I can. Thank you Doug for making all this possible.
Pete Stephenson on October 7, 2011 6:52 PM
Cookie where are you? Are you still on the 5th floor, or have you jumped. sorry that you couldn't make the dinner, was told you were going to try. How is the knees doing by the way. I can imagine you getting out of you car and going after the lady that was giving you the bird. Any way, sorry that you couldn,t make it. It really was like a mini reunion without all the noise. Take care and stay on the blog. One time a guy was doing me that way and I got out of my rig with a tire billy and went back and busted his headlight out. He didn't blow his horn or give me any more birds either. Let us know how you are doing.
"Cookie" on October 8, 2011 3:56 PM
Hi Pete: Do tire billys come in pink/black striped and if so could you get me one? As to my knee....one of my FORMER close friends suggested I get a Life Alert You know the one, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!" Thanks! I'll just lay there, come spring they will find me or when the grands school tuition doesn't get paid they will come home to see why. I saw Chubby Checker on Dancing with the Stars last week and it dawned on me. The knee is CHUBBY CHECKER'S fault. Thanks for thinking of me!
Linda Mills on October 10, 2011 4:50 AM
Hi everyone Tuesday at Ryan's was great. Look forward to next month. Hope we have a great turnout again!
Arrived back in Florida last night to bad news. Finally heard back from Betty Spurlock Maxwell's family. She died from her cancer. Unsure of date, but sometime this past spring. She and I had been communicating and then nothing. I suspected the worst, but could not get a definite answer. We had a great friendship at Mercer School before she moved to Huntington and stayed in touch on and off til we reconnected in Florida. Our sons attended U of F together. She was a quiet soul and will be missed by many family and friends. She had 5 sons and many grandchildren.
Again hope to see many of you in Princeton next month!
Pete Stephenson on October 10, 2011 8:54 PM
Hey Linda, was Betty Spurlock in our 5th grade class at mercer school. Mrs Robertson was our teacher. From the reunion book on page 50 is our 5th grade class picture. You are 3rd from right of me beside Kerby Smith. Also who was the girl down beside Carl. Now I know why the girls all called him sweets. I believe her first name was Patty, but not for sure. blog me back if you can find any info, you too Carl
Carl on October 10, 2011 9:05 PM
Pete, with your sharp "detective eye," you musta liked Columbo. I think you're right that Betty Spurlock is to the left of me in our Mercer School 5th grade class photo. FYI: this photo appears in our 2010 Reunion Book. And Pete, they just said that I was sweet; they didn't call me "sweets." If they had, I woulda walked a lot taller.
Mike Murphy on October 11, 2011 8:54 AM
How bout that Herman Cain?
Thanks Carl for speeding up this Blog you are the greatest!!
Keep the faith - Mike
Carl on October 11, 2011 7:17 PM
Mr. Michael Malone Murphy, you seem a wee bit smitten with Herman Cain. Is Cain also an age-old Irish name? Are you simply genetically supportive of the brethren or is there more to it?
I must say that Herman commands the language and a sense of engaging confidence that is characteristic of you Irish. Anyway, he's surely a breath of fresh air, given the nature of current-day US politics and politicians.
Carl on October 12, 2011 12:59 PM
Pete, my sources tell me that the girl in the Mercer School 5th grade photo that you asked about is Patsy Ratcliff. I'm further informed that her brother Pete -- yep, a re-Pete -- is one row above and 2 frames to the right.
Fred Lucas on October 11, 2011 7:32 PM
There is a lady who was born on October 22, 1942. She appeared on episodes of the Mickey Mouse Club. Later she made movies and sang with Frankie Avalon. Many of her songs and interviews are on youtube. She has written an autobiography. This wonderful actress and singer is Annette Funicello. Unfortunately, she has multiple sclerosis. I remember her in my prayers. She was and is such a wholesome woman.
There is a folk group from Australia known as The Seekers. They were popular during the 60's. They sang many wholesome songs. Like Peter Paul and Mary, they sang Puff The Magic Dragon. They have a Gospel medleyalong with many other tunes. They are featured on Youtube. Their female singer, Judith Durham, was born in 1943. She has a nice rendition of Morning has Broken and The Lord's Prayer.
The group still performs. Sadly, Judith's husband died from ALS in 1993. Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Fred Lucas
Mike Murphy on October 12, 2011 9:47 AM
Carl- Cain has the down to earth message that if you work hard and are honest you can succeed in spite of poor government. I don't like his sales tax, but you could do it like Delaware and no one would know? seriously raise the other 9s and lower sales to 1.
But we need to have a balanced budget and pay down the deficiet with a cap on what the feds can take from you! 10% is good enough for the lord so 20% should be good enough for the Feds & state and local.
Fred- Cain is not "Puffing the Magic Dragon" or listening to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". Makes one feel Holsum?
Carl - congrats on making the blog faster, but it still doesn't keep me from messin yup.
Keep the Faith – Mike
Mike Murphy on October 12, 2011 9:51 AM
Murphy again. Geno- Cain has taken a stance on Shariah law and no Muslims in his Cabinet.
keep Faith – Mike
"Cookie" on October 12, 2011 1:45 PM
Mike: Regards Cain....At least the culturally and intellectually deprived here can understand WHAT he is saying unlike the D.C. Protester last week who, when asked why he was there, said for social justice. When asked to define social justice he went into the usual Maxist mumbo jumbo and two minutes into it my head had done a complete 360. What did that fool just say?" He also said he was there for the duration but would probably have to go back to class on Monday...George Washington University by the by. I continue to be amazed. When I wasn't in class at Concord I was folding those smelling $1 blouses for Peg Tolley at Leggetts.
Pete Stephenson on October 12, 2011 2:46 PM
hey guys, did you read on facebook last week where the obama justice dept has asked the supreme court to give the fed the power to tell a church who its minister will be. What a stunning attack on freedom of religion. I thought communism fell a few years back. It sure seems like the populous should wake up and smell the roses. what a discussing thought to have here in the US something like that proposed to our supreme court. but obama has put two liberal justices on the high court. Hmmmmmmmmm
gene law on October 12, 2011 6:48 PM
Fred fyi Puff the magic dragon, was a song about maryjane, Pete and Mike I hear what you say but just last wk. the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood were taken on a tour of the FBI facility in D.C. The comment from our D.C. spokesman was these are a peace loving org., Preachers are already being targeted to have their sermons ok'd by a govt. watchdog, I fear Americans do not realize how close they are to becoming a muslim nation, the democrats do not realize their party has been taken over by socialists and marxists, Republicans are fighting one another, and out of the chaos, Satan can rule, only God can turn this nation back, and if one has read the Bible, so many times God let Israel fall into their enemies hand, because they would not turn to Him. A picture of America, may be......Very interesting time to be alive..HUH? geno
Pete Stephenson on October 12, 2011 8:23 PM
Thanks carl for the insight into the 5th grade class photo. I do remember the girls name as Patty, but did not know her last name. I forgot about the brother though. I do remember me getting in a sparring match with him once. I wonder if they were twins. Or maybe he was held back a year or two, don't really know. As for the political system here in the good Ole USA, I think it has gone to hell in a hand basket. Democracy is slowly being chiseled away. You are right in one of your previous comments, and I couldn't be more supportive in what you said.{we were born at the right time in history, and in the right place also} I think that our generation has seen the best of this world and before we are all gone it could also see the worst of it also. Like Big Mike says.{KEEP THE FAITH}.
Linda phlegar Mills on October 13, 2011 8:41 PM
Betty Spurlock Maxwell is shown in the 2000 reunion picture next to Candy Rorrer and in front of Kirby Smith. She was my guest at this reunion in Bluefield. Guys I think you are ALL right about fifth grade.
Carl on October 13, 2011 9:13 PM
Thanks Linda. I remembered that Betty was at the 2000 reunion, but didn't think to refer folks to the reunion photos on our website. [Go Hokies!]
Fred Lucas on October 14, 2011 9:58 AM
During the time that I was growing up in Princeton, I noticed some interesting behavior traits regarding liquor and beer. We didn't have liquor by the drink. Each time the proposal came up, the Methodist Church fought to have such a measure defeated. They would show photos of horrible auto crashes related to alcohol. Some of the women that I knew would pay a cab driver to go to the Liquor Store to purchase liquor. Beer was never sold in "nice" restaurants.
When I came to Cincinnati, I noticed a different perspective. People of German descent love their beer. Beer and liquor are sold throughout the area. Most "nice" restaurants also have bars. People who drink are encouraged to drink in moderation. Unfortunately some people drink to excess.
What are your perspectives about alcoholic drinks? Fred Lucas
Mike Murphy on October 14, 2011 1:49 PM
I was on medevac to Frankfurt in 82 and stayed at a Pension which had beer delivered in 4 liter cases like milk used to be belivered in US. I remember belonging to Elks club in WV when I traveled in th 60s to be able to buy liquor by the drink. The churches used the nusiance clauses in laws to make it difficult to purchase liquor by the drink, but couldn't prohobit it. I always thought by the drink was more sensible than buying a pint to put into your belt to carry into beer joint to pour into your beer and really get smashed.
"God created whiskey so the Irish couldn't rule the world!"
Keep the Faith – Mike
"Cookie" on October 14, 2011 1:56 PM
Hi Fred: My uncle used to work in the liquor store when it was beside Princeton Pharmacy at the Court House. Nuf said. LOL
As to liquor consumption among my crowd....its interesting watching the change over the years...hard liquor is out and wine is rapidly declining. It gives them acid reflux and throws them into A-Fib. Besides which most leave before dark anyway because they can't see to drive after the sun goes down.
Pete Stephenson on October 14, 2011 3:13 PM Mike Murphy on October 14, 2011 8:51 PM Carl on October 14, 2011 10:03 PM "Cookie" on October 15, 2011 12:04 AM Carl on October 15, 2011 12:07 PM Fred Lucas on October 15, 2011 7:34 PM Carol Martin on October 15, 2011 9:01 PM Delores on October 15, 2011 10:28 PM Linda phlegar Mills on October 16, 2011 10:05 AM Mike Murphy on October 16, 2011 12:46 PM Becky Novarro on October 16, 2011 5:05 PM Pete Stephenson on October 16, 2011 6:00 PM Carol Martin on October 17, 2011 8:08 PM Carl on October 18, 2011 9:32 PM gene law on October 19, 2011 10:46 AM Fred Lucas on October 20, 2011 6:30 AM Carl on October 20, 2011 10:29 AM Fred Lucas on October 22, 2011 8:19 PM Michael Murphy on October 23, 2011 12:45 PM Carl on October 23, 2011 9:54 PM
I do believe as long as states can make enough profit from the sell of booze and wine they will continue to do so. Although down here in franklin county Va. They do make some very good shine. cookie I wish you wouldn,t talk about me that way, I see very well at night thank you. I do agree with Mike and that is more bars should be open instead of the person buying a pint or 5th.
Do you know how to tell a Methodist from a Catholic? Catholic will say hello to you in the liquor store
Keep the Faith – Mike
Murph, you old scalawag. I don't mean to move the conversation from booze to sex -- although they're forever inextricably tied – but your Catholic/Methodist joke reminded me of one of my old-time favorites (more plausible in the 50s):
Q. Do you know why Baptists never make love standing up?
A. Because someone might think they're dancing.
What was that Carl??????????
S-E-X????????????????????????
Hum????????????????????????
Oh wait! I..................think I remember that.................
I'll get back if it.......
Let me think about it some more.
The "2010 Reunion Photos" page just sprouted 29 new additions from last year's reunion, plus one from a recent dinner meeting at Ryan's. Thank you, Terry St. Clair.
Regarding booze, I enjoy Warsteiner beer with some meals and pinot noir wine with other meals. I enjoy the bars in Cincinnati. Pete there has been a long period in American history where some churches have desired to control the sale of liquor. Prohibition failed but a number of counties in Kentucky are still dry for example.
I am writing this from the Turnpike Motel in Princeton. I couldn't come sooner. So I came today and plan to visit relatives here and in Giles County. I plan to be a leaf peeper.
Tomorrow, I plan to visit Ted Kessinger and will give you a report on his condition.
A religious joke, several years ago, a priest, minister and rabbi went fishing. After a time, the priest said that he was tired and he got out of the boat and walked across the water to land. Soon the minister got tired and across the water he walked to the shore. The rabbi said if they can do that so can I. He stepped out of the water and down into the lake he went. The priest looked at the minister and said, I think that someone forgot to tell our friend the rabbi where the rocks were.
Carl, thanks for the email about the photos. That reminded me that I haven't read the blog in months.
The Tigers are losing to Maryland!! Carl and Cookie, you aren't Maryland fans are you?
We may try to swing up to WV before winter sets in. One of Neil's high school friends has extra tickets to the Duke VA Tech game on the 29th in Durham. Linda, are you going to that game?
So glad to read that so many were able to attend the dinner at Ryans. I look forward to seeing you all again someday and would especially love to see Brenda and Ginger since they were unable to come to the reunion.
Has anyone seen Irwin lately?
Hi Carol: Although I graduated from University of Maryland I've never supported their sports program. I'm still a West Virginia fan at heart.
Carol, we only get to go to games in Blacksburg these days. We will be at the Ryan's get together in November. Hope you can make it up to there!
Pete- Did you ever pull a "Possum Belly"?
Keep the Faith – Mike
Today was Railroad Days in Hinton and the weather couldn't have been better. So good to see Gene Fields with Laverne and their daughter Louie--Gene, you look great! Also, Terry St.Clair and Kaye Wiliams were enjoying the food and music with us and Sheila and Jerry Tennant. Hinton is upgrading their town and even have their old theater open and showing 1st run movies. Seniors can go to a matinee for $4. Imagine! If any of you know anyone who works at the festival, please tell them I really missed the chicken and dumplings.
Hey Mike if you are talking about the drop frames, yes I did. I have pulled everything but tankers. Liked the doubles. a heck of a challenge. especially in the wind and ice. Pulled the doubles with Roadway only though. Becky, I guess the foliage down around Hinton is turning pretty fast. good weekend for the gathering there in Hinton. if at all possible i will see you at the get together in Nov. maybe not though, it your time to be snow birding. Mike the possum bellies are terrible in the wind also. A lot of downward force. Believe it or not they are harder to pull empty than loaded.
Carol here... Cookie, you graduated from University of Md but don't pull for them in sports--most unusual. I guess we kinda pull for the schools our sons became attached to. When SC played WVU, we pulled for SC but didn't tell our families in WV. When we lived in TX, we started pulling for A&M, Baylor etc. We usually had some connection. Marcus Lattimore, running back for SC who was injured Saturday, grew up nearby, so we want him to do well.
Clemson somehow pulled out a win Saturday night. I think all of their games have been close.
I worked the republican booth at the county fair last Saturday for a couple of hours. At least I got to see Elvis! I managed to be very nice and somewhat neutral for two hours.
I did chat with Rick Santorum when he came to the Constitution Day gathering recently. He told me he was born in West Va (Martinsburg). He was very pleasant even though he knew that I was supporting another candidate. His wife was scheduled to speak at our last tea party meeting, but had to cancel. Romney and Perry wives were in town recently and spoke to very small audiences. I didn't go to either meeting.
Linda, I hope we can make the next Ryan dinner. We need to visit my brother (who is getting a little stronger) and also my cousin, Barbara Hill, who has cancer. She is married to Tracy French's cousin. What are the odds?
"love one another"
"Love one another"? Carol, are you actually an old closet 60s liberal retread (cloaked in Ron Paul wool)? You sound just like Jesse Colin Young from "The Summer of Love" (1967), see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbrn9eXEKWk&feature=related. As luck would have it, a couple of summers ago I was in Great Barrington, MA with some of my absolutely dear, precious, good-hearted and well-meaning leftist friends. Jesse was at the fabulous Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. He performed "Let's Get Together" (his signature tune). He was sensational (and I endured it pleasurably).
While all that old 60s and 70s stuff may seem dated and naive, your message of "love one another" should endure for all time . . . and for all people. And Jesse would say "bless you."
HEAR HEAR!!!
I'm writing from the Executive Motel in Radford. While I was in Princeton, I stopped by the Princeton Health Care Center and visited with Ted Kessinger. He is in a secured area and has to wear a helmet to protect his head if he should fall. He told me that he feels like an inmate. His voice is rather low . He answered my questions. He would like to have more visitors.
I had a nice visit with Pat Smith. She and her family have set up a catering service. In addition she has an Italian style restaurant.
Several of you asked about Mike Farley. I stopped by the Chamber of Commerce office and spoke with Robert. He said that the cancer treatment was successful and that Mike and his wife are working again at Disneyland. The Chamber has published an information booklet about Mercer County which is quite informative.
Next, I visited with my cousin Glenna across .the street at Links garage. They are doing well. Like several of you I visited Hinton and enjoyed the Dairy Queen on the New River.
In Virginia, I have visited relatives in Giles County and had lunch with Virginia Tech boosters. I met Curtis Gray, retired principal at Blacksburg High School. He's 83. I taught there for one year 67-68. He was the principal.
Pat mentioned that she is related to the Farleys. I am related to the Moellers and Darla's husband, John Pitzer.
Have an enjoyable Halloween.
Thanks to Emma Lou Davis Johnston, here's a link to an impressive video of the WVU Marching Band's tribute to the US military services, filmed just last month: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blEDrQ9rL5A
Carol Martin on October 20, 2011 9:23 PM
Carl, I don't think anyone has ever asked me if I am a liberal before. Instead of liberal versus conservative, I agree with Pastor Chuck Baldwin. When selecting a candidate, ask is this person going to defend the U.S. Constitution or is he a globalist?
The Prince of Peace gave his followers a new commandment "Love one another." I can think of nothing more powerful.
BTW, to those who are involved in politics, Santorum will be in town again next week. I am sure we were invited to his luncheon because he is seeking our counsel and not our $46 to pay for lunch and/or his campaign. I hope the good doctor (Paul) will be in the area soon. We are eagerly waiting!
This morning, I stopped by the Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum in Bastian Va. Have you ever been to this village? It is a recreation of a village that was built in the area in the fourteenth Century. To get there, take the Bastian Exit off of I-77. Turn left and go to US 52 and turn right. Go about 500 feet and turn right. During the year they have school groups who come to the center. A guide explains how the people lived in the 1300's and 1400's.
As I talked to the historian, I learned that there was a resident of the area whose last name was Wyrick. During the American Revolution against the English, he supported the English cause. Perhaps you can talk further to the historian to see if there is a connection between you and the man who supported the English cause
I visited the new alumni center at Concord. My guide was a young woman whose last name was Wyrick. She didn't know you or boozie.Should you visit the Alumni Center at Concord, you might be able to establish a connection.
Got an email from a friend in Las Vegas this AM, amusing with a great message.
Here's another way to look at the Debt Ceiling: Let's say, you come home from work and find there has been a sewer backup in your neighborhood ...and your home has sewage all the way up to your ceilings. What do you think you should do ..... Raise the ceilings, or pump out the Shi_?
YOUR CHOICE IS COMING NOV. 2012
Keep the Faith – Mike
Murph, while I'm happy that you keep in touch with Harry Reid – Las Vegas real estate magnate – that just doesn't sound like him to me. Are you sure you understood his message?
"Cookie" on October 24, 2011 12:18 AM
????? Am I to understand the PHS60 subject matter of the week is all things scatology. In that case....Did you know that McDonel once had a cat named "Feces." He used to sit in the window and watch the mourners smoking on Mercer Street outside Memorial Funeral Home. He also had a stop watch to determine how long it took Fitzhugh to delivery orders curbside at Bill's Drive-In. Don't believe me..ask her.
Brenda Persin on October 24, 2011 4:51 PM
You are correct, Cookie! The little cat used to go around pooping all over the place, and since I had just learned the word "feces", I thought it was appropriate. I now have three neutered male cats: Wilbur, Amos, and Apollo (nicknamed Alo--after all if Jennifer Lopez can be JLo, he can be Alo).
Actually, I didn't give any of them their names. Wilbur was my sister's, Amos was my Dad's, and Alo was my sons.
What do you think happened to the stopwatch--maybe that is what I used all those years teaching shorthand and typing.
Love all comments--I am planning on attending the next dinner at Ryan's so hope to see some of you there.
Fred Lucas on October 24, 2011 10:11 PM
Hi Mike, I think that we exhausted the discussion about coloring books. But we didn't discuss comic books. Saturday Michael Feldman on NPR asked the question, which American university has the largest collection of comic books? The answer is Michigan State with 240,000 comic books.
As I was going to Princeton on Saturday, I stopped for lunch at Bob Evans Restaurants near Hurricane. There were two girls age four and five with their Dad. Each girl had braided hair. After I told them how nice they looked, they turned to their Dad and said you are a boy and boys don't braid their hair.Children are so natural.
Mike Murphy on October 25, 2011 12:33 PM
Libya opts for Shariah Law. Our foriegn policy sucks, going back to when we promoted peace between Iraq and Iran. ie the enemy of my enemy is my friend and we need to put the USA first in our decisions and foriegn policy. Murbarrak, Hussain and Kadafi were terrible but we ended up worse in the scheme of things.
What do you think Geno - are the folks still drinking the liberal Kool Aide?
No Cats were harmed in this Epic!
Keep the Faith – Mike
gene law on October 25, 2011 9:04 PM
Mike , you are on target, I watched a reporter on a Christian news program, and he said that gahdafi had a falling out with the muslim brotherhood and that was why he was targeted, I wonder if he might know what he was talking about, same reporter who said that Bin Laden had fallen out with the Muslim Brotherhood and that was why he was given over, if he's right the plot thickens, and no one sees the main plot, although methinks you have an insight to this hoary mess. geno
Carol Martin on October 25, 2011 9:04 PM
Hi Fred! Interesting name connections. The only male grandson in our family is my brother's son and he and his wife have no children, so our name ends with the next generation.
I know you all get tired of politics, but since SC is the"first in the south" this place is jumping! There will be a debate on Nov. 12 here at Wofford College. Our tea party leader has asked us to be available to feed, house, pick up folks at the airport etc. (not the candidates!)
I hope I can twist Neil's arm to stick around a little longer in West Va so that we can attend the next dinner at Ryan's. Since he just returned from his fall golf trip, he kinda owes me one.
Mike M, Neil and I visited our friend who lived in SA 12 years recently (he is probably in his 80's and his health is not good). Anyway, he worked for Arametron. His wife loved it over there. BTW, he said that he "smuggled" his Bible in his underwear in his suitcase. Someday I would like to tell you about my encounter with our neighbors who were from Pakistan. There used to be two families on our street from Pakistan but one has moved. Actually, I reached out to them and helped the daughter of one of the families. She was a sweet girl and dressed like her peers, her mom wore Islamic attire. Before they moved the daughter stopped to tell me goodbye and told me she was going to attend Wofford College. The parents moved to Conn.
Mike Murphy on October 26, 2011 10:33 AM
Geno I am not aware of any connection with the Muslim Brotherhood and the demise of Kadafi and Osama. However the Iranians have a hand in most of the turmoil including Syria. Their main goal is to take over Saudi Arabia to control the two great Mosques plus the Oil. The SA Kingdom is allied with the US but the Muslim leadership not at all.
Carol- My wife was happy the first tour 82-87 but not so much the second 94-97 also things were better socially for women on the East coast, Dharahan rather than where we were in Riyadh.
We were fortunate to have Diplomatic Passports so we were generally not searched or harassed going through customs. Religious services were held semi secretly at houses in compounds in 1st tour and at American Embassy during 2nd usually by a Chaplin.
We also got a "Tea shipment" once a month and had to party hardy to get rid of it.
Keep the Faith – Mike
Delores on October 26, 2011 11:58 AM
Mike: I always enjoy your entries. They are fascinating. You must have had an interesting, exciting and successful career. Those Green Tree Crossroads/Glenwood Park kids rock don't they! Never under estimate the bus kids!
Fred Lucas on October 26, 2011 6:47 PM
Hi Mike, I wanted to let you know that one of the great basketball players Jerry West of WVU has written an autobiography. The book outlines a tortured childhood and a great desire to compete on the basketball court. He spoke recently at the Festival of Ideas at WVU.
Regarding the middle east, I spoke to a woman from Morocco. We spoke in French. She explained that the ruler has jailed dissenters and has forced others into exile. She met and married a man from Cleveland. They live in Christiansburg ans she works at Barnes and Noble.
Several years ago I was in Ottowa Canada during the Israel -Lebanon conflict. There were about 3000 Canadian -Lebanese citizens who were demonstrating for the prime minister of Canada to go to the UN to try to have the fighting stopped. Several explained to me that they had relatives who were innocent civilians caught in the conflict.
The tensions between Israel and the Palestinians are certainly a factor involved in the tensions in the middle east.
While on the bus to Ottowa, I spoke with a young man from Saudi Arabia. He explained that his mother was a physician. If she got a call at three a.m. to come to the hospital, he had to drive her. He hoped that the government would allow his mother to drive to the hospital. Unfortunately, that has not happened.
Now that Kadhafi is dead, I think that the people will try to form a government that is similar to that of Turkey. That might take some time. After the American Revolution, the government brought about the Articles of Confederation, then the Constitution and finally a civil war. We still have major differences of opinion about our system of government. The French Revolution took place in 1792. They continued to go through changes until after DeGaulle who brought some much needed stability to the system of government.
So much for the soap box.
Mike Murphy on October 27, 2011 12:50 PM
Cookie - I am glad we didn't have to ride the "short bus" Which reminds me one of the smart guys I envied, Raymond Kidwell, probably road the bus with you?
Fred - Turkey's gov has changed a lot in recent years more toward Islam and away from secular as promogated by the Atta Turk. If Libya could get a wise benevolent Dictator (the most efficient form of gov) like the Atta Turk they would be most fortunate. We think everyone should have a democracy like us but that doesn't always work, look at Hamas.
I was in Turkey working in 99 during the earthquake much like the one they are recovering from now except stronger. I was in Iskasheer about 400 K from the epicenter staying at the University. I awoke to the shaking and tried to stand up but had to sit back down on the bed. Scared the stuff out of me but the building held. Downtown a 7 story building that had been earlier condemed and later occupied pancaked and killed 35 people. The Turks are great people, hardy like mountaineers and if they like you will do anything for you but you do not want to be their enemies.
Again how bout that H Cain - not UF
Keep the faith – Mike
Pete Stephenson on October 27, 2011 2:55 PM
Mike, In 1963 I played a football game in Ankara Turkey. Played a team from France which our plane left Bitburg Germany, and went to France to pick up the team we were to play in Ankara stadium. We were there for a week and a very interesting country. got to visit the tomb of Attaturk. I believe he was the leader of modern day Turkey. Outside the city it was a very harsh country. Strangely enough te team we played from France was beaten 63 to noting and they had to fly back to France with us on the same plane. Needless to say they were very quite on the trip back. love everyone and be faithful. pete
Becky Novarro on October 27, 2011 3:29 PM
Greetings from sunny Florida. I feel shallow in changing the subject but cannot help myself from sharing this story/show. There is a program on ESPN about Chuck Wepner, the Bayonne Bleeder, and the basis for the Rocky movies. The program tells a wonderful story about someone I know but even more eventful, for me, is a picture of my husband, Jim, with Chuck and Jim's employer, Art Stock. If any of you see the program, let me know! Also, there is to be a movie about The Real Rocky.
Thanks for the indulgence. Becky
Carl on October 27, 2011 4:06 PM
Looks like the show, "The Real Rocky," aired night before last; no indication on the ESPN website of when it will re-air. Let us know -- anyone -- if you hear of it coming on again.
Mike Murphy on October 28, 2011 9:47 AM
Pete - The Attaturk changed the text of the language to Latin, did you notice that Taxi was Taksi. made it much easier to communicate, however most countries know English much better than we know their language fortunately English is the international language for business.
I had a wonderful delicious dinner in Ankara, I don't remeber the name of it maybe iskar? But it had meat tomatoes and other vegs over Turkish bread in a deep dish and the Chef came out of the kitchen with a pan of melted butter to pour over it. May have had excess calories but it was delicious!
I also visited Istanbul, where you can walk across the bridge from the continent of Asia to Europe. Stayed at the Pera Palace, where Agatha Christie probably stayed during one of her marital breakups, because the found a room key from the PP in one of her home drawers.
Pete -Thank you again for your Military service which gives us the freedom to express ourselves on the Duke of Carl web site. I think a Dukes title is fitting and we could have a song the Duke of Carl?
Keep the Faith – Mike
Becky Novarro on October 29, 2011 1:35 PM
Well Duke Carl, I checked the ESPN website and the show is to run again Sunday night. Also, if you look at the website you can get a background story and pictures. Thanks so much for your interest. Becky
Carl on October 29, 2011 2:43 PM
Now really guys, Duke Carl? I don't think that's at all fitting. [Now, Count Carl, on the other hand, has a certain ring to it, don't you think?]
IMPORTANT!!! The Chuck Wepner special, "The Real Rocky" -- co-starring our own Jim Novarro -- will air Sunday (tomorrow) at 11:30 pm EDT on ESPN2. Set your recorders, and keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Becky's beloved.
Mike Murphy on October 30, 2011 10:08 AM
Carl - No Count. I thought about Earl but it was not lofty enough. So after much campaigning research and confusion you have been nominated and elected as Duke Carl! Revel in it!!!
I think everyone will agree you deserve your title and all it Brings.
Keep the Faith – Mike
Cookie" on October 30, 2011 10:23 AM
Duke, Duke, Duke of Carl
Duke, Duke
Duke of Carl
Yes, I-oh, I'm gonna love you
Oh! Oh! Nothing can stop me now
Cause I'm the Duke of Carl--------
So, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
W00-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo
Doo-oo-uke
oh! oh! whoa-ah
Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Carl
Duke, Duke
Duke of Carl
Duke, Duke
Carl on October 30, 2011 10:31 AM
I think I just heard Gene Chandler gasping for air.
gene law on October 30, 2011 4:03 PM
I heard it clearly as I read it, cookie it's never been sung better. geno
"Cookie" on October 30, 2011 5:00 PM
"Thank you! Thank you very much!"
Carl on October 30, 2011 5:03 PM
I think I just heard Cookie channeling Elvis. My goodness, my classmates sure know their rock 'n roll and R&B.
"Cookie" on October 30, 2011 8:10 PM
Tonight you're mine completely,
You give your love so sweetly,
Tonight, the light of love is in your eyes,
But "Will you love me tomorrow"?
Don't any of you lie! I've heard that crap before!
Anonymous Anonymous on October 31, 2011 4:18 PM
I'm back! Did anyone miss me? Have been working hard on the movie entitled"Anonymous" that was released recently and could not get to the blog.
I have always been a fan of the use of the same letters, ergo, would suggest Captain Carl or better Colonel Carl. Wasn't there someone in the life of Elvis with the name of Colonel?
Carl on October 31, 2011 5:47 PM
Yeah, Colonel Sanders.
gene law on October 31, 2011 8:16 PM
From Elvis to Gene or vice versa this is a good place to hang out......[I'm gonna do it] at. Yes I'll still love ya tomorrow, uh uh what's your name. geno
Mike Murphy on October 31, 2011 8:17 PM
Duke of Carl admirer here
Let us not despair, let us revel in the fact that we have a Duke amongst us enen though he is so humble as to make desparaging remarks about himself. My hero
Keep the Faith – Mike
Elvira on October 31, 2011 11:15 PM
Its Halloween Geno so tonight you can just call me Elvira.
Pete Stephenson on November 2, 2011 9:17 AM
Hey guys instead of all the mumbo jumbo, why not name our fearlous leader KING KARL and abbreviate it into KK. A little misspelling on the name will go a long way in resolving the name thinggie. For all that was at the get together last evening,I sincerely hope you had a good visit. I hope to attend the next one if at all possible. Have a good day everyone.
Mike Murphy on November 2, 2011 10:03 AM
Pete - King is appropriate as long as we don't strap a gun on him!
How bout that Herman Cain?
Keep the faith – Mike
gene law on November 2, 2011 10:51 AM
Greetings, to all you bloggers, and to the ones that missed the get together at Ryan's, I missed you, Darla I hope everything is alright with you was very surprised you and Johnny wasn't there, unusual to say the least, Ginger we missed seeing you there also, and everyone was expecting the B to be there, by the way that B she wears means beautiful, bouncy, beyond reproach, and belovely besides Brenda I thought you were coming back, I guess that B doesn't mean back. Well any way I missed you folks that weren't there, Becky and Jim y'all coming back? Linda and Bob are going back to Florida, won't be back till Sept. next, How does that song go Where have all the young folks gone, gone with the flowers, gone with the wind that blows, where have they all gone, nobody knows. Country song, doubt if any one knows and yet this class continues to astound me, I really would not be surprised if every one knows, I constantly feel amazed that I myself have been privileged to have been a part of this amazing class, I do wish I had gotten to know you folks better, it would have bettered me, there I go being selfish again, btw Myron was there and walking great. It was good to see Gene fields there, missed Tom Goings, instead of going he was gone, Joe didn't return, boy compared to last gathering, this one was a low turn out affair, maybe next one will bring full house. I hope the 2dillons will come back, well all this rambling has taxed my mind, have a great day keep your hopes high and lofty, may your faith soar towards the heavens and peace enter your hearts and house as well. geno
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on November 2, 2011 12:15 PM
Thanks Gene...it is good to be missed. We were at a funeral home in Bluefield. We enjoyed visiting with a lot of people that we had not seen in a long time. Sorry that we didn't make it back in time, but will see you next month.
Mike Murphy on November 2, 2011 12:58 PM
UNARMED AND DANGEROUS
Have any of you Princeton grads seen this sign on a car?
There is and article in the Charleston Daily Mail about Veronica Brooks a Princeton Grad who has no arms but has a great story about her accomplishments.
Carl - please post the web site for daily mail. I promise to uphold your titles.
Keep the faith – Mike
Carl on November 2, 2011 2:03 PM
Murph, I'll post the website link IF you'll lay to rest this " (title) Carl" stuff. Short of aspiring to be PHS60 class clown, I've neither desired nor terribly respected titles.
OK, OK. So again I just can't say "no" to the King of Kenna. Here's the link: http://dailymail.com/foodandliving/201111010147
Becky Novarro on November 3, 2011 8:15 AM
Sure did miss my Tuesday night chat fest and thanks Geno for missing us too. We are back in Florida and should be returning in June. For those of you who are sports fans, at a recent visit to Walmart here I saw fabric with school logos ready to be made into a lot of school spirit. BTW, only had GATERS...Tom! Guess this far down the state FSU doesn't count much! Also, when Gene was referring to the beautiful B, I mistakenly thought it was me! BooHoo! Hope all of you are staying warm and have electric! Becky
Delores on November 3, 2011 9:59 AM
Murph: I was all prepared for my usual "rant" until I read the article from the Charleston paper. Words can't describe ones admiration for that woman. Thank you so much for sharing. I forwarded it to my loved ones with a note to dump the pity parties. I'll save my "rant" for another day! I think I just heard a giant sigh of relief from Tiger Town.
Thomas Dillon on November 3, 2011 5:48 PM
I want to be in Florida too or in the Carribean. It is 42 degrees here and has rained all day.
Why doesn't someone win a big lottery and buy the Princeton High Class of 1960 an island in the tropics that would accommodate us all?
Brenda Persin on November 3, 2011 8:26 PM
Geno, I think I love you!!
I may have posted this previously, but my husband is suffering from Alzheimer's and sometimes it is difficult for me to get away. I hope to see everyone at Ryan's next month, but I can never make promises.
Everyone keep writing on the Blog--I like reading everything, even a rant from Cookie--no, ESPECIALLY a rant from Cookie.
Pete Stephenson on November 3, 2011 9:53 PM
Hey all you guys and dolls out there in tigerland. Its that time of year again when certain guys like Tracy and myself and a few others head to the out back in search of the majestic white tail buck or heavens knows what else. I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon to congregate with my fellow hunters in what is known in certain circles as deer camp. Or as Judy once said, a bunch of bull s----rs getting together to talk about the ones that got away in the late 60,s. anyway will be in touch with you again after Thanksgiving. and lets all not forget what thanksgiving is all about. Be faithful and most of all be thankful. Dillon,if I had the cash, I don,t know a better group to invite to my island in the Carrib ean. Lv ya all. Hey KK, keep them on their toes.
"Cookie" on November 3, 2011 10:32 PM
Well, in that case Ms. B I'll just let it rip. Only for you cause we have such a history. I always felt sorry for you because you didn't have sense enough to name that cat something you could repeat in public.
I want to talk about CHICKENS! That’s correct, CHICKENS! It goes something like this!
I am a generous, caring, giving person contrary to what some of my posts must indicate. I give to everything and just feel sorry for everyone. Such a sap!
This fall I have made the following contributions to my fellow "persons."
(I live outside Washington so this is a politically correct post.)
1. A dear friend passed away to Leukemia so I routinely send the Leuk Society a donation because they send me those little return address labels that I use. Late September I sent them a check.
2. A neighbor put an envelope in the mailbox 2 weeks later requesting another donation to the Leukemia Society so I sent her a check too.
3. Before my checks cleared the bank I got a big thank you from the Leuk Society thanking me for my donation and asking me to send another one.
4. Another neighbor put an envelope in the mailbox for the Heart Association so I sent her a check.
This neighborhood mailbox thing--if you don't send something they talk about you at the monthly "wine/whine/cheese" gathering of the gray panthers. You have to understand that they can argue over the color of water.
5. I had my knee operated on at Anne Arundel General Hospital and have never been treated better. Pat Sajak (Wheel of Fourtain fame) married a local girl so he gave $5M (yes thats an M) for a new building. They called to see if I was satisfied with my recent visit and of course I was treated royally in Pat's new building which I gushed over for about 10 minutes. When i finished gushing she asked if I could send a donation. I asked her if she wanted me to match Pat's donation. I sent her $10.
6. I have a soft place in my heart for our military so everytime I get those cute little return address labels from Disabled Vets I always send a donation (I use those too.) Sent them a donation for my labels in October.
7. Our new Hospice House is wonderful, brand new and is providing fabulous services to the community. They recently opened a "high-end" boutique and called wanting my clothes. I cleaned out my closet and drove 100 miles to my daughter's home to clean out hers as well. They were not impressed. They lady kept looking for the designer labels but graciously took them anyone.
8. While I was at it I gathered up my grandchildren's clothes and took them to the homeless shelter.
9. Our little "wine/whine/bitch" group is having a food drive for the holidays so I have a grocery bag in the foyer.
10. The Boy Scouts called and they want my food too so I have another bag that I'm supposed to put on the mailbox for pickup.
11. Purple Heart called and they want anything in my house so I have the truck bed loaded up with my household goods that I need to put by the curb on Friday.
12. The little girl up the street stopped by selling that over-priced Sally Foster Christmas wrap so I purchased a whole bunch of stuff from her. I really didn't have a choice, her grandmother, a prominent member of the 'whine/whine/cheese" group was watching me from the driveway.
13. Another member of the cute little girl's class stopped by with her Sally Foster literature so I purchased an over-priced candle.
14. The grandchildren's school had their annual fund drive so I purchased two magazines that really seem worthless now...House & Garden and Arch. Digest. They seem pretty worthless now since I've given away everything in my house.
I'm not sure I've covered everything but at any rate I'll end my rant by saying I think I got pushed over the edge last week when my grandson called. It went something like this.
"Mamaw, you have to drive over!" "Why honey?" "Well, the Red Cross is coming to my school and the person who collects the most blood gets to ride a limo to McDonalds for lunch."
So, charity has all my money, my food, my clothes, my household possessions and now they want my BLOOD.
My question is, "Have I met my quota for spreading my wealth?"
What does this have to do with Chickens? PECK! PECK! PECK! PECK! PECK!
Pete Stephenson on November 3, 2011 10:57 PM
hey Cookie does that place you stay at sometimes have more floors than 5? Damed if I were you I would move on up to the penthouse before all the whiners and diners pick you clean. Every neighborhood has them. You should live beside a Baptist minister like I do. I have heard of more crap going on in the world than you possibly can handle. I think all my drawers in my rolltop are full of address labels. PO,S Judy because she says she never gets any free labels, hell i don,t get any free ones either. Just saying. Talk at you in about 3 wks. Raining hard here in the roanoke Valley. Gosh almighty i hate to hunt in the rain, hard to keep powder dry. black tape works though. later.
Tom Dillon on November 4, 2011 8:01 AM
Cookie, BEAUTIFUL! You go Girl!!!
Kay and I share your pain. We just received an e-mail via his blackberry from our grandson, Luke, whose school is selling Christmas wreaths or door swags(whatever those are) at $27 a pop. We don't even get a visit from him. Having already sent 2 sons, 2 daugher-in-laws, and 1 grandson through the local school system, we literally have a forest of Christmas wreaths hanging in our attic dating back to the 70's and 80's. We only have 3 outside doors. Would it be tacky to put more than one wreath on a door?
I thought I would donate some to Amvets who call monthly for any kind of donation regardless of value and/or working condition, but have a concern with this organization. Check them out on the Charity Navigator web page. Amvets National Service Foundation located in Lanham, MD has a relatively low efficency rating with only $0.52 of every dollar raised actually getting to Vets and/or their families. The CEO Makes $150,000 plus which is 1% of the foundation's expenses. I will still use their address labels, however.
Kay and I have been sponsoring a child in Ethiopia for several years, Hirpa Dabba, he has the same birthdate (supposedly) as I. Check out World Vision. The CEO makes $300,000 as a base salary and if you find snopes.com reliable - plus supplied a completely furnished home valued in the $700-800,000 range, all housing expenses paid including taxes, water/sewage, telephone/fax, maid service, pool and yard maintenance, etc. His children's private schooling is paid for. He has an upscale automobile, a personal expense account of $55,000 for clothing/food and a $125,000 business expense account. One of you mathematicians need to calculate how many $35-per- month sponsorships it takes to cover this gentleman's life style.
Pete, don't shoot yourself in the foot.
gene law on November 4, 2011 3:11 PM
Wow I did not realize you were so easily tapped, er I mean so generous, perhaps you would be interested in giving to PwDHMH, PWATF, there is also another org. called PWDHMM, if so just send your donation to me and I'll see that it gets to the proper person, thanking you in advance. Brenda I cut and pasted that "Geno I think I love you" I'm gonna frame it in lace trimmed with silver to match your "B" How about that. Pete when you are hunting that elusive buck and the cold air begins permeating to the bones, you will probably hear a small voice in your head ask "why am I doing this", years ago when I was 60 I heard that same voice while sitting in the woods shivering, coughing,sneezing, and spilling coffee all over myself, which by the way instantly froze, and I answered "cause it's so much fun", as I sit by the fire warming myself I now say "I quit because it is so much fun". I am now a busy bee taking care of my honey, cause it's so much more fun. Take care all you lovely people and be blessed cause you bless me. Geno
gene law on November 4, 2011 4:33 PM
Geno here does anyone out there know anything about 21st Century auto ins.? received quote from them, it is so low I am leery of it. Any info: I would appreciate. tnx
Carl on November 5, 2011 1:37 PM
Geno, I hadn't heard of 21st Century Insurance before, but the "great Web" tells me that they're owned by the Farmers Insurance Group. Farmers has a very good reputation, so I wouldn't be too concerned about 21st Century's services.
gene law on November 5, 2011 4:13 PM
Thanks Count Carl, I can always count on you, geno
Becky Novarro on November 9, 2011 3:17 PM
What has happened to our Blog? I know Pete went hunting but good grief, where are the others? So, anyone shallow enough to discuss Dancing With the Stars with me?
If not there is certainly enough issues on the news to discuss, isn't there?
Our Walmart is getting updated so Jim and I have had such a good time trying to find where things are. Bought 3 poinsettas today; they grow all year long here. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Love starting up toys in drug stores and walking away! I sure get a lot of dirty looks.
"Cookie" on November 9, 2011 3:48 PM
I'm sorry but I am so bummed out over Kim Kardashian's divorce that I just can't participate right now.
gene law on November 9, 2011 4:38 PM
welllll!!!! Becky I don't suppose you noticed but I had the last word for four days, Oh well good to see you back on the blog, so who's dancing on the stars? By the way I know what you mean starting up toys, last Christmas I started a train at Kmart the daggone thing jumped the track ran out on the table till the cars stopped it, I thought it might go off in the floor, one of the managers came over put it back together, and icily said "this is for display only" well I should have told him if it wouldn't run I sure wouldn't buy it, but alas I said nothing and walked off. Whatever happened to Christmas jolliness, btw miss you and Jim at the dinners, have a good day. geno
Becky Novarro on November 9, 2011 5:22 PM
Cookie, I am sure you are glued to all the news from Washington! Love all the Kim junk and how do you like Bruce's face? And Geno, I have fun and if others don't, that's their problem. DWTS finally voted Nancy Grace off but I will say her partner was nice eye candy. Shame on this old Lady(?).
"Cookie" on November 10, 2011 9:28 AM
Oh! Where to start! Where to start! Perry has a brain freeze. Cain has a........a.......well, "Bless his Heart." The leaders of two super powers still haven't heard of an "Open Mike." The Maryland Governor announced that when the Legislature convenes in January that the #1 agenda item will be to legalize Gay Marriage. Now, I don't care who gets married but is that REALLY NUMBER 1 for the State of Maryland. He is also going to triple our "flush fee" from $30 per year to $90. CARL, please explain that one to our Tigers--just tell them its a lot of crap. I am in revolt and have started building an outhouse. Does anyone have a supply of Sears catalogs you can send me?
But, not to worry! The important thing is that Snookie went on a diet and looks "Hot" and what is Kim going to do with all those wedding gifts.
We had a meeting on the 5th floor and voted 7 - 1 that we wanted our baskets, woven pot holders and flower pot Nutcrackers BACK! Excuse me! I think I need a pain killer!
Carol Martin on November 10, 2011 10:38 AM
I haven't checked the blog in a couple of weeks. We did go to Durham and the Duke/VT game the last Saturday in Oct. A beautiful day and exciting game. Actually, I like going to games there. The stadium is small and even if we didn't have connections on tickets, it only cost arond $10 vs $48 for Clemson tickets. Son, Greg, met us there and we stayed one night with him.
We went on to WV. visited family and on Halloween attempted to have lunch at Pat's restaurant; however, it was closed and there was a sign on the door that it would reopen Nov. 1 at a different address. Neil said that we could stay another night and attend the Ryan dinner, but I wasn't feeling well and opted to come on home.
Things are kicking here. Our tea party leader said that each candidate could have a volunteer from our group to greet, etc. at the debate Saturday night. Neil and I are going to a meeting tonight to get more info. Then, Saturday a.m. there will be a veterans/pre-debate rally with Ron Paul.
Also, we may have a guest blogger from Maryland stay with us. I hope he likes grits and isn't too liberal!
Tom Dillon on November 10, 2011 4:30 PM
not using the blue color. For anyone who wishes to get the best summary of the Penn State scandal go to (esp.go.com). There is a timeline and the transcript of the grand jury.
Snow flurries here today and some stuck to the grass. Pete, you had better watch out. Too early to fire up the snow blower, but it won't be long.
Mike Murphy on November 11, 2011 12:44 PM
Happy Vets Day to all our Vets Esp Carl and Pete.
How bout that Herman Cain?
Keep the faith – Mike
gene law on November 11, 2011 4:24 PM
Greetings all bloggers, and blog readers, got snow in Green Valley last night, chilly today. How bout Herman Cain? will he survive the onslaught? will any of the reps. survive the debates, will America survive the Obamination? these questions will only be answered as time goes by. But on a more serious note where is Beautiful, Bouncy, Belightful, Brenda, have not heard from you, I do hope you are well, Cookie do not use sears catalogs for such as you are contemplating, use AArp mags, uh oh I forgot they are already full of that shi----stuff. Well I have asked all the questions my mind can contemplate for now, I hope all you bloggers are well, and am looking forward to your comments, hoping for Cookie to have a lucid moment and send us an illustrious as well as an amusing commentary on her latest escapades er I mean adventures, toodle oo. geno
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on November 14, 2011 3:58 PM
we had a wonderful dinner with Linda and Bob Mills Saturday evening at Pat Smith place. We were there over 2½ hours eating and talking. The company and food was very good. We visited with Pat also, but she was really busy.
Carol Martin on November 14, 2011 5:36 PM
politics from South Carolina. Great RP Veterans Rally Saturday here. Folks, I hope I met the next U.S. President Saturday night. A TP Republican and a Wofford student (government or Political Science major) were at each candidate's door. All of the candidates passed by us. The Wofford student and I escorted Ron Paul and his party from their room down a long corridor to the back of the stage. I have a new respect for candidates and the stress they endure. They were all wonderful!
Our guest blogger from Hagerstown, MD, arrived Saturday afternoon, showered and left for the debate arena. He brought his 12 year old son with him. At 11:00, we went to bed and left the door unlocked and the light on; however, he didn't return. He called Sunday afternoon saying that he finished up at 3:00 a.m. and they crashed on someone's couch. He came by to pick up some things.
He was mainly covering the Cain campaign.
Mike Murphy on November 15, 2011 12:57 PM
Hopefully we will wake up to the fact that we need to be energy independant and have affordable energy to compete with other countries, even to the point that we sell enrgy to them. This will create jobs and boost the economy plus bring back manufacturing to the US. I can't believe that we are delaying the Canada pipe line!
But I guess when 50% don't have any skin in the game we can't expect more?
No US budget yet? This is ridiculus ````````````
I feel better now? Keep the faith Mike
"Cookie" on November 15, 2011 9:04 PM
Mike: Don't get me started. It’s a good thing Bruno has been around with the meds tray or I'd just have to go on a rant. Went to a meeting Monday night and our State Minority Leader spoke. We here in the Socialist Republic of Maryland ALWAYS have a minority leader. Peck! Peck! Peck! Peck! Peck! The stuff coming out of the General Assembly will curl our hair come January. Gay marriage is at the top of the agenda. Eventually you will be able to marry your dog in this state if it makes you feel good about yourself.
Mike Murphy on November 16, 2011 12:24 PM
Cookie - perhaps they can tax gay marriage?
When I lived in Rockville Md they had an extra soda tax and a local income tax county and a city tax. It takes a lot to have wacky government.
Carol - WV tech is in financial problems - losing football team next yr and shake up in admin. more at Chs daily mail yesterday.
Keep the faith Mike
"Cookie" on November 16, 2011 5:25 PM
Mike: Well darlin' you should live here now!!!!! They have taxed everything you can mention and a couple of things you can't. The country is going to hell in a hand basket and the Gov. wants to talk about Gay Marriage. Of course, that’s a clever ploy to distract the voters from the stuff going on behind the scene plus he wants that block of voters when he makes his run for the really big job.
Fred Lucas on November 18, 2011 7:12 PM
Hi Cookie, Mike , Carol and Carl,
This Message concerns Blacksburg Virginia. Some of our class went to Virginia Tech. I taught for one year at Blacksburg High School 67-68. When I was in Blacksburg last month, I went to the Blacksburg High School and the Virginia Tech athletic boosters luncheon. The group that catered the lunch did a good job and charged $10.
Tonight I went onto Yahoo where I read an article by Vanessa Wong from the Bloomberg Businessweek. She states that the magazine rates Blacksburg as the best place in the nation to raise children. The town now has 41,383 residents. The town has a 10.5% sales tax on food sold in restaurants and a 5% sales tax on food sold in groceries. That wasn't mentioned in the article. I learned about the tax when I bought food. We pay no sales tax on food bought from the grocery and no sales tax on restaurant carryout. We pay a sales tax of 6.5 percent on restaurant fare when we eat in. Have a good week Fred Lucas
Mike, the WVU Football team defeated the University of Cincinnati 24-21. The WVU Men's Soccer team defeated the Xavier University Soccer team 2-1. Xavier is in Cincinnati. The WVU Men's Basketball team lost to Northern Kentucky University 75-74 and to Kent State 70-60.
Fred Lucas on November 19, 2011 7:56 PM
Thursday will be Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the many blessings that I have received. The many friends and family that I have, the abundance of food and a nice place to live in the Queen City of the west, Cincinnati. I am thankful for my religious community and the freedom to worship. I am thankful for each of you. When we were born, our life expectancy was 62.9 years. We're still around.
I will be going to the Sherman House Inn in Batesville Indiana for Thanksgiving dinner. I would like to wish each of you a happy and joyous Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Mike don't forget that Michigan State has the largest comic book collection in the nation.WVU lost out here. Fred Lucas
Mike Murphy on November 20, 2011 10:06 AM
Fred- But we still have the best sense of humor -- one of the greatest gifts in life!
Happy Thanksgiving Keep the faith Mike
Carl on November 20, 2011 5:45 PM
Hi All. I just returned from 2 weeks out of the country, much of which reminded me of the obvious: we live in as good a place -- the US -- as has ever been created. Carp and moan as you will -- I certainly do -- about all the problems and shortcomings, but always remember that the freedom to carp and moan is a big part of our country's greatness. With Thanksgiving approaching, I wish all of my PHS60 classmates a joyful one. Enjoy the turkey and any who share it. Gobble, gobble!!!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on November 20, 2011 8:45 PM
What a final Nascar race!!! One of the best races I have seen. Congrats to Tony Stewart.
Fred Lucas on November 21, 2011 5:45 PM
When I was in Princeton recently, I noticed a sign hear the street leading to the hospital. The sign states "Princeton, Gateway to the Four Seasons".
For those who are interested the Cincinnati area has had 63.25 inches of precipitation since 1/1/11.
Soon Perfect North Ski Slopes in Lawrenceburg Indiana will open again for ski fans and in West Virginia at 4848 feet above sea level Snowshoe Ski Resort will open .
Take Care Regards, Fred Lucas
Carl on November 22, 2011 9:11 AM
Folks, I'm saddened to report the following as posted by Jim George on Facebook re his wife Diana Simmons George, PHS62:
Diana suffered a significant hemorrhagic stroke Thursday, November 10. Her stroke was "medium" sized. She is not able to speak and has lost the use of much/most of her right side (arm, leg). She has moved through ER, ICU, Intermediate Acute Care, and Neurological Acute Care, and late Monday (Nov 21) moved over to St. David's Rehabilitation Center, which is next door to the main hospital at Red River and 32th St. in Austin. She will begin intensive physical/speech therapy today. She is sleepy due to both the stroke effects as well as anti-seizure medication. Cards are welcome, but please hold the calls since she is unable to communicate much other than her facial expressions and her left hand.
Jim & Diana's address is 14721 Bear Creek Pass; Austin, TX 78737
Tom Dillon on November 23, 2011 6:56 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to all you PHS Turkeys and God bless you and yours. Let's keep Diane and JK George in our prayers. He has said, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you shall receive". Love you all.
Ched on November 24, 2011 12:02 AM
We just read the sad news about Diane George's stroke. Jimmy and Diane will need our earnest prayers to see them through this.
Pete Stephenson on November 24, 2011 10:25 AM
I arrived home last evening from my hunting trip to read on the blog about the tragic happenings with Diane George. My prayers and thoughts go out to her and JK and all the family. May the good Lord touch her and heal her and keep all the family strong. Diane has been a life long friend since early grade school. On this Thanksgiving day lets all give thanks to what we have and pray for Diane and JK. god bless.
Becky Novarro on November 24, 2011 2:26 PM
I want to add my thoughts and prayers to Jimmy and Diana. I know she will recover well as she is from really strong stock! Love to you both and Happy Thanksgiving to all.
gene law on November 24, 2011 3:10 PM
GOD I ask your blessing and healing hand on Dianne this day and I give you thanks for your mercy and grace, thank you for all your blessings upon each one of us, and thank you for your unending love that you have bestowed upon this nation. amen and amen. Happy Thanksgiving to one and to all. geno
Delores on November 25, 2011 9:58 AM
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Jimmy and Diane.
Brenda Persin on November 25, 2011 11:26 AM
Sending my prayers to Jim and Diane--I have always considered you to be two very special people.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on November 25, 2011 5:17 PM
Our prayers are for a complete and speedy recovery for Diane. Our prayers are also with Jimmy and the family.
Fred Lucas on November 25, 2011 6:06 PM
Like each of you I prayed for Jim, Diane and the family. Like Eve Garland Bradford, I sent Jim an E-Mail. I work out at a gym connected to Mercy Hospital. I see stroke victims every day. Recovery is no easy task and requires much effort.
There is a man who is a graduate of Ohio University. His right side is weak but he swims and works out in the weight room. He can't put a coherent sentence together. He can say a few words.That's about it. I pray for him as I do Diane. Regards, Fred Lucas
Fred Lucas on November 25, 2011 11:10 PM
Tonight the WVU Mountaineer Football team defeated the Pittsburg Panther Football team 21-20 in the 104th edition of the backyard brawl.
Next week WVU plays its final game at South Florida.
Regards, Fred Lucas
Carol Marin on November 27, 2011 6:13 PM
Our sons have gone home and Neil is playing tennis and I have Diane and Jimmy on my mind and in my prayers. Diane is my third cousin. Her grandmother was a kind, sweet lady who was a part of our lives.
Thanks, Fred, for keeping us informed. I appreciate all of you! "love one another."
Carl on November 29, 2011 2:26 PM
Following are 2 email updates from Jim George re Diana's progress:
Sun., Nov. 27: Diana is stable and having one of her best days. Doc Horn took her off Dylantin (seizure med) and switched her to Trileptal as she had several bad side effects (drowsiness, a bad rash, and a slight tremor). She is noticeably better today on all accounts. She actually hummed a short portion of a song today, and that's an important development. She has some slight muscle tone in her left arm/leg, but a long way to go. The main thing is her stability and the routine, which is settling in. I'll be 24/7 at the hospital until her sister arrives late Tuesday night (driving with her husband from Princeton). The neighborhood ladies plus some dear friends have volunteered to come over each day starting Monday for three to four hours during the day. That's really nice. This is a marathon, but it's starting to ease out of the total panic and scared to death portion and settle into the routine. Diana’s a fighter and tries hard at everything. Thanks to all for your concerns, and the cards really make a difference. She opens every one by herself, and reads each. I read them again aloud. Hugs to all, Jim
Mon., Nov. 28: Diana is much more alert, her rash is nearly gone, and the slight tremor in her left (good) arm/hand seems gone. So the switch from Dylantin to Trileptal seems to be paying off.
It's bright and sunny in Austin today. The weather mirrors my mood and Diana's progress. The long road is starting.
Jim & Diana's address is 14721 Bear Creek Pass; Austin, TX 78737
Tom Dillon on December 3, 2011 6:01 AM
a little before 6:00 AM -- really 7:00 AM, if we were still on daylight savings.
Almost 4 inches of snow Tuesday night and now rain beginning tomorrow.
I have talked with Goings, St. Clair, and Stephenson in the last few days. Sent an e-mail to George -- Any updates up Diana?
Looking forward to some great football this evening with the ACC and Big Ten championship games. Go Hookies! Kay and I have had season tickets to Purdue forever, but will probably not renew next year.
Who gives a *** about the NBA? Most of the players can't even spell NBA. Did you see the news flash about one of the player's mothers having left the Christmas presents for her ball-playing son in a rental car when she returned it and upon going back, they were gone? -- clothes and other presents to the tune of $20,000 -- How much Bling, sweaters, shoes, designer shirts, cool hats can one wear?
Jimmy George on December 3, 2011 6:57 AM
Hi all, and thanks a bunch to Carl for posting the updates.
Diana is stable, and she is starting a pretty heavy-duty dose of therapy. She does three hours a day: one hour each or PT, OT (occupational), and Speech. All three of her daily meals are eaten sitting up in her wheelchair in the dining room, so that's good and we help her get dressed every day so she feels like a regular person as much as possible.
She's really bushed after that, and naps. She cannot speak, but has just started to be able to make a vocal sound when requested, and that's huge. Also, she has muscle tone in her right arm/foot, but no ability to make anything move yet on her own. I'm blown away by the therapy people, their abilities and their great positive vibe and patience. Diana will be at the Saint David's Hospital Rehab Center for a month total (not counting the "acute care hospital portion") and then will transistion into a specialized nursing care facility on an in-patient basis. We all feel that she will be able to regain much of her previous condition, and the fact that she's so physically fit and in good health otherwise is a big plus.
Our kids all have been in, and will be coming back for second visits in December. Diana's sister, Drema, and her husband, Randy, drove from Princeton and will stay for two weeks. That's a huge plus since I can alternate with Drema staying overnight at the hospital and get some house time, which is what I'm doing now, so it's possible to catch up on this blog and email, etc. Diana's brother, Joe, and wife, Elaine, will be here in early January, so the family support is fantastic.
Cards are really appreciated, and as Carl posted, they are one of the highlights of every day. I'm so busy that cards are best for us, as it's impossible to keep up with the phone calls. You can send cards here to the house or to the St. David's Rehab Center, Room 314, 919 East 32nd Street Austin, TX 78705
Thanks again for all the love and concern. This thing just reinforces how important our health is, above all else, and how important family, friends, and love is. It's the most basic and essential human characteristic of all.
PS I have signed a contract with a publishing company. The manuscript has been uploaded (18th revision-I'm a slow learner, but it's a good book (I think). The cover art has been done by a local (painter) artist and I'm compiling the reviews for the book jacket and promotional materials from ten or so "review readers," including our (in)famous class president, Mr. T. Dillon. The book is titled "Reunion," and will be available in Hard Cover, Trade Paperback, and e-Book. Everything got pushed back with Diana's illness/stroke, but fortunately, I had completed all the revisions on the MS before she fell ill. Jim George
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 3, 2011 6:48 PM
So happy to hear the Diana is making some progress. You need to take care of yourself to be able to take care of her. We are keeping both of you in our prayers.
Becky Novarro on December 4, 2011 2:14 PM
It's good to hear from Jimmy with the update on Diana. She is a very strong woman with a loving family and husband so I know she will do well. She's probably more mad than anything else.
Jimmy, I am really disappointed that you didn't ask for a photoshopped picture of me for your book cover. Let's face it---no one likes reunions the way I do.
Darla is right, you need to take care of yourself. The hanging out in hospitals is bad enough but the stress is a health breaker. Don't forget your prunes! Love, Becky
Carl on December 5, 2011 11:52 AM
Becky Darlin' (my lovin' cousin), I never thought I'd live to hear an ageless rock 'n roller like you say, "Don't forget your prunes." What hath time wrought?
gene law on December 5, 2011 6:02 PM
Sounds like time has wrought inconsistent constitutions. Sounds like prayer is working for Diana, God is good, and I thank him for his mercy and grace and pray for complete healing for Diana, and thank you Carl for keeping us all updated. geno
Becky Novarro on December 6, 2011 9:03 AM
Oh Carl Honey, I have seen Jimmy eating those disgusting wrinkled old prunes--decided then that he really was older than I.
And yes Geno, we all must be thankful for the many gifts we are given especially people in our lives like Diana and Jimmy.
So, who's baking cookies now besides Brenda Mc and probably Cookie?!
Cookie on December 6, 2011 5:30 PM
To the Queen: Happy to report the oven is broken and "Cookie" can't afford to get it fixed. No baking cookies. Busy spreading the wealth. Is that a
Humbug or a Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
gene law on December 6, 2011 5:33 PM
Becky, I thought you would be baking cookies, aren't you Becky Crocker, or am I consumed by the cookie presumption again, oh well happy day anyway, this is my wedding anniversary, we will have to miss the reunion dinner tonight, we have been married forever and 2 days, and decided we would dine alone, and celebrate together this special occasion, catch the next one at Ryan"s in Jan. hope to see all of you there, but....Tonight's the night I must be alone with my baby, candlelight and amore, oh yeahhhhh. geno
Carl on December 6, 2011 5:46 PM
Geno, you set a fine example. Having a wife who would be married to any man for that long, and still want to spend an evening just with him, bespeaks a type of marriage with which I am unfamiliar. But I congratulate you all the same.
I like the sound of that amore stuff, but be careful about that moon hitting your eye like . . .
Tom Dillon on December 6, 2011 7:46 PM
Dillon here -- believe it or not, I bought a box of those wrinkled fruits last week -- the 1st in years. Really don't need them, but had a craving.Don't remember having them at home, but stewed prunes were always on the breakfast menu at church and Boy Scout camp. I would rather have green apples, but will have to wait until late spring.
A little snow forecasted again overnight.
Pete, are you and Judy home?
Pete Stephenson on December 6, 2011 11:31 PM
Thomas, unfortunately Judy and I are still here in the Hospital in Columbia. They found ulcers in here stomach and have been treating her for that. they inserted a pick in her upper left arm so they could feed her through the artery. We were supposed to have left here this morning on our way home but Drs,f ound blood clot in her left arm and we are on hold here for at least 6 more days. We hope that they can feed her through Iv's the rest of the week and can by pass the ulcer. say a prayer for us to get back home before the Holidays. Talked to Goings after talking to you the same night. Thanks for your concern and the phone call was also very much appreciated. Judy and I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas And happy new year. JK we are praying for a speedy recovery for Diana. You are in our prayers for sure. I guess I will have to make cookies and candy this year. What a mess that is going to beeeee.
Delores on December 6, 2011 11:50 PM
Pete: So sorry to hear Judy is not well. Hope she is soon on the way to recovery. My best to Jimmy & Diana in the days ahead. Its been a rough few days with friends. I am running the Senior Hospital Taxi Service this week getting them back and forth to doctors visits and procedures. Like me all their children live out of state and they are, like me, widows so we watch out for one another. Just one of the Whine & Cheese Garden Club Membership benefits. We all signed an oath in blood kind of like the "Ya Ya Sisters."
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 7, 2011 5:23 AM
Sorry to hear that Judy is not well. We will keep both of you in our prayers. It is so hard to be sick during the holidays.
Carl on December 7, 2011 9:24 AM
Pete, Joan & I add our wishes for a fast and complete recovery for Judy and a happy holiday season for you both to those expressed by others. Take care; get well and stay well.
Tom Dillon on December 7, 2011 10:39 AM
Pete, it is actually termed a picc or pic line for peripherally inserted central catheter -- used to feed or give medication intravenously. Please continue to take care of Judy and YOURSELF! Ditto for you, Mr. J.K. George. You have prayers being offered daily from numerous directions.
Can we share recipes? Kay strained/tore both of her rotator cuffs day before Thanksgiving, ergo, I have become the primary cook. Did you know that when making a fruit salad with grapes, the grapes must be cut length-wise (top to bottom) and not across? Have you ever seeded a pomegranate?
Last night, we had beans and I baked corn bread -- prunes no longer needed. I would love to have your recipes for Christmas cookies. No rush, because I have to clean house and do the laundry today and go to the grocery tomorrow -- 5% off for seniors.
Carl on December 7, 2011 12:54 PM
Say Tom, I'm sorry to hear of Kay's misfortune, and I'm impressed at how you're stepping into the marketing/cooking/baking chores. Forgive my noting the obvious, but it sounds like your desire for cookie recipes and your stated fondness for the dried plum suggests that a nice prune Danish is the way to go. (: }
Now seriously, I find the web fraught with good recipes. Here's a link to www.food.com's "Cookie" page: http://www.food.com/holiday-entertaining/cookies/package I especially like Food.com because it includes tons of comments/ratings/etc. by actual users, and gives a good indication of how difficult and/or time-consuming each recipe is. Good luck; bon appetit.
Becky Novarro on December 7, 2011 10:36 AM
Oh Pete, I am so sorry to hear Judy is ill. One of the best things about our class is our caring about each other. Please keep us posted about Pretty Judy. And Jimmy, give Diana a hug. You both know we have you in our prayers.
Now about the prunes, I live in South Florida so all I need is a Taco.
AND, I am Becky Crocker but only because I am a good thinker--clever. Why bake when you can buy?
Brenda Persin on December 7, 2011 12:41 PM
First, let me express best wishes and a speedy recovery to both Diana and Judy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cookie and Becky--sorry I haven't been on email lately; it's a busy time of the year. I'll try to get back on track soon.
The Friday before Thanksgiving, I had lunch with Fran Rice, her husband, and Gail Rector. It was a delightful get-together and Fran looked fabulous! She is feeling good and was looking forward to spending a week with her family in Charlottesville. SHE is the one who bakes cookies, Becky. She gave me a tin of her homemade cookies, and they were delicious. She is an example of how someone can overcome tremendous odds, and she attributes a lot of it to prayer.
You all might be interested to know that Cookie's lovely home is on a Christmas House Tour. I don't know if has happened yet, but I'm anxious to know how it goes. Cookie, let us know.
I don't mean to sound sanctimonious, but I have been busy buying gifts for needy children, baking casseroles for shut-ins, and helping out at Union Mission. Since I have no grandchildren and almost no family, it is my way of getting into the Christmas spirit.
I'm giving a Christmas party on December 17, and if anyone is in neighborhood, please stop by.
Carl on December 7, 2011 2:21 PM
Brenda, I don't know of anything that better exemplifies the Christmas spirit than your buying gifts for needy children, baking casseroles for shut-ins, and helping out at the Union Mission. Kudos, kudos, kudos!
gene law on December 7, 2011 4:45 PM
What a wonderful class of people, I feel proud just knowing you, sorry to hear of your sicknesses, sickness is bad at any time, but seems much worse at holidays, my prayers go out to you, thanks for the blogs cheers this old man's heart right up, like I said, more than once, the CLASS of the classiest, that 60's bunch, than you all for being like you are, and may you be blessed beyond belief.geno
Pete Stephenson on December 7, 2011 10:20 PM
Thomas, Seems like we all have our problems this year. Sorry to hear about Kay and pray that she is recovering quite well. I know she is in good hands there with you.don't know about the cooking thing though. Never did much of that myself. Take care of her and yourself. Brenda, it seems like you are the Christmas elf in you neck of the woods.I applaude you and Cookie for your Christmas spirit and contributions that both of you make in your communitys.Becky,I know you are the baking queen in your neighborhood also. Carl do you do any baking from the food network? Geno, have a great christmas you and your family. Merry Christmas to the rest of our 60's family. Good to hear that Fran is feeling some better, Keep up the fight girl.
Brenda Persin on December 7, 2011 11:29 PM
What are old women for?
Tom Dillon on December 8, 2011 8:50 AM
Brenda and All female bloggers and classmates --
Old women are "such stuff as old men's dreams are made on".
Carl on December 8, 2011 11:57 AM
Tom, what a lovely sentiment. Funny thing tho', I think I've heard it said of young women too.
Pete, I'm more of a meat, potatoes & soup cook. I leave the baking to joan, who's mighty good at it.
gene law on December 8, 2011 3:41 PM
Well said Tom, old women are more comfortable to be with with all their years of wisdom they do not expect too much from old men. Hope some good health has come Kay's way, I am praying for good health for all of you, Pete haven't heard any tales of your hunt, do hope your wife has improved and in good health, glad to hear Fran is doing better, ah the blog every time I get on here my mind wanders down memory lane, I do get caught up in the old times, I was just thinking when I was 15 met a girl 21, well awoman , she had a car, a job, good looks pleasant personality, I was hoplessly in love, ah well that's enough of that, funny how you take a trip down memory lane, come to pleasant memory junction, then suddenly you are on heartbreak highway, I was young and dumb, oh well I'm not going down the road of regret I probably wouldn't do any different if I could do it all over again, after all I'm still dumb just older. Brenda you're not an old woman, I myself shaved an old man I didn't recognize this morning, got out my razor, lathered my face started scraping some old fellers face, don't know how he got in my mirror. Here I am rattling away I get caught up in the nostalgia of it all, I love this blog I feel 20 years lighter just sitting here typing this my mind running rampant with the memories of yesteryear, ahh memories are made of this, someone said you can't go home again, they were wrong, gotta get your mind in order, and remember the good times, you can find enough good memories to smother out the bad ones, Carl better watch the taters, they be be good but hurtful. everybody knows the tater family, ol Spec he watched everything, didn't participate just watched, remember Agi, stirred everybody up, and Eeri, he kept every body mad, the tater family not good. Bakin Becky it's good to see you bloggin. toodle oo geno
Tom Dillon on December 8, 2011 6:29 PM
Geno, I am assuming that the chinquapin hunt was for nought.
Carl on December 8, 2011 10:31 PM
Geno, you sure pushed some buttons. Could it be that your Tuseday night anniversary celebration tapped into strong and positive thoughts and feelings that somehow reached others of us? Well, anyway, many of your previous entries speak to ties and warm feelings about the past and how some of those old PHS60 folks made an impact. So, once again, you set me to thinking.
I think that you speak for many of us, only more openly and appreciatively. So let me say -- and I'll bet that others share my view -- that I'm delighted that you -- and others -- have returned to "the fold" via the blog and the Ryan's dinners, and that we might expect to see you at the next class reunion, which I'm reminded that Tom Dillon suggested that we move forward to 2012 or 2013.
As for all others who see these words, I'm sure looking forward to the next big gathering. With 2012 looming large, perhaps some thought should be given to pushing the envelope for one next year. Folks like Myron & Patty, Darla, Doug, Tracy, Pat Smith, Sonja, James McKenzie, Barbara Calfee Fields, and others whose names escape me have played prominent roles in gaining "lift-off" for previous reunions, so maybe you can make your preferences known to them. Except for Curly, "we ain't getting any younger," so we might as well push forward. Whattaya say?
Pete Stephenson on December 8, 2011 11:26 PM
Geno, here is the real story of the great white hunter. I hunted the first three days of black powder to no avail. Unfortunately the first day of rifle season I did see a good buck,shot at and missed 2 times, no guff. Just plain missed the thing. Killed a big white oak though. Carl you and Thomas have a good idea for an earlier reunion. The fall of 2012 would be a good time to think of. I am like you not much on the baking but can make a mean grilled cheese and tomato soup meal. Thank goodness for a good cook on the home front. Geno, every time you get on the blog You take me down memory lane. The 2 of us being from goochville have some real memories. Don't ever stop talking on the blog. You bring real life to the site. Judy and I are still here in the hospital. Healing for her going slow,thanks for all the concern and prayers from each and everyone of you. You are appreciated more than you will ever know. Thomas,d oes Kay have to have surgery? Keep us up to date. Praying for a speedy recovery for her.
Tom Dillon on December 9, 2011 10:37 AM
No surgery for Kay. Her Doc said that "he didn't want to initially pull out the big guns". So, anti-inflammatory and pain meds on a regular schedule.
With regard to an earlier "reunion" -- I think we were talking about a mini -- with those who wished coming into Princeton for a long weekend. Pat had offered her property for a Saturday barbecue and we could get together on Sunday for a church service, coffee and donuts, or brunch before we hit the road. I so enjoyed the dinner at Ryan's in October, that we would surely plan to be there.
Thomas Dillon on December 9, 2011 12:22 PM
Alas! Alas! I quote from Shakespeare to give solace to those of you of the female gland (thanks, Colonel Potter), and the only classmates to respond back are of the XY heterogametic sex. Methinks, all is lost.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 9, 2011 1:42 PM
Tom, I think all the females enjoyed your comment. Sure hope Kay gets better soon, but after you have cooked and taken care of her for a short while.
Becky Novarro on December 9, 2011 11:24 AM
Great to hear from everyone. No Pete, I am not the baking neighborhood queen. In fact, what I bake I can't even spell. It's an Italian pie made from pizza dough (I make) and filled with Italian meats and cheeses. The closest I can get to the spelling is appizzacan! Something like that! Jim likes Italian cookies, I don't, plus, I have three girls, daughters, who bake for me. Yeah! See I told you I was smart! ha
Those of us who are healthy should be saying a bigger than usual prayer this year for our wonderful gifts. Let's hope the holidays bring joy to Diana, Judy, Kay and anyone else who is ill. We are all just lucky to be here. Keep on smiling.
gene law on December 9, 2011 3:04 PM
Carl, you know I admitted to being dumb, realize it now more than ever, all those reunions I missed, I was afraid of being snobbed, now methinks I am the snobber, you folks have made me see what I have missed by not reuniting with you sooner. Pete it takes more of a man to kill a big oak tree than a little ol' deer, I now dub you Pete Crockett Boone of the branch of oak trees, now for best wishes and full and complete recovery of our sick, Tom always bless whatever food you fix for Kay, may you always fix exactly what she needs, Pete I sincerely hope for Judy's complete recovery, Becky whether it comes from a can or your two hands if its served with love it'll be good medicine for the soul, blessings to all, mucho love and well wishes be piled on your heads and in your hearts, from me to you "may the good LORD make his face to shine upon you". geno
Carl on December 10, 2011 11:48 AM
Geno, I think you've described a phenomenon common to most high schools. Thankfully, we're now "experienced" enough in life to revisit some fears and prejudices, we've gained confidence in our standing in the world, and we've had others dispel some of our misconceptions. Kinda like life itself, I think.
You know, I actively avoided the first 2-3 reunions, then "slipped in" only through the safety net of a close corps of old, reliable friends. Only in recent years have I overcome serious misgivings about my "place" in PHS60. And since then, my fondness and respect for our class has grown radically. Boy, do I ever appreciate them now! I'll bet I speak for many when I say "Geno, welcome home."
gene law on December 10, 2011 4:33 PM
Thank ya thank ya very much, I always get a kick out of your exhortations, have to read 'em 3 or 4 times but I get the gist of 'em, my brother used to tell me all the time "when you were a child you fell out of a 40 foot dumb tree hit every limb on the way down", I used to think he was kidding, now I'm not so sure. Never met a better bunch of people, than the people of the 60's phs class then and again now, glad to be back, thanks Carl, the man with a million jokes, remember how you always had those bits of humor, never ran out. have a nice day you gave me one. geno
Carl on December 11, 2011 5:57 PM
My Dec. 8 comment re a 2012 reunion wasn't meant to promote either a "full" or a "mini" reunion, but simply to test the waters for interest in a reunion of any size/scope. What say you? Yes, YOU!!!
Delores on December 11, 2011 7:14 PM Linda phlegar Mills on December 11, 2011 8:26 PM gene law on December 12, 2011 5:41 PM Mike Murphy on December 13, 2011 1:25 PM
Hot dogs and BYOB in a shelter at Pipestem sounds just fine to me. Won't have to buy a new outfit.
Fred Lucas on December 11, 2011 7:56 PM
Carl, I think that another reunion would be fun. Do we need a big production? Na we could eat at the Dairy Queen in Hinton or have a picnic at a shelter in Pipestem. Cookie you look good in anything. Have you saved anything from your days at Leggets? Fred Lucas
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all and best wishes and prayers to all who are "ailing". Hard to find the right word - but get well soon!!
Poor Herman Cain succumed to the media. Crazy how Barney Frank can excape unscathed??
The Mini Reunion - I say yes. Informal with comfortable seating and tables to be able to rotate and talk to everyone, without the loud music. I do like food and booze, but it is not absolutely necessary.
Electronic notifications and reservations could help expedite. Especially with the Duke of Carl WWW & Blog. Keep the Faith Mike
"Cookie" on December 13, 2011 8:28 PM
Reading Jerry West's book, "West on West." Fascinating. Those were exciting basketball years in West Virginia.
Carl on December 14, 2011 12:45 PM
Jerry West? Wasn't he the character -- along with Artemus Gordon -- who starred in the TV show "The Wild, Wild West"? [Where's Terry St. Clair when you really need him?] No, no. That was Jim West. So who's this Jerry person? And why did he write a book on "The Wild, Wild West"? And what does any of that have to do with basketball?
"Cookie" on December 14, 2011 3:22 PM
Oops! Your culturally deprived classmate needs to get the title correct. It is NOT "West on West." It is "West By West" My Charmed, Tormented Life. By Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman, Copyright 2011.
Carl on December 15, 2011 4:57 PM
Oops myself Cookie. So you're talking about Zeke from Cabin Creek, the poster boy for the NBA logo, the greatest basketball player to emerge from the great (basketball) state of West Virginia. That West on West. I'll bet the book is good. Jerry's story is an inspiring one. Wedged between All-Americans Rod Hundley and Rod Thorn, those sure were heady times for BB fans in WV.
Carl on December 15, 2011 5:15 PM
NOTE: that Cookie stirred things up again. . . Thanks Cookie.
SUBJECT: PHS Basketball
Who among you made the bus trip to Morgantown our sophomore year for the State Tournament? I think that there were 2 bus loads -- not sure. I remember the heady experience of (1) going somewhere without parental supervision, (2) singing popular songs on the bus to pass the time -- mostly on the outbound leg (see #4 below), (3) staying in a private home with kind folks who took in unknown teenagers, and (4) the loooooong bus rides, seemingly days going up and even longer coming back. Talk about "the agony of defeat" . . .
"Cookie:" on December 15, 2011 5:30 PM
I did indeed go. My Daddy and Mother took us up in his big old 1939 Olbsmobile. We stopped for gas at the Court House Exxon Station at 4 a.m. in snow piled up above the windows. Daddy asked the attendant if we were the first ones leaving for Morgantown. He answered, "No, you are the last ones. They have been leaving all night." It was indeed a long ride home. My parents never missed a high school basketball or football game and drove to Morgantown for every WVA football game until they were 80 years old. He was a great high school football player for Beaver in the late 30s. Not a very big guy but tough as nails. He was probably the most "interesting" person I ever knew and I sure do miss him.
Fred Lucas on December 15, 2011 6:09 PM
First, I would like to thank Brenda Mc and Cookie for their charitable work for the holiday season. Second, I agree with Mike that we can have an informal get together next year without loud music. Last summer, the DJ played music that was too loud. Billie Rae explained that she flew from Florida to talk with old friends but the music was so loud she couldn't hear them.
In Cincinnati I eat at Panera Bread because they play classical music which is easy listening music.The nearest Panera Bread Restaurant to Princeton is in Blacksburg for you classical music devotees.
So all you teenie boppers out there lets keep the music to a dull roar Thanks. Fred Lucas
Carl on December 15, 2011 6:30 PM
Fred, I tried to understand what you wrote but the blast of Metallica, not to mention Dizzee Rascal and Coolio, from my speakers prevented my hearing you clearly. Did you say something about Brahms?
"Cookie" on December 15, 2011 8:16 PM
In keeping with our culture -- why not hot dogs, moonshine, Bluegrass and a cheap folding lawnchair. My kind of afternoon. Welcome relief from "puffed up" and plastic D.C.
Carl on December 15, 2011 9:42 PM
Cookie, I almost never defend what you rightly call the puffed-up, plastic DC, but this time you overstepped. Now while I'm four-square behind the hot dogs, moonshine, and especially the bluegrass, I draw the line at the cheap folding lawnchair. I'm of an age, habit and constitution that demands more comfort. So I'll be bringing my well-worn, $12 Wal-Mart canvasback director's chair with dual beverage holders and I don't give a hoot if I'm regarded as showy and pretentious. See you there.
"Cookie" on December 15, 2011 10:24 PM
Carl: Since we all seem to be heavy into nostalgia on this here blog I would have suggested a blanket instead of the chair. However, if the rest of you are like me no one would be able to get up when the party was over.
Mike Murphy on December 16, 2011 9:32 AM
Cookie I carry a hammer when I am working so that I can get up when I have to get on the ground. Also need lawn chair that will hold 300#+.
A nice temperature controlled room with comfortable chairs and round tables would be extrodinair. The hot dogs and moonshine would be ok but the moonshine is hard to find and expensive. What ever happened to Hadicol. Keep the faith Mike
Pete Stephenson on December 16, 2011 10:09 AM
Hey Mike ,Cookie.Here in he moonshine capital of the world,Franklin Co.VA. shine is about or abovr 100.00 gal.In glass.Plastic a little cheaper.Hot dogs and shine would put us all on the ground.Anything that th class does is fine with me.Can't quite take the opera though.Some Rascal flats would be nice.Health update on Judy.After 17 days in the hospital we are finally home .Just in time for ole St.Nick.All the prayers and well wishes were greately appreciated from both of us.I hope and pray that Diana and Kay and the others of you that are having med problems are better today.From our house here in the Roanoke Valley to yours wherever you are Judy and I wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year.Cookie I pray that you can get off the 5th floor for the holidays.
"Cookie" on December 16, 2011 11:46 AM
Well! Hummmmmmmmmmm! Sounds like you boys know a whole bunch about 'Shine." Hummmmm!
Carl on December 16, 2011 1:51 PM
Well, it's soundin' to me like we better stick to hot dogs and Bud Light . . . and a fan for Murphy.
Now if we only had (a) date(s), (b) location, (c) schedule, (d) notification, (e) menu, (f) food procurement/preparation assignments, (g) a cost distribution plan, (h) "mellow" music mechanisms, (i) good management and (j) everything else that I've overlooked, we'd pretty much be in business. Simple, eh?
Tomk Dillon on December 17, 2011 9:07 AM
Snow flurries this AM.
If we have enough participants, I will be responsible for organizing and refereeing (I am good with a whistle) the games. We could have simultaneous games available including volleyball, soft ball, co-ed football, basketball -- any other ideas?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 17, 2011 10:09 AM
I think Glenwood Park would be a great place to have a picnic gathering if we could get the large shelter on top of the hill. It has a large area to play games. Glenwood Park also has a couple of buildings that they rent out. We could have it catered. I think Pipestem would be great also. Either place would be fine with me. I will be happy to do what I can from this end.
Carl on December 17, 2011 10:50 AM
Darla Darlin', in the 20+ yrs. that I've worked with the Reunion Committee, I've learned that there are several folks who can ALWAYS be counted on, and you're right at the top of this list. I'm happy to help as I can too. So let's keep the ball rollin'.
Becky Novarro on December 17, 2011 11:58 AM
Reunion committee – once again I will await your invitation....gee whiz. Also, what kind of games are you planning to play? So far we know two class members are big prune eaters, several of you have hearing difficulties so that music at the event should be Musiac, and what about the weather---another topic of much concern. If I were you, Darla, I'd run like a crazy woman and join Cookie on the fifth floor. Oh, as to the games, I used to love to play post office....Too Old??????
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 17, 2011 4:01 PM
or too married!!!
gene law on December 17, 2011 4:38 PM
Nowadays Becky we play pony express, like post office, more horsin round. geno
Carl on December 17, 2011 6:56 PM
Sounds like Geno's big anniversary "do" [see his Dec. 6 entry] might have been at Chez Wells Fargo.
gene law on December 18, 2011 3:57 PM
Right on Carl, how can one be so young and so wise. Sounds like everyone is all revved up for a get together, still got a lot of that ol' mountain spirit , mention booze,band and big party, everyone's raring to go, only suggestion I have is to wait til it warms up, right now people think I'm jitterbugging and I'm only shivering. geno
Carl on December 19, 2011 4:52 PM
not young, Geno, just childish; not wise, just a smart**s.
gene law on December 19, 2011 5:52 PM
negatory, clever, wise cracking, never a smart**s. geno
Carl on December 20, 2011 5:59 PM
Dear Classmates, I wish each of you, your families and loved ones a splendid Christmas / holiday season. May your stockings overflow with rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums, and may 2012 bring health and happiness.
And I must say that the activity on the Blog has been most gratifying. Please keep it coming -- Git 'er done!
gene law on December 21, 2011 4:53 PM
See Carl I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so, that is a nice clever message, thanks. Well bloggers here you have journeyed to the shortest day of the year, the days will be getting longer, from now to June 21st. Linda that fudge recipe you put on the blog is now being made and enjoyed immensely by at least 10 other folks other than me and I do not know how many others these folks have shared it with, every one has attested that this is not only the easiest fudge, but the best, thanks for sharing. Now to all you bloggers out here in cyber space MAY YOU HAVE A MOST JOYOUS CHRISTMAS EVER. AND DURING THIS SPECIAL TIME MAY THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON YOU MAY YOUR BURDEN BE LIGHT AND MAY YOUR JOY BE FULL AND RUNNING OVER. geno
Delores on December 21, 2011 5:05 PM
My condolences to Norman Wall on the passing of his son. His wife, Linda, grew up near us on the Old Bluefield Road and was my sister Paulette's playmate.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 21, 2011 7:08 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Norman and the family at this time. It is always harder when it is a young person and when it is around the holidays.
Linda phlegar Mills on December 21, 2011 7:38 PM
Our prayers go out to Norm and his family on his loss. Bob and Linda
Pete Stephenson on December 21, 2011 9:49 PM
Pete here My prayers and condolences also go out to Norman and his family at this tragic time in their lives.For someone that has gone through the same thing its hard to take.Time heals some but it will never go away.Keep your faith strong and a good support group around is the best that i have found.
Mike Murphy on December 22, 2011 1:08 PM
Merry Christmas to everyone and especially to Carl Thomason for this web site and his long standing support of PHS 60 Reunions. I had the good fortune to work with Carl for several years in DC at which he excelled. He is my person of the year! Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on December 22, 2011 3:36 PM
It's said that confession is good for the soul, and I guess there's no better time than at Christmas. Sooo, here goes. While I've never made a Blog comment as "Anonymous," I must admit that I've been making quite a few under the name of "Mike Murphy."
Thomas Dillon on December 22, 2011 3:41 PM
Dill
on here. If you think I have the energy or patience to write the whole thing in red/green -------I LOVE You One and ALL I need a nap, this wore me out, so until later --
Thanks I needed that.....I love this stuff, keep blogging. anon #12 Anonymous #1 on December 22, 2011 9:47 PM I am back because Carl and Gene missed me. Did anyone else notice my absence? Pete Stephenson on December 22, 2011 10:48 PM Hey Dillon, good job on the Colors. Just to let you know, we love you tooo man. Merry Christmas to you and everyone here on the blog. Ched on December 22, 2011 10:55 PM Merry Christmas to you all. !!!!! Thomas Dillon on December 23, 2011 4:27 PM Dillon here. I didn't know how some of you did it, but –
Mr. Law -- you evidently don't understand the anonymity of being anonymous (doesn't that phrase just aliterally flow?). You cannot sign in as Geno and then claim you are Anon #12. Even you can Columbo out the unsub in that scenario.
Carl/Murphy -- what a mutual admiration relationship you two enjoy. Who is writing for whom?
Pray for JK and Diana
Kay let me open one of my Christmas presents early–
Digital-colored Crayola crayons and a Roy Rogers and Dell Evans coloring book. She bought the latter on E-bay. It was advertised as being a collectible.
gene law on December 23, 2011 5:35 PM
Wow!!!!!!!! look at all the pretty colors on the blog, looks like Christmas, I wish I was smart enough to write in colors, alas I am so dumb I signed off as anon then signed my name. I cannot believe I did that, then I didn't even know it til anonymous wrote and told me. You will have to drop the Mr. before the Law I do not deserve it, you will have to use Dr. Law, which means dumb rube, Oh well MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT. dr. geno
"Cookie" on December 23, 2011 8:00 PM
I am concerned! I hope we do indeed hear the 'prancing and pawing of each little hoof.' However, I have my doubts. I just left Safeway and an 'oldish' Santa was there shopping complete with belly, beard and red suit. Problem was Mrs. Claus was no where to be seen. There was however a young buxom blonde on his arm at the meat counter that kept asking him the difference between a frozen and fresh turkey. He was REAL patient with her and appeared particularly Jolly. Nuf Said!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on December 24, 2011 7:52 AM
Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and happy New Year to everyone.
gene law on December 24, 2011 10:20 AM
Cookie is this a blond joke, or a Santa fantasy. Look Tom I am writing in color, tnx for your email Christmas present.Now I am writing in another color.wow stand back Dr Columbo feeling good Picasso Law is on the loose I,m feeling smarter than a rocket scientist, don't try to stop me I am in a stupor
Thomas Dillon on December 24, 2011 10:36 AM
Merry Christmas to All!
Hey, let's take time over the next several hours to thank our heavenly Father for the greatest Christmas present ever -- We can all be together for eternity through His Son's mercy and grace. I sure would like that for the PHS class of 1960 and all our loved ones.
"Cookie:" on December 24, 2011 3:04 PM
Nope Geno! That was no joke. Just some old guy with his arm candy having some holiday fun. I couldn't wait to get home and share my experience on Carl's Pony Express.
Merry Christmas and best wishes to all my Tiger classmates for a safe, happy and healthy 2012. Let us all pray for peace in the new year and for our military where ever they may be fighting to preserve our freedoms. God bless each of you and God bless America.
Mike Murphy on December 25, 2011 9:48 AM
Pete - Did you visit the little Church in Obendorf Austria, where Silent Night was first sung. My wife and I along with friends sang along with about 200 others on Christmas eve at the Church. Song was sung in English French and German. I had a liter of beer under my coat, so I thought I really sang well? Merry Christmas Mike
Pete Stephenson on December 25, 2011 10:56 AM
Hey Murphy, no i didn't visit the little town in Austria,my buds and myself usually went north to Einhoven Holland and toward Amsterdam.Einhove was called at that time little America,for the many GI's that came there for the local clubs and gals.@ cartons of camels and a few pall malls would get you a real enjoyable weekend if you get my drift.Frankfort,Berlin and a place called Koln were the nices in germany.The Christmas season there in Germany were out of sight.St Nicholas was all you heard there and the people didn't go crazy over shopping like they do here in the states.A real beautiful country to visit especially the town and bergs along the Rhyne river.Merry Christmas all you tigeretts and tigers out there in TIGER land.
Fred Lucas on December 25, 2011 5:35 PM
As we pause during this Holiday Season, I would like to remember Norman Wall and his wife Linda on the death of their son Chris.
I would like to wish classmates who are Christian a Merry Christmas and those who are Jewish a Happy Chanukah.Today is the sixth day of Chanukah Two more days to light candles and remember to keep the light of love and kindness burning.
Fred Lucas
Mike Murphy on December 26, 2011 12:40 PM
Pete - It is astonishing that american cigarettes and English are the universal currency and language. No matter how poor in fact probably direct correlation to smoking and poverty ie poor always had cigs before food! Also main currency in prisions, right Carl?
The cost of the carpet is directly correlated to the chance of the bread falling jelly side down.
Keep the Faith Happy New Year Mike
Pete Stephenson on December 27, 2011 1:50 AM
Hey Murphy, To tell the truth back in the Days at Bitburg AB where I was stationed,We would take an ocassionally boot leg of cigaretes to Einhoven.We could buy in comissary for 118 a ctn and sell them in holland for around 20 bucks.My 55 ford god rest its soul had a compartment built on top of the gas tank that would hold exactially 10 ctns.Had to do that to stay away from border guards on dutch side.Made a few bucks and I carton of pall mails would get you a clean bed,breakfast and the nices fillies in the barn,Just saying.Carl guess that is where i got my coors boot leggin training from.I guess not all of us were so squeaky clean HUH.Like Hank Jr. says {A country boy can survive}
Mike Murphy on December 28, 2011 12:44 PM
Pete - We were to pick up a Volkswagen golf in Amsterdam and drop it off in Frankfurt with loop through Rome and Bavaria. Hertz gave me a SE Mercedes at same price. Remember doing 220 K on autobahn when Aretta was asleep. Also after 1yr in SA we rented a Golf in Vienna. Aretta couldn't drive in SA so she drove from Vienna to Salsburg at 160k - all the VW would do on the level. but she would be passed ocassionally. When they flashed lights you had better get in the right lane. What would 55 Ford do?
Also spent 2 medivacs in Frankfurt at the 97th for Kidney Stones. We went on all the AFRTS tours -Saksenhausen, Weisboden, Rhine etc. also on R&R and HL - In Bertesgaden, Munich and Garmish Partiskerten and Chemchea. Then back to the desert to plan next trip!
Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on December 29, 2011 5:03 PM
What would a '55 Ford do? Well, if it was souped up like Robert Mitchum's predecessor in "Thunder Road," -- and not carrying a full load of contraband -- it might do itself proud.
Fred Lucas on December 29, 2011 10:39 PM
I certainly hope that Diana George is doing better. The people of Austin and much of Texas have experienced a severe long term drought. Temperatures have exceeded 100 degrees. Cattle ranchers have had to sell entire herds. Grass hasn't been growing.
Meanwhile in Cincinnati, we've had 72 inches of precipitation during 2011. The Ohio River level was 38 feet the other day.
The last desert that I saw was on a drive from Denver to Colorado Springs. I toured the Air Force Academy. So many Douglas firs along the hillside.
Hope the drought will come to an end in the Lone Star State and I hope that Diana George will be much better soon.
Regards, Fred Lucas
Pete Stephenson on December 29, 2011 11:13 PM
Hey Mike, Never had the 55 ford on the autobahn,was afraid someone like you driving a big MB migh run over me and hurt me real bad.I wish I had the 55 today. It was one of the blue and white color combos. About a year later I traded the 55 for a beautiful 56 merc convertible.that is the only 56 merc of that calibur that I have ever seen. Bought it from a jet jockey friend of mine that was rotating back to the states. He also was an assistant coach on our football team when he wasn't flying. Bad thing about that was he couldn;t go to any away games. Had to keep an eye on Kruschev. Our base there at Bitburg was the firs base in Europe to get the big F105 fighter bombers.I liked it there that I extended my time overses to play another year of ball. Also married a Major’s daughter there and my first son was born there. Happy new year to you and Carl and the rest of the gang.
Pete Stephenson on December 30, 2011 12:32 PM
Carl did you get you email response from me? If not let me know.Mike you must have traveled all over Europe and the Gulf.I have been very fortunat to have traveled over most of Europe,England,And turkey.But a little footnote to all the travels.(I have never traveled any where in this world that is as pretty as the country that we call home.THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.) I have traveled frome coast to coast and border to border and nothing beats what we have right here in the USA. I belive that all the other countries are jealous with what we have here. I might not be the best form of government but I can't see any other one that beats what we have here, I'm off my soap box now.NUFF SAID. Happy new year..
Fred Lucas on December 30, 2011 5:27 PM
It's time for the college football bowl games. some of our classmates went to Virginia Tech. On Tuesday evening at 8:30 pm, Virginia Tech will play Michigan in the Sugar Bowl.
The fcllowing evening, the WVU Mountaineers will meet the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl at 8:30 pm. The situation for the Big East is awkward since WVU has brought suit to leave the Big East for the Big Twelve.
I really favor a playoff system like the NCAA Division 2 and 3 have. I don't see that happening.
Can any of you Tech fans explain what is a Hokie? I thought the gobbler was their symbol. Have a Happy and safe New Year. Fred Lucas
Carl on December 31, 2011 12:28 PM
Fred, we could tell you what a Hokie is, but then we'd have to kill you. And we don't want that. However, if you were to come across a definition, say online somewhere . . . like, well http://www.vt.edu/about/hokie.html, then I think you'd be safe.
Linda phlegar Mills on December 31, 2011 4:41 PM
A contest was held for a cheer and the cheer was Hokie Hokie Hokie Hi, Tech Tech, VPI etc. They became known as the Hokies. They were also called Gobblers because of the way the football team gobbled their foood. Thus the Turkey for the "Gobbler. The Hokie Bird was created as a team mascot for the Hokies. Both symbols are still used on Tech Gear. Those our age respond to both. But the nation now calls us "Hokies".
gene law on December 31, 2011 5:12 PM
Ladies and gents have you never heard of the hokey pokey, done bo okies and pokies, tech kids were o.k. til a couple hillbillies went there, when they were asked any thing they said in a slurred lazy speech hookay finally it got shortened to hokee thus everyone thought hokees meant tech kids got this from Prof. Nutt who taught the hokey pokey to tech kids. enough education for this year, it's now my pleasure to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR. colombo that's professor colombo psycho geno
Carl on December 31, 2011 5:18 PM
Now don't that just beat all?
Thanks Linda & Geno.
Fred, let this be a lesson that you must be careful what you ask for.
Pete Stephenson on January 1, 2012 1:57 AM
With all the hokie pokie stuff going on now,I would hate to ask what is a wahoo.Seems like us Virginians have a way of complicating things.Happy New Year everygody.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 1, 2012 7:45 AM
I wish that each of you have a healthy, happy and safe 2012. Happy New Year!!!
Thomas Dillon on January 1, 2012 8:22 AM
Ditto from the Dillons!
Becky Novarro on January 1, 2012 1:54 PM
Happy New Year to everyone. I wish you good health and happiness.
48 years ago, Jim and I were in Times Square for the celebration. It was quite exciting.
gene law on January 1, 2012 2:56 PM
WOW, GOOD MEMORY, i JUST WANT TO SAY UH UH UH UHOH i FORGOT.
Fred Lucas on January 2, 2012 8:01 AM
Pete your comment about Wahoos and the explaination from others about Hokies were certainly enlightening. Several years ago, I was asking a Marshall graduate about the meaning of Thundering Herd. Was the herd composed of cattle, reindeer, sheep. No was the answer. The herd is composed of bison. Carl sometimes life gets complex.
Here are my predictions for the two bowl games. Michigan will win by two touchdowns. Unfortunately the field goal kicker for Tech was jailed for breaking and entering a private residence.
The Clemson Tigers will defeat WVU by three touchdowns. Unfortunately two WVU players were placed on academic probation and one player is injured. Mike do you have a comment about the Clemson -WVU game? Fred Lucas
Mike Murphy on January 2, 2012 9:43 AM
WVU by 3 and counting. I just hope they don't embarass us!
Mountani Semper Liberi. Non Illegitemus Carborindum Mike
Carl on January 2, 2012 10:30 AM
Mike, nice going with that Latinate expression to kick off 2012. This will give folks even greater understanding of why I've taken to posting blog comments under your name.
"Cookie" on January 2, 2012 2:12 PM
Stove died, dryer died, overhead light in the garage died and Obamacare kicked in. Not to worry -- got this under control. Cooking pinto beans for supper with a big ole Christmas hambone. Complete with a nice big onion, pan of cornbread and 1/2 bottle of catsup. Heartburn to follow.
gene law on January 2, 2012 2:35 PM
Made me hungry, sorry bout the heartburn
Carl on January 2, 2012 5:04 PM
Cookie, I'll bet that many agree with me that some meals – like the one you describe – well worth the heartburn. Isn't this what's meant by "no pain, no gain"?
Thomas Dillon on January 2, 2012 7:00 PM
Kay and I had the beans and cornbread last evening with green onions on the side. No heart burn, but the price of gas in Lebanon went down today due to the surplus of said product in "my little corner of the world".
Wish we could be in Princeton tomorrow evening for the dinner.
Geno, you are so much better in color.
Carl on January 3, 2012 1:41 PM
Folks, I love retirement which, for me, provides the best of all worlds: plenty of time to ponder the great issues of the day without intruding on my naps. Which brings me to today's puzzlement.
It seems to me that virtually everything about today's car is vastly better than during our teens & 20s, from the electronic ignition to the cup holder, and everything in between. Now I know that there are people out there, like Murphy and Stephenson, who know lots more about automobiles than I do, so I'm hoping that someone can explain what seems to me to be one significant regression.
What happened to the great car horns of the 50s & 60s, some of which were downright melodic, but all of which allowed an easy "tap" to alert the driver ahead that the light turned green about 8-10 seconds ago, or a double-bump at your buddies as you cruised by them on the street; or the full-scale alert blast when real danger was at-hand?
The horns on the last several cars that I've owned don't respond to the polite tap of the butt of the hand, yielding nary an audible pulsation. So by the time I'm able to provoke a sound, it's more like a timid blare, a quality that confuses even me. As a result, I pretty much refrain from using the horn at all.
But I seem to be an exception. Here in the super-intelligent/super-sophisticated DC area, cars seem to have only the "digital-salute" blast that says "Get outta my way you moronic bas***d!"
So I'm stumped. Is the problem the horn, or am I doing something wrong, or failing to understand modern car communication or to respect prevailing protocol? Can any of you explain this?
P.S. We'll talk later about those who, when you try to give them the polite reminder toot, quickly reward your helpfulness with a "first-hand" digital salute. Excuse me now. It's time for my nap.
"Cookie" on January 3, 2012 2:45 PM
You are absolutely right. Neither my F150 truck nor my Toyota convertible horns will blow unless I beat them to death. By the time they give that pathetic little "toot-toot" I have either slammed into something or gone after them with my pink/black cane. Thats why I stay in Calvert County. These good ole boys down here in the County are either driving a truck or a farm tractor and they take no prisoners. Its probably an EPA regulation....noise pollution you think???
gene law on January 3, 2012 5:22 PM
thanks Tom, feels better in color, bout the horns, don't you know where road rage comes from, it's because it took so long and it was so hard to blow the horn when they pulled in front or cut you off, most folks weren't mad til they could not blow the horn, my brother, who is a mechanic, swears up and down some automobile engineer caught his wife in bed with a mechanic, and that's the reason automobiles are being built as they are, simply to get revenge on all mechanics, hmmm might be something to that. hope abunch make it to the dinner at Ryan's see ya there ta ta. geno
Mike Murphy on January 3, 2012 5:59 PM
Carl - It's amazing Andy Rooney has been resurrected and is using the BLOG under your name!
Toot Toot Mike
Fred Lucas on January 4, 2012 8:02 AM
This morning the Michigan fans are probably happy. The score was Michigan 23-20 over the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl. The Hokie field goal kicker failed in overtime.The first team kicker was not at the game. Remember he was charged with breaking and entering.
Tonight, the Mountaineers face the Tigers of Clemson. Gooo Mountaineers.
Carl the horn on my Mazda 3 is weak. I have a JOKE. What did the mother buffalo say to her son as he left to graze? Bison is the correct answer. Fred Lucas
Tom Dillon on January 4, 2012 2:04 PM
Fred, other Big Ten schools and fans do not like Michigan -- their fans are haughty and obnoxious (second only to Ohio State, but the latter got their comeupins this past year). Also, remember the crap Michigan pulled regarding Rich Rodriguez?
I refer you to a line in the movie and book "Right Stuff" to best characterize what happened to Va. Tech last night. Enough said!
I sure hope the Mountaineers play better.
Carl on January 4, 2012 2:07 PM
Tom, help. I don't know the line that you reference from "Right Stuff."
gene law on January 4, 2012 3:22 PM
Had nice turnout at the TIGER DEN last night considering the weather, Va Tech played a pretty good game, better than I thought they would, too bad close don't count except in horseshoe,making love, and hand grenades, but all in all it was a good game. Good joke Fred, like to read those things, sounds like Carl joke, cold in Green Valley,oops, white valley today, makes one yearn for the hearth stone, but I guess we need this weather, snow puts nitrogen in earth, cold beats down flu germs, so thank God for the snow and cold, come to think about it Thank you Lord for all things Thanks especially for PHS60.adios
Tom Dillon on January 4, 2012 4:15 PM
"screwed the pooch" refers to a monumental error/and/or series of mistakes -- Astronaut Grissom blew the lid off the capsule early, resulting in its sinking. A military person had a much rougher,similar saying. Va. Tech surely messed up numerous times.
Fred Lucas on January 4, 2012 4:45 PM
Hi Tom and others,
Regarding Frank Beamer and his staff, they are respected around the country.They have been to 19 bowl games since he became head coach.
What did Michigan do to Rodriguez? Several of his players complained that he used profanityand belittled them while working with them. Since this wasn't part of their home training, they quit and went elsewhere.
The Michigan basketball coach from West Virginia is still on board.
Regarding fans, some at WVU have been rowdy. After the WVU-Lsu game, someone threw a rock through the window of the car driven by an LSU fan. When the man got out to check on the situation, three men threw him to the ground, shattered an eye socket, broke his nose and fractured his skull. When his wife tried to intervene, she was thrown to the ground. After screaming that she was twenty two weeks pregnant, the men left. The couple filed a police report. At a basketball game, a fan threw a coin which hit a Pittsburgh coach. There have been other incidents there as well.
One of the women at my gym has a grandson who plays for Wisconsin. She went to the Rose Bowl and reported that fans were rather polite even the ones from Oregon. Fred Lucas
Tom Dillon on January 4, 2012 5:27 PM
Fred, I was referring to how Michigan stole Rodrigues from WVU before the end of the season a few years ago and someone else coached WVU in the bowl game. I think there were some under-the-table shenanigans going on.
I totally agree, Frank Beemer is a gentleman, a fantastic coach, and his program is worthy of emulation.
Fred Lucas on January 5, 2012 8:51 AM
Last night I watched the Orange Bowl in disbelif. WVU scored 70 points against Clemson for their third BCS Bowl victory. They have won the Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and now the Orange Bowl.
Mike do you have any thoughts? Fred Lucas
Mike Murphy on January 5, 2012 10:23 AM
I ran out of fingers and toes with my 3 and counting, I should have said 30 and counting.
Genos' are great players!!!! Keep the faith Mike
gene law on January 5, 2012 4:42 PM
Boy, howdy ol' geno can't pick em, I told everyone Clemson would run over WV, boy I was as wrong about that as when I predicted McDonalds was just a passing fad, as soon as I can get my foot out of my mouth I must remember to keep my thoughts to myself, by the way I also thought the Packard was the automobile of the future, oh well miss a few and never get any right, and everyone thinks you don't know what you're talking about, by the way what was I talking about? delusion that's what I'll claim, delusion is my conclusion, I'm not predicting the super bowl, so don't ask, don't tell, it's lonely at the bottom, but I'm glad I was wrong WV broke all records, and established new ones at the Orange Bowl. and that's the rest of the story, good day. P.S. thanks Tom for the color in my life.
"Cookie" on January 6, 2012 1:16 PM
Stephen Hawking, reportedly one of the smartest men in the world, wrote that the greatest mystery in the universe is women.
Hum! Dang, I rode the yellow bus and I knew that!
Thomas Dillon on January 6, 2012 2:13 PM
Geno, I need your pick and point spread on tonight's Cotton Bowl game so that I can get out of the red with my Bookie.
Then again, who cares? Arkansas versus Kansas State ????? I don't think we will stay up late to see that one. Hope I am not offending anyone, but again, do those schools play football?
gene law on January 6, 2012 3:28 PM
Tom I pick Arkansas, so therefore you better go with the other guys, Cookie I knew you would know that, until recently I thought I was the smartest man in the world, I will take my cape off, lose the blue underwear, and be content to be right just once in a blue moon, blue oh me, oh my, I forgot my color, well better late than never. Is it too late for revolutions, er I mean resolutions, well give me a dunce cap and stand me in a corner, I wonder where I missed the road at, and please don't tell me behind the at, well you can if you want to, do hope everyone's well, good wishes and a bowl full of cheer to all, hah can't go wrong with that.......can ya?
Fred Lucas on January 6, 2012 5:39 PM
I hope that the coaches at Virginia Tech watched the WVU-Clemson game. Perhaps they too can learn how to defeat Clemson.
The record for WVU against ACC teams this past year was WVU 2 ACC 0. Clemson and Maryland tried but failed.
I was interested that the ACC did not invite WVU to become a member but the Big 12 did. Gooo Big 12 Goo Mountaineers. Bye Bye ACC. Fred Lucas
gene law on December 22, 2011 4:44 PM
"Cookie" on January 6, 2012 1:16 PM
Stephen Hawking, reportedly one of the smartest men in the world, wrote that the greatest mystery in the universe is women.
Hum! Dang, I rode the yellow bus and I knew that!
Michael Farley on January 7, 2012 3:51 PM
I'm Back!!! The prodigal son has returned. Health wise, my doctor tells me that I'm in pretty good shape to be going on 70. Barb and I are still working seasonal with Disney World. We put in several hours over the Christmas holidays. I guess we are just BIG kids. I once heard that our minds are as different as our faces: we are all traveling to one destination; --HAPPINESS; but few are going by the same road. I promise I didn't make that up. I hope all of you have a wonderful and successful new year. God Bless and I love ya all. Mike
Tom Dillon on January 7, 2012 4:16 PM
Farley, let me one of the first to welcome you back. Thank God for your health news. Next time, I will kick your butt if you are silent for so long. Remember, I was quite a fighter. Ask Carl Pennington from Welch. I cleaned his clock at Concord that night. If you don't think I can do it, I will get our mutual friend Geehole to hold you down. Please stay in touch.
Carl on January 7, 2012 4:48 PM
Tom, was that the Carl Pennington from Welch that I knew? About 5'1", 85 lbs., real thick glasses, could hardly tie his own shoes?
Mike on January 7, 2012 5:59 PM
Yes Carl, That was the one. I was at Concord and saw the whole thing. Many Moons ago. Tom, about Geehole, I'll get Mickey to take care of him. If he can't do it, Minnie will. Mike
Mike Murphy on January 8, 2012 12:54 PM
Tom - I just looked at the yearbook pic of the Track Team - What were you saluting? Keep the faith. Mike
Tom Dillon on January 8, 2012 1:25 PM
Farley, I thought you loooovvved me, but alas, foiled again. To spread falsehoods about my fighting prowess and to prevaricate regarding the size of Mr. Pennington is unconscionable-- Micky and Minnie should be ashamed of you. You and the other members of our party (Coleman?) had had a few beers that evening, ergo, your description of Mr. Pennington is suspect. As the designated driver that evening and after having only had a few non-alcoholic beverages myself -- I remember him being close to 250 lbs. and six foot, five inches at a minimum. He played pro football for several years actually simultaneously playing 2 positions on the defensive line thus allowing his team to have more pass defenders in their secondary.
Murph, I have no idea. Perhaps my hand was still broken from the fight.
Mike Farley on January 8, 2012 4:18 PM
Okay!!, Okay!! Soon as I get my dictionary out and figure out what some of your words mean, I'll try to remember his true size. Mabe 6', 180lbs would probably be pretty close. The guy you pictured was the bouncer out at the Jungle Night Club on Rt. 52. Also, if you remember, we stopped downtown Princeton and picked up Eugene Clark. He was dead sober. He didn't have a clue what was going to take place in Athens.
Tom Dillon on January 8, 2012 6:49 PM
Farley, I used the big words to hide the fact that I am full of BS. Guess, we should come clean as we had another witness (don't remember picking up Gene) to the "fight". The truth is that Dillon got his butt kicked, but good, as several classmates (St.Clair, McDonel) can attest.
I understand that J.K. George's novel will save some of those "good times" forever -- the Drag Race is surely one of those that will live in infamy.
Brenda Persin on January 8, 2012 7:45 PM
How did my name get in this story? I don't have a clue what you are talking about!! I thought you were nice young men who would never drink or fight--why are you bursting my bubble?
Tom Dillon on January 8, 2012 8:26 PM
Brenda, the beer was root beer and the "fight" was a video game, Princeton versus some great guys from Welch. So, are we boys OK with you again?
Mike Farley on January 8, 2012 8:36 PM
HMMMMMMMMM!!! What about those Broncos. GO TEBOW!!!
Brenda Persin on January 8, 2012 8:49 PM
Yes, and I only held hands with you and Mike--kissing was completely taboo just like drinking and fighting!
Just like a woman--getting you guys off the subject of sports and onto sex.
mike farley on January 8, 2012 9:02 PM
Tom, is this the same Brenda McDonel we know???
"Cookie" on January 9, 2012 12:28 AM
In support of Hawking's theory regarding WOMEN, I maintain that The Jungle was on Grassy Branch Cut-Off just below The Red Barn Nightclub--not on route 52???? Unless Grassy Branch is Route 52 which this WOMAN doesn't think it is.
Mike Farley on January 9, 2012 10:13 AM
Sorry Cookie!! I was always so inebriated when in that part of the county, I thought every beer joint was on highway 52.
Thomas Dillon on January 9, 2012 10:21 AM
Help! Geno, where are you? Farley and I are out of our element with Brenda & Cookie. Perhaps we need something stronger than root beer.
gene law on January 9, 2012 11:01 AM
AHA!!!! The Big BEE has spoken, all woman, knows what makes a man tick, outclassed Tom sorry, got ot go back to men and women 101, as age creeps upon men they forget the candle light wine and roses, women never do, as my old pappy used to say uh uh doggonit I forgot, oh well, one thing I know though, and that's uh oh I forgot, oh well I used to know, but anyway we can always count on on on doggonit I forgot that too, well any way Cookie and Brenda can point it out to us, and we can be content with that, Mike good to hear from you, glad you're on the blog, Carl lay some of that wit upon us, and Murph you can chime in also, Pete where are you when we need you. Becky I know you can enlighten, so until then Happy Trails.
Carl on January 9, 2012 11:30 AM
Geno, as my blog entries amply demonstrate, I fluctuate between attempts at being serious, and being witty. I guess that qualifies me as a semi-serious half-wit.
Carl on January 10, 2012 1:27 PM
Well now all you NCAA football fans. How do you like having NO controversy around the national championship this year?
gene law on January 10, 2012 4:52 PM
Carl in all fairness, I really think there should have been two teams on that field.
Carl on January 10, 2012 5:02 PM
Geno, maybe you weren't paying close enough attention; didn't you see Alabama's 2nd team? I think the new slogan in Tuscaloosa oughta be "Steamroll Tide."
Fred Lucas on January 10, 2012 5:49 PM
Carl regarding your comments about Tide, I always thought that was a soap product that Cookie and Brenda use to clean their clothes.What does Alabama Tide have to do with cleaning clothes?
As a long suffering NCAA football fan, I hope that someday a playoff system similar to the NFL and division 2 and three will be initiated.
Carl on January 10, 2012 8:49 PM
Fred, it sounds to me like you've paid too much attention to Gene Law's comments. You don't suppose that he's now posting under your name, do you?
Pete Stephenson on January 10, 2012 9:18 PM
Hey Farley, Dillon, the only help I can give you is that the East river drive in was on Rt 52, I do believe. As for the bowl games there is one thing for certain. The EERs and Tide opened up a can of Whoooop A -- on Clemson and LSU. Nuff said. Farley hope all is well with U.
"Cookie" on January 10, 2012 9:37 PM
Fred: Cookie doesn't wash clothes. She lets Delores do all that. Delores also cleans my house, washes my car, mows my lawn, chops down brush, rakes leaves, sprays "Round-Up," cooks, washes dishes, mops floors, cleans toilets, shops for all my food and clothes, shovels snow, pays my bills, takes care of my grandchildren, and whips my children into shape. I just sit here on the 5th floor drinking wine and musing over the intelligence of Stephen Hawking. What a guy! Neither does Brenda--that b... hires it done.
Carl on January 10, 2012 10:08 PM
Cookie, I think I'm in love with Delores. Are there any more at home like her?
"Cookie" on January 10, 2012 11:29 PM
Well Carl! There's two kinds of horses. First there are Show Horses then there are Work Horses. Every man I ever knew fell in love with the Show Horses. Back to my wine!
Tom Dillon on January 11, 2012 7:58 AM
I don't understand. Everything Delores does for Cookie, I do for Kay. Kay wrote our marriage vows and I had to promise to do all those things and more to finalize the marital contract. Indiana does not have "Right to Work" legislation as yet, so every time I try and get out of something, she says the contract is binding and the covenants are non-negotiable.
And Brenda, b... as Cookie referred to you (must stand for beauty or something close), I didn't know you could hire out those chores. I don't think my social security check will cover more than a few hours every 2-3 months.
"Cookie" on January 11, 2012 9:37 AM
The "B" in Brenda must stand for brains. That girl decided years ago which horse she was gonna' be.
gene law on January 11, 2012 1:58 PM
Tom I didn't know your wife and mine were friends, sounds to me like they have the same contract managers, except the right to work law I have that right, I can work day or night as long as I don't complain, funny I never thought of women as horses, does that mean they have more horse sense than men. Well any way I can save you folks some unplesantness, dill pickles and ranch dressing is not good, no matter what chef Rauel says, and candlelight does not help it, easy to prepare but not any good. Carl you are right, bless my denseness I did notice the 2nd team of Alabama, now that you mention it. Someone said LSU had good intentions, but left them in locker room. well you know what they say in the old country.
Tom Dillon on January 11, 2012 3:38 PM
Farley, here we go again. Cookie must be talking of a different Brenda. The Brenda we knew was blessed with beauty, but not necessarily brains as she hung out with the likes of you and me and a guy named Ernest Hugh.
Mike Farley on January 11, 2012 4:03 PM
Speaking of Ernest Hugh, Where is that guy?? Did he come to any of our reunions?? I bet I haven't seen him since 1960. Give me a heads-up.
Carl on January 11, 2012 4:23 PM
Farley and others,
I tried to track down Mokey for the last reunion. Remembering that he was kin to the Fannings, I located Sam Fanning, who checked for me and got an address:
4766 Leyden Way; Ellicott City, MD 21042; 410 - 992-0491.
I wrote to Mokey that people had been asking about him for several reunions, and encouraged him to attend the 2010 event, or at least submit something for the reunion book. I never heard back from him. Maybe he'd respond to contact from guys like Tom, Mike and anyone else who buddied with him in HS -- or from Brenda "McPersin" since every mention of her name [understandably and justifiably] gets a reaction from several of you guys.
Delores on January 11, 2012 4:45 PM
Carl, Cookie gave you the answer. Ms. B choose the right horse--unlike some of us. That’s why those guys keep talking about her. Let me go, I've got to harness up Mabel.
Carl on January 11, 2012 4:50 PM
My mistake Delores. I thought Cookie was just horsin' around. [insert groan here]
Tom Dillon on January 11, 2012 5:00 PM
I do remember Mokey coming to one of the reunions -- 10th or later, but haven't seen him in years. At one of the reunions held at Pipestem, Mike Herring saw and spoke to Crawford on the golf course Saturday morning, but he was a "no-show" for the evening events and had not attended the Friday social.
I worked on getting Bob Lambert to our most recent reunion, but without luck. He was pissed at somebody (everybody)for allegedly having not giving him enough notice of the dates, etc. for the reunion weekend and his calendar was full by then.
Hey group, 2015 is the next year for the full show and perhaps a mini next year. We don't have that many 5-year opportunities left and/or won't be able to dance with Becky and Dottie if we can attend.
Major winter storm heading our way tomorrow.
Carl on January 11, 2012 5:07 PM
Hmmm. You mean to tell me that Bob Lambert wasn't at the 2010 reunion?
Mike Farley on January 11, 2012 5:57 PM
Carl, thanks for the update on Mokey.
Tom, sorry to hear of the snow storm coming your way. Check the gas can to make sure you have enough gas for the trusty snow blower. Would it make you feel better if I told you it was going to be in the 70's tomorrow and I thinking about going out and mowing my yard. It's getting a bit shaggy.
Keep believing, Mike
Pete Stephenson on January 12, 2012 9:27 PM
Hey Dillon, what is Fish up to these days? Or have you heard from him lately? I was in your neck of the woods Back in the 70,s and was stuck in Evansville for 5 days during one of your snow storms. If the one heading your way is anything like the one I was in, forget the damn snow thrower and stay inside. we’re getting to old to play in storms like you have there in Indiana. If my memory is correct isn’t Evansville the home of Caterpillar. Ran their motors in my last two rigs. 4Miles per gal tops. Would hate to be buying diesel at today’s prices. If you talk to Herring give my regards. Stay safe,
Carl on January 12, 2012 10:34 PM
Pete, this is a response to your comment, but I decided to add it as a new one since the last string was getting narrower and narrower.
There's more than a mountain of stuff that I don't know, but your mention of Caterpillar reminded me that they are (or used to be) headquartered in Peoria, IL. Now maybe that's important to you old truckers and other heavy vehicle operators, but my first attachment to Peoria was thru Ten High "Kentucky" bourbon that was one of the affordable brands when we all were coming of age. It also was the home of Richard Pryor, I believe. So there, in one small city, a world-class earth moving manufacturer, a world-class comedian, and a lousy but affordable bourbon. Pretty good claim to fame, I'd say.
Thomas Dillon on January 13, 2012 8:03 AM
Farley, tell Barb to set another couple of places -- we are on our way. I love to mow lawns. Becky, is it even warmer in your part of the country? If so, we can drive further south.
Only 3 plus inches of snow so far, but temps with wind chill in the minus ranges. Pete, we have been lucky so far this year with weather, but Mother Nature (per St.Clair) has a sense of humour and we will probably get smacked hard around Super Bowl weekend -- Indy was doing a practice run this AM to prepare for weather then.
Have not had any contact with Herring in several months.
Brenda, you are something! You left us. Perhaps you exclaimed, "How embarrassing" when Cookie mentioned your brains and the boys talked about your pulchritude.
Pete Stephenson on January 13, 2012 10:19 AM
Hey Carl, my bad, you are ever so right on the Peoria Ill. thing. Something other than Cat must have been stuck in the portals of my ole brain. I'm going to research Evansville and try to put it all together. Thomas, from where I was sitting at Ryans and talking to Brenda she still has a lot of beauty left. Well maintained compared to a lot of us. How embarrassing as she would say. Stay warm and safe. Thanks for the up date on Fish. A lot of wind today here in the Roanoke valley. Very bright and sunny though. Later
Becky Novarro on January 13, 2012 10:01 AM
Welll Dr. D, If you call 68 warmer, then we are; That's our high today Don't envy us that much, we are having a battle with Red Tide; We have to close up our house early in the evening because of the smell and eye burning; The birds are dying from the toxins and dead fish are on our beaches; Wow, I sound like some of you smarta-----es I mean smart people; How do you get a quick access to the dictionary so I know what the heck (?) you are talking about. If Brenda has a puke problem, I'd like to know; You snow people need to have your neighborhood hustler do your shoveling; Don't forget, we aren't spring Chickens any more; Have a great weekend; Go Denver and don't forget the GIANTS. I didn't put in the right code and tried to correct. Good grief, you know you are old if you can't type in 4 numbers.
Mike Farley on January 13, 2012 4:50 PM
Tom, I have a son living in Muncie IN. How far away is that from you??? By the way Pete, he is a "Big Rig" driver. Owns is own rig. Most of his runs are in the north. He has one run to West Palm Beach, once a week.
Keep believing, Mike
Fred Lucas on January 14, 2012 1:03 PM
Mike Farley, I am not that far from Muncie In. I am about a two hour drive from there. You have my E-Mail address. Ask your son to contact me and perhaps we can get together sometime.
Now, I would like to offer a joke. This is a take off on the children's song This Old Man. On a cold January day, a frog walked into the bank. He was met by the loan officer, Miss Patty Wack. He requested a loan of $5000 .What collateral do you have Mr Frog? He showed her a vase with a picture of an elephant on it. Patty Whack said that she thought that wasn't enough. So she took the object to the manager who looked at it. He said its a nick nack Patty Wack give the frog a loan.
Becky we're into our second snow. We have an inch. The temperature is 27. Fred Lucas
Tom Dillon on January 14, 2012 1:57 PM
Becky, don't you mean the Crimson Tide? I thought you knew your football better. All kidding aside, I know what the Red Tide is. When I was in school in Florida, the college campus was on the Tampa Bay waterfront and our dorms were adjacent to some of the canals. One year we had to curtail all activities on the water and even some of the other outdoor recreation events due to the stench and flies that were attracted by the dead fish.
We poor students canceled our cafeteria privileges for a semester as there was ample food just to be picked up. I am so much healthier today because of that several-month period of just fish and beer. I am sure that some of you Princetonians have taken advantage of the road kill available in abundance to you, so don't judge.
Farley, Muncie is only 75 miles from Lebanon, but there is not a good direct route. One has to go back south on I-65, around Indianapolis, and then north again on I-69 -- probably a 90-minute drive.
Mike Farley on January 14, 2012 2:43 PM
Thanks Fred for your kindness. I'll let him know of your suggestion.
Tom, thanks for the heads-up to have plenty of fuel in my tank to get to your house from Muncie. Barb and I are looking to going up in that part of the country around the September time frame. This will give you plenty of time to make up an excuse to why you and your lovely wife won't be able to meet us for a wonderful meal somewhere between to two cities. Keep Believing, Mike
Becky Novarro on January 15, 2012 8:22 AM
Oh Goody, we are talking about weather!!! When you live in southern Florida you love to brag about your sun. This morning it was really chili, my heat even went on. It was 45 outside. Burrrrr. ha I think snow is so pretty on Christmas cards and TV. Be careful with the cold. Our old bones don't like it much. Stay healthy.
No, Bob Lambert didn't go to the last reunion. He was ill but is better now. Don't think the illness was his reason for not coming. He probably couldn't decide what to wear and so he didn't come. Good enough reason. Huh?
Mike Murphy on January 15, 2012 12:43 PM
Cold here! on divide ridge 22!!
Pete - How bout them Patriots esp Bradies rush and slide for 2 yds! Was hoping that Tebow would have good showing but you can't pull them all out.
Cookie - I thought the Jungle was on the 19/21 bypass and perhaps it was also grassy branch? To upscale for Glenwood we were tied to Crossroads Grill. Keep the Faith Mike
"Cookie" on January 15, 2012 2:48 PM
Mike: I don't know the route numbers. We always called it the Grassy Branch Cut-Off. Just returned from Harrisonburg, VA for a weekend get-together with my Princeton relatives. Everyone brought a covered dish and we had a big ole' meal of southern comfort food....just like the dinners we used to have on the Old Bluefield Road. Relatives are the best. They say you can pick your friends but not your relatives. I would have picked mine! Its 32 here today and I've had enough winter. The Shendoah Valley was colder but maintains its absolute beauty.
Pete Stephenson on January 16, 2012 11:47 AM
Hey Murphy, when Brady scrambles for two yards you can count on him not being hit. He is the best one at his position in my belief. Was sorry for Tebow though. He is definately going to make impact on NFL. Manning didn't do to bad last night in Green Bay either. Wasn't the Jungle there on 19-460 just past where Tender White trucking garage was? If you go to grassy branch just past there I think the red barn at one time was there on the right as U turn up the hill toward south Bluefield. Both places were pretty rough I believe. I'm a Patrots fan but I believe for the Super Bowl, don't count the Ravens out. Nuff said, Keep the sunny side up.
Carl on January 16, 2012 12:37 PM
I'm pretty sure that Pete's right about the location of The Jungle; I'm certain that he's right about the Red Barn. [I spent countless Sat. night's there in '67 - '68; bourban bottle discreetly stowed under the table.
I believe that we learned some time back that Pat Smith is the Mercer County historian. Seems to me that this is a worthy topic for her input. Whattaya say Patricia?
"Cookie" on January 16, 2012 1:26 PM
OK damn it! Back in the day you would take the "Old" New Bluefield Princeton Road towards Bluefield. You would descend the hill at the "Gap of the Ridge", cross under the railroad overpass, go through the valley past the skating rink and Tinder White on the left, past the Bluefield waterworks on the left and at the top of the hill turn left on Grassy Branch Cut-Off. The Jungle was on your left. If you go a little further you would take a right up the hill and Bingo you were at the Red Barn. If you stayed on that road you would end up in South Bluefield. In the day the Red Barn was "Up Town." Live bands with dancing and you got to DRESS UP. Well, that’s what I was told anyway. You should ask the Homecoming Queen. She spent more time in Bluefield than me.
Pete Stephenson on January 16, 2012 1:30 PM
Hey Carl, my bad about Red Barn being a rough place. When it first opened it was a pretty good place to patronize. Had a couple fights though at the Sky Club out on airport road. Some people just didn't like you if you served in military during the Viet Nam thingy.
Do any of you remember Frank Somosky? He graduated ‘59 and was shot up real bad in Nam. He was from the Glenwood Park area. Let me know if any of you know anything about him. Most of the football guys should remember him. I saw him a couple times after I got out of service in 65, but lost touch with him after that.
Carl on January 16, 2012 5:54 PM
Help. Help! I've been mistaking the Jungle for another joint. As usual, Cookie's right. (That girl sure knows her party spots.) I now recall the Jungle's location. (Never had the nerve to go in.) I was thinking of a "low-slung" "brew club" on the left near Tender White that later was the King Tut. What was it's name during the 50s and early 60s?
"Cookie" on January 16, 2012 6:26 PM
If my memory serves me correctly "King Tut" was a one story flat roofed building just above the skating rink going into Bluefield. The lady who ran the skating rink was a sister to Lessie Southard who ran "Southards Rink" near Easter's Drive Inn. I was never in King Tut, nice girls only went to one joint and that was on Wednesday nights after fraternity meetings. The last club I was in was the Capitol Hill Club last fall to hear Dick Cheney speak. Oops! The cat's out of the bag. They thought I was one of them until I opened my mouth. I just told them my name was Tammy Sue.
Pete Stephenson on January 16, 2012 6:29 PM
Hey Carl, I believe Cookie and the home coming queen must have hung out together. I believe Cookie knows more than she is letting on. You are sooo right, the one just past Tender White was the King Tut. Don’t know the name before the 60's. How about it big Mike can you give us a little help here. Carl and I must have been nipping on the jug when we were in that area. After all, he did say that he used to hide a pint under the table at the Red Barn. Probably an empty one upon arrival. Cookie I know now why Delores put you on the 5th floor. Tooo much booze. Been known to pop a top or two in my time also.
Fred Lucas on January 16, 2012 7:12 PM
I would like to take a minute to explain what has happened to three Princeton women whom many of us knew. In September, Nell Rose Price died. She and Earl operated the Mercer and Royal Theaters for many years. She also worked in the Registrar's Office for many years and served as Registrar at Concord for several years. Buryl Crockett Santon who was my English teacher at Mercer School has dementia. She went to Virginia Tech where she received a doctorate in Education.She taught at Concord for a number of years. Finally Margurite Miller who was an English teacher at Princeton Junior High and supervisor of teachers received the Golden Alumnus award from Concord. She is 90 years old.
I would also remember the late Dr. Martin Luther King who did much to call attention to segregation in our nation Fred Lucas
Carl on January 17, 2012 12:04 PM
Fred, I knew all three of those women. Nell Rose was Charles Keatley's aunt, I believe. She was a lovely lady. Buryl Crockett coached me for the county speech competition at PJHS. And Margurite Miller kept me and Bill Morris after school for cutting up in her 9th-grade classroom. Special memories of all three. Reply Carl on January 17, 2012 12:30 PM I feel truly ashamed. In speaking of English teachers Buryl Crockett & Margurite Miller I said "me and Bill Morris." What could I have been thinking?
Pete Stephenson on January 17, 2012 1:42 PM
Carl, I guess the next time you see Cookie and Brenda you had better be ready for a palm spanking with a ruler for that terrible mistake. Sunny today in the Roanoke valley and a little chilly. A little quiz for all of you and don't look in the PHS archives. Can anyone tell me who the other 4 players were on the59 basketball team with Thorn? One person can't win a game alone. When they are being double teamed and triple teamed every time they have the ball. No cheating or I will have to get the 2 school marms after U. Keep the sunny side
Tom Dillon on January 17, 2012 3:45 PM
Pete, without looking -- I can think of James Sayres and John Strong.
I remember Frank Somosky very well. He was the most gung-ho, Rudy- type player, always talking it up when we were dying from heat and fatigue -- rather obnoxious at times. His goal in life was to go to Paris Island and become a Marine. I also heard from Geehole or St.Clair that Frank had been significantly injured in Nam, was in a wheelchair, and very bitter about life.
William Dillon on January 17, 2012 3:35 PM
I have been perplexed for several days as I truly do not remember any of the numerous dance halls/beer joints you party-goers evidently frequented in your youth. Also, I dated the Homecoming Queen and she and I did not go to any of those establishments together. Did she have another suitor?
I initially concluded that this lack of worldly knowledge and naivete on my part was due to the Spartan, monk-like training regimen and schedule I adhered to while a student/athlete at PHS. My regular (during the week) schedule was somewhat rigid -- homework and study from 7 to 9:00 pm, call and talk to the Homecoming Queen from 9 to 9:15 pm, bath and laying out clothes for the next day for the next half hour, in bed by 9:45 pm listening to the radio, and then lights out by 10:00 pm. Friday and Saturday nights were more relaxed with football games, dances, and drive-in movies, but I had to be home by mid night.
The main problem with the above conclusion is that Stephenson and Murphy and others had the same training regimen while in school, but also had intimate knowledge of these honky tonks which I did not have. Had they broken curfew and training? Where was the answer to this contradictory set of variables?
It came to me from one of Carl's blog entries when he soberly confessed that he had been to one bar numerous times with his side kick, Mr. Bourbon, in the 1967-68 time period. ------------ My family moved to Florida in 1961. It was only a timing issue!
Carl on January 17, 2012 4:35 PM
Thomas, I think you're right about it being a timing issue, and as we all know, in life, timing is everything. I happened to be blessed with the realization that college is far too special to be limited to 4 years. [Being a college sophomore was 3 of the best years of my life.] Add to that the two years that I spent in the Army -- going in with Tracy French -- and the arithmetic works, explaining my graduating from Concord in 1968, thus placing me within easy reach of Mercer Co. social, recreational, & entertainment venues into the late 60s. I still miss Smiley Boy's Drive-in when I get back home.
Pete Stephenson on January 17, 2012 4:52 PM
Hey Carl, I'm not going to be suckered in by the notion that you truly miss Smiley Boys. What you should have said is that you truly miss (BIG Wanda) leaning in your car door and asking what would you like. Dillon, I don't doubt you a bit about your Spartan kind of living while a student athlete at PHS, but I think you know more than you are letting on. Carl if I had gone to College when I got out service you and I would have been classmates again. Don Williams offered me a full scholarship after I got home in 65.I told him to stick his scholarship in his ---.After you are married and have a kid things seem to just change. Nuff said. Keep the shinny side up.
Carl on January 17, 2012 4:57 PM
Pete, I don't want to nit pick, but I was thrilled to see Wanda leaning into anyone's car . . . and to see her walk the order back in . . . and to see her deliver it . . . and, in that romantic '60s sorta way, to "see her in my dreams." As some old eloquent Brit once wrote:
|
SHE walks in beauty, like the night |
|
|
Of cloudless climes and starry skies, |
|
|
And all that's best of dark and bright |
|
|
Meet in her aspect and her eyes . . . [or wherever] |
Pete Stephenson on January 17, 2012 6:32 PM
Carl, why is it that you never took you girlfriend to Smileys. Was it that you were going to get slapped or never spoken to the rest of your life. Must have been the rest of my life as my punishment. Oh well, what the hell. us dudes still like to see Wanda slither across the lot like a goddess in all her glory. Damn that was the good ole days. Like you have said before, we have been fortunate to have grown up in those times in our lives. I don't guess Murphy ever frequented that fine establishment. Nuff said Keep the shinny side up.
Tom Dillon on January 17, 2012 7:12 PM
Pete, I was also offered some help to play football at Concord beginning the fall of 1960. The offer was only for books and tuition which was almost nothing then. If the coach would have included room and board, I may have played there. But if that had happened, I would not have been eligible to play on the Florida State University National Championship Team in 1993.
I think Geno has hacked our blogs as there is a great deal of BS being slung.
Pete Stephenson on January 17, 2012 7:47 PM
Thomas. you definitely made a good decision to go to FSU. I had a sister in law graduate from there. Also had one to grad.from Auburn and one from LSU. I wasn't offered anything but a walk on try in fall of 60.But was offered a full ride when they found out that I had played a form of semi-pro in Germany. I really had a blast over there, some rough dudes. got nose broke 2 times and still can't breathe out the right side of it. The 93 FSU team was a powerhouse. You were fortunate to have been there. I'm proud of you. I lived just north of there in Dothan Alabama when I divorced my first wife. Nuff said keep the shinny side up.
Pete Stephenson on January 17, 2012 8:03 PM
Thomas, How old do you have to be to play for Bowden in ‘93. You had to be the slowest man on the field at your age in 93. I believe Geno is hibernating with the rest of the gang in the Hills of W.Va.
"Cookie" on January 17, 2012 8:24 PM
Wait a minute while I put my boots on...its getting too deep on here..........................OK! Now, I'll give you some factual information Carl. About those tops Wanda used to wear when you googled over her.....I used to sell her turtleneck sweaters at Leggetts. She would immediately walk to the back of the ladies department to the alteration room where she would take scissors in hand and cut the neck out. Thus the plunging necklines. She would tear the tags off, put the top on and head out for work. I have also seen her purchase a banlon cardigan, do the same thing, button it up and put it on backwards. I never worked in the underwear department so I can't give you any information on her purchases there. True story on the blog for a change.
Carl on January 17, 2012 9:37 PM
Cookie, here's a blog story that's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: I'd have given my inheritance to have worked at Leggett's and been witness to what you described regarding Wanda's apparel purchases and alterations. (My mind spins as I write this.)
Pete Stephenson on January 18, 2012 12:07 AM
Carl, I don't know about you but I would have liked being a fly on the wall in the back of the store while all this scissoring was going on. We sure did wake up the (Cookster) on the 5th floor. If the truth was really known she probably never shopped in the panties dept. U know how those panty lines show in tight jeans or whatever. I believe Wanda finally married Dale Thompson's older brother. I might be wrong on that. Too much time for my mind to recollect.
Tom Dillon on January 18, 2012 1:42 PM
To all female members of the PHS Class of 1960 --
On behalf of all the male members of the PHS Class of 1960 who were "in a relationship"(Facebook-speak)or "going steady" (1960 lingo), we attest that we were NEVER enamored by the attributes of Big Wanda and our engaging her by sight or talk was only for purposes of obtaining an order for one of you sweet little darlins. If we lie, may we be stricken with the Stink Eye.
Carl and Pete can speak for themselves.
Mike Murphy on January 18, 2012 2:00 PM
Big foot Wanda - My brother Jim PHS 55 dated Wanda. I recently asked him about her due to the blog chatter and he related that when he was home on Military leave that BFW jumped into the car with our Dad at the drive in thinking it was Jim and Dad later admonished Jim to tell her not to do that again because it startled him and if Mom found out here would be trouble for both him and Jim. What was the name of the DJ who made her famous?
Great article in Charleston Daily Mail today - "Man pens love letter to state". Also letter on line at www.therevivalist.info that everyone from WV should read - Carl help! in posting this and I promise not to brag on you anymore or less. Keep the faith. Mike
[from Carl] Here's the link to the Charleston Daily Mail
gene law on January 18, 2012 5:01 PM
Thanks for the memories, thought I was going to sing didn't you, well anyway thanks for the walk down memory lane. keep it up, oops got so carried away I was in black and white, got to get live and in color again. Can't resist thinking bout those days that's who we are. Y'all were talking bout the Jungle, remember when it burnt?, I was working with the guy that set it on fire, he didn't show up for work I asked did any body know where he was, they told me he was in jail for burning down the Jungle. well it is good to remember the good ol' days of yesteryear. dr.geno
"Cookie" on January 18, 2012 6:03 PM
The D.J.s last name was indeed Gentry. He lived with his wife and kids in the Thornton homes. They were behind Matthew King's house -- between the current Andy Clark Motors location (on the "Old-New Bluefield Princeton Road) and where the old Oliver's Night Club stood. Before you dirty ole men think I also frequented that establishment--I rode my "Roll Fast" bike up there.
Pete Stephenson on January 18, 2012 6:45 PM
Cookie dear, My wife’s Uncle Ray owned the Cross Road Grill for a time and her aunt Gladys was a waitress at Olivers. Man, I loved the pizza they made in there. Went there quite often. Also dated the Mann girl across the road from Olivers. I really never knew you lived down there, thought you lived more back toward football field for some reason. Ched also lived out that way as I recall. Geno,(WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?) I bet you have been hibernating in your man cave. Nuff said keep the sunny side up.
"Cookie" on January 18, 2012 11:41 PM Pete:
If you drove out the "Old-New Bluefield Princeton Road" and took a left at the Greentree Restaurant onto the "Old-Old Bluefield Princeton Road" and drove back toward town (get all that) I lived in the 10th house on the right (brick rambler). We were almost directly across the road from Chuck Lohr. In fact, the property where Ramey Auto now sits is directly in back of the house and was my grandfather's corn field. Papaw sold it to Ramey in the mid 80s.
Carl on January 19, 2012 8:23 AM
This just in from Jim George:
Diana was discharged from in-patient rehab on January 6th, and came home. She had progressed from very nervous outings with a wheel chair all the way to the last one where she walked without her cane. Walked slowly, and carefully, but walked, and w/out her cane. Wow.
At present, she is an out-patient at the St. David's rehab hospital. She receives a minimum of three hours a day of serious therapy: Physical, which concentrates on her right leg, trunk strength, and balance (walking, in short); Occupational, which focuses on daily activities, and mainly on her right arm/elbow/shoulder and hand; and Speech, which deals with cognition and speech.
She has made a remarkable improvement in her walking, as her right leg and foot have had the strongest recovery. She still must be careful, and her balance is not fully restored, but she walks reasonably well, and can go up and down stairs. Her right arm is just now starting to move a little. She can bend her elbow a bit, and is working on her overall strength from the shoulder all the way down to her hand and fingers. So far, the hand still has not responded, but the therapist is optimistic. She is gaining some speech capability, however the speech and the right arm/hand will be difficult and long term projects. Diana is an extremely determined woman, and works very hard at the exercises. We grateful for the improvement she has to date, and her rate of progress. Considering other that we see, the glass is definitely full, and we know it.
Pete Stephenson on January 19, 2012 12:01 PM
Carl, Thanks for the up date on Diana, sounds as though she is progressing as well as can be expected. Good to know she is not completely confined to a wheelchair. With the grace of God and a lot of will power she can continue to progress. All my prayers go out to her and JK and the family. Cookie is your old house still there? I know approximately where you lived. Do you have any relatives still in the area? Bright and sunny here in the Roanoke Valley, little chilly but pretty. (keep the sunny side up)
"Cookie" on January 19, 2012 12:16 PM
Pete: There were four homes there on the property--all family members. Our house and my Aunt Shirley Bostic's home have been sold. My cousin lives in my grandparents home and I have an aunt in the next house over.
mike farley on January 19, 2012 2:14 PM
Tom, I was talking to my son today and he informed me he was in Lebanon around 4 days a week picking up cargo from a large distribution center there in Lebanon. Do you ever feel a Farley breeze around town??
Tom Dillon on January 19, 2012 2:34 PM
Mike, what is a Farley Breeze? It is currently 24 degrees, feels like 13, snowing with 1-3 inches forecast. Couldn't your son bring us some weather from sunny Florida?
Did we ever frequent any of those establishments that several c-mates have been discussing?
Pete Stephenson on January 20, 2012 8:07 PM
Hey Cookie, Didn't at one time Mr Lippy I believe that’s how you spell It have a Volkswagen garage somewhere along there? I remember your house now. It’s been forever since I've been in that area. Most time Judy and I visit Roselawn and that’s as far as we go in that direction.its hard to believe how much has taken place over the years. I guess the next time I return there is for good.Its pretty chilly this evening in the roanoke valley.How did you like Harrisonberg last weekend?Beautiful area there in the old dominion.Have 5 close hunting buddies that live in or around there.I traveled that way a lot on runs from home to New England.I traveled New England to Southern California for about 14 years. Have a good evening and Keep the shinny side up.
"Cookie" on January 20, 2012 10:36 PM
Pete: You got it! Mr. Lippy was the German fellow who ran a Volkswagon repair shop our of his garage. His house was between ours and the Greentree Restaurant. Our house was the brick rambler with the large patio on the end. It had a huge flag pole in the backyard and Daddy flew the flag 365. From Roselawn you can see the house when the leaves are off the trees. I have several family members up there including my Mom and Dad. That would be my old stomping ground. Funny how you can't wait to leave and in retrospect it was the best time of your life. Harrisonburg is one of my favorite places. If my children wouldn't be so far away I'd move there in a heartbeat. It was beautiful. Its really cold here tonight. The furnace never shuts off and I see dollar bills flying all over my back yard. We are expecting an ice storm tonight. Not to worry--when cold weather shows up I just make a big pot of my grandmother's vegetable soup and its 1955 again. When she made it she made enough for all 4 houses. When I got off the big yellow school bus my job was to take our pot and go get our share. Just remember my motto...."A day in the country is worth a month in the city." We only had one rule growing up, "Don't embarrass the family!" That pretty much covered everything else.
"Cookie" on January 20, 2012 11:02 PM
Point of clarification! The cemetery wasn't my old stomping grounds--the Old-Old Bluefield Princeton Road was. I felt a clarification was in order before you dirty old men on here said, "Yes, I'll bet she was up there after dark." Actually, I can't remember the cemetery being there when I was growing up. I don't believe it was.
Mike Murphy on January 21, 2012 12:19 PM
Ready for higher gas prices? What is going on with the Pipeline approval? This is beyond stupid it is criminal!
Oh by the way liberals, progressives, socialists and America haters mark your calander for April 2, Rev Wright is coming to Charleston WV for a revival. GBA no no no GDA!!
Enough said. Keep the faith and protect your wallet. Mike
Tom Dillon on January 21, 2012 7:45 PM
Cookie, you may not have stomped around the cemetery after dark, but did you ever park there?
We were being overrun with squirrels in our yard, so a couple of years ago, I started trapping them and carrying them a couple of blocks away. The county field agent from Purdue U. told me that the squirrels were probably back in my yard before I got home -- that I needed to drop the critters a few miles away to make sure they wouldn't return. There is a country cemetery about 4 miles from here. That became my drop sight until the day Kay and I drove there with a newly trapped squirrel and came upon a couple parked on the far backside of the cemetery at "High Noon". The dirt road was one-way. We sat there for several minutes and after it was apparent that the other car was not going to move, I back out at least a mile and found a new drop site for my furry friends.
"Cookie" on January 22, 2012 12:54 AM
Well, why didn't you say something Dillon? I could have moved the car so you could let the squirrels out.
THE CEMETERY WASN'T THERE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP!!!!! At least I didn't park in your driveway when your folks were gone.
Careful messing with those classmates locked up on the 5th floor.
Tom Dillon on January 22, 2012 6:46 AM
OK Cookie, you have forced me to cry "Uncle".
Carl on January 19, 2012 8:23 AM
per Jim George: Diana was discharged from in-patient rehab on January 6th, and came home. She had progressed from very nervous outings with a wheel chair all the way to the last one where she walked without her cane. Walked slowly, and carefully, but walked, and w/out her cane. Wow.
At present, she is an out-patient at the St. David's rehab hospital. She receives a minimum of three hours a day of serious therapy: Physical, which concentrates on her right leg, trunk strength, and balance (walking, in short); Occupational, which focuses on daily activities, and mainly on her right arm/elbow/shoulder and hand; and Speech, which deals with cognition and speech.She has made a remarkable improvement in her walking, as her right leg and foot have had the strongest recovery. She still must be careful, and her balance is not fully restored, but she walks reasonably well, and can go up and down stairs. Her right arm is just now starting to move a little. She can bend her elbow a bit, and is working on her overall strength from the shoulder all the way down to her hand and fingers. So far, the hand still has not responded, but the therapist is optimistic. She is gaining some speech capability, however the speech and the right arm/hand will be difficult and long term projects. Diana is an extremely determined woman, and works very hard at the exercises. We grateful for the improvement she has to date, and her rate of progress. Considering other that we see, the glass is definitely full, and we know it.
Pete Stephenson on January 19, 2012 12:01 PM
Carl, Thanks for the up date on Diana, sounds as though she is progressing as well as can be expected. Good to know she is not completely confined to a wheelchair. With the grace of God and a lot of will power she can continue to progress. All my prayers go out to her and JK and the family. Cookie is you old house still there? I know approximately where you lived. Do you have any relatives still in the area? Bright and sunny here in the Roanoke valley, little chilly but pretty.(keep the sunny side up)
"Cookie" on January 19, 2012 12:16 PM
Pete: There were four homes there on the property--all family members. Our house and my Aunt Shirley Bostic's home have been sold. My cousin lives in my grandparents home and I have an aunt in the next house over.
mike farley on January 19, 2012 2:14 PM
Farley here--- Tom, I was talking to my son today and he informed me he was in Lebanon around 4 days a week picking up cargo from a large distribution center there in Lebanon. Do you ever feel a Farley breeze around town??
Tom Dillon on January 19, 2012 2:34 PM
Mike, what is a Farley Breeze? It is currently 24 degrees, feels like 13, snowing with 1-3 inches forecast. Couldn't your son bring us some weather from sunny Florida?
Did we ever frequent any of those establishments that several c-mates have been discussing?
Pete Stephenson on January 20, 2012 8:07 PM
Hey Cookie, Didn't at one time Mr Lippy I believe thats how you spell It have a volkswagen garage somewhere along there?I remember your house now.Its been forever since I've been in that area.Most time Judy and I visit Roselawn and thats as far as we go in that direction.its hard to believe how much has taken place over the years.I guess the next time i return there is for good.Its pretty chilly this evening in the roanoke valley.How did you like Harrisonberg last weekend?Beautiful area there in the old dominion.Have 5 close hunting buddies that live in or around there.I traveled that way a lot on runs from home to New England.I traveled New England to Southern California for about 14 years.Have good evening and Keep the shinny side up.
"Cookie" on January 20, 2012 10:36 PM
Pete: You got it! Mr. Lippy was the German fellow who ran a Volkswagon repairshop our of his garage. His house was between ours and the Greentree Restaurant. Our house was the brick rambler with the large patio on the end. It had a huge flag pole in the backyard and Daddy flew the flag 365. From Roselawn you can see the house when the leaves are off the trees. I have several family members up there including my Mom and Dad. That would be my old stomping ground. Funny how you can't wait to leave and in retrospect it was the best time of your life. Harrisonburg is one of my favorite places. If my children wouldn't be so far away I'd move there in a heartbeat. It was beautiful. Its really cold here tonight. The furnace never shuts off and I see dollar bills flying all over my back yard. We are expecting an ice storm tonight. Not to worry--when cold weather shows up I just make a big pot of my grandmother's vegetable soup and its 1955 again. When she made it she made enough for all 4 houses. When I got off the big yellow school bus my job was to take our pot and go get our share. Just remember my motto...."A day in the country is worth a month in the city." We only had one rule growing up, "Don't embarrass the family!" That pretty much covered everything else.
"Cookie" on January 20, 2012 11:02 PM
Point of clarification! The cemetery wasn't my old stomping grounds--the Old-Old Bluefield Princeton Road was. I felt a clarification was in order before you dirty old men on here said, "Yes, I'll bet she was up there after dark." Actually, I can't remember the cemetery being there when I was growing up. I don't believe it was.
Mike Murphy on January 21, 2012 12:19 PM
Ready for higher gas prices? What is going on with the Pipeline approval? This is beyond stupid it is criminal!
Oh by the way liberals, progressives, socialists and America haters mark your calander for April 2, Rev Wright is coming to Charleston WV for a revival. GBA no no no GDA!!
Enough said Keep the faith and protect your wallet Mike
Tom Dillon on January 21, 2012 7:45 PM
Cookie, you may not have stomped around the cemetery after dark, but did you ever park there?
We were being overrun with squirrels in our yard, so a couple of years ago, I started trapping them and carrying them a couple of blocks away. The county field agent from Purdue U. told me that the squirrels were probably back in my yard before I got home -- that I needed to drop the critters a few miles away to make sure they wouldn't return. There is a country cemetery about 4 miles from here. That became my drop sight until the day Kay and I drove there with a newly trapped squirrel and came upon a couple parked on the far backside of the cemetery at "High Noon". The dirt road was one-way. We sat there for several minutes and after it was apparent that the other car was not going to move, I back out at least a mile and found a new drop site for my furry friends.
"Cookie" on January 22, 2012 12:54 AM
Well, why didn't you say something Dillon? I could have moved the car so you could let the squirrels out.
THE CEMETERY WASN'T THERE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP!!!!!
At least I didn't part in your driveway when your folks were gone.
Careful messing with those classmates locked up on the 5th floor.
"Cookie:" on January 22, 2012 1:33 AM
Oh Goodness! Ole McDonel is going to give me a failing grade. The word is "park" not "part." Must learn to proofread.
Tom Dillon on January 22, 2012 7:58 AM
Received an e-mail from Doug, but my ancient PC/software would not open it.
J.K.'s novel, "Reunion", has been published and is now available on Amazon.com. If you want a real walk down memory lane, get a copy and plan to spend several enjoyable hours reading about some of your fellow classmates. Many secrets are shared , even perhaps involving Cookie.
Cookie, again, "Uncle". I don't wish to get into a whatever contest with you.
Way to go, J.K.!
mike farley on January 22, 2012 8:52 AM
YEAH!!!!! Thank you JK. I know this book will bring back Wild and Wonderful memories of times passed in the good ole mountains of W.Va. Some of the memories will be a little fuzzy because of the alcohol flowing through the brain at the time. LOL. Keep Believing, Mike
Delores on January 22, 2012 11:47 AM
LOL! BINGO DILLON! Bless her heart, Cookie means well. The older she gets the meaner she gets...like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. I guess you just have to watch out for demented old women. Her motto is, "Watch out for the yellow bus kids."
Congratulations to Jimmy! I can't wait to read the book....well, I hope I can't wait to read the book.
ched on January 22, 2012 3:18 PM
JK yes!!! I read some of the excerpts on Amazon... can't wait to get my copy. Thanks JK for documenting our wonderful years at PHS
Carol Martin on January 22, 2012 3:46 PM
I had not read the blog since some time last year and I received the email today about Jim's book, which I plan to order. Otherwise, we have been working with the Ron Paul campaign. Tuesday night we babysat for a young couple from TX so they could attend a RP gathering. Yesterday, I worked 13 hours without pay at the republican primary. Results were disappointing, but the good doctor is in for the long haul. SC and FL are two states that the campaign kinda wrote off early.
Enough of politics! I saw Carl Pennington's name mentioned and I assume that he is the Carl Pennington who graduated from WVIT. He was a EE major and I recall all of the guys being annoyed that he could party all night while they studied and Carl had one of the highest GPA's in his class. The story grows more interesting. There is a sweet couple at church who sat in front of us one Sunday and we began talking and
John stated that he was from Eastern TN, Neil mentioned Bluefield. John stated that his roots were in southern WV that his dad had graduated from Welch high school, etc. Anyway, he is Carl Pennington's cousin.
Jim, congratulations on your book! I plan to order it soon. We think of Diana so often. My sister talked with Rhonda recently. Mike, glad you are out and about.
Becky Novarro on January 23, 2012 1:07 PM
Congratulations to Jimmy George. It must be a good book to be on Amazon, hope it's a great success.
Now, friends, if you haven't seen this show it is worth clicking on but not to see the whole thing. Showtime has a documentary on the Whites of West Virginia and of course we hillbillies are depicted as brilliant, educated and classy as usually. For those of you who are familiar with Jesco then by all means turn this on and see his relatives.
Glad to see you back Carol. Are you going to come to Florida? After the chad experience, I hate elections. We are supposedly so pivotal.
Isn't it about time we cook some beans? Hope all of you are staying warm and dry.
Thomas Dillon on January 24, 2012 4:58 PM
OK, reticent rascals, where are ye? Anyone other than Fred have a chance to read a part/all of "Reunion"?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 24, 2012 6:38 PM
I read the excerpts and your endorsement. I ordered two. One for me and one for my sister-in-law, who happens to be Jimmy George's cousin. Can't wait to get the book.
Delores on January 24, 2012 8:41 PM
My book is on order!
Becky Novarro on January 25, 2012 2:14 PM
Mine is ordered, too. Don't we wonder if Jimmy has written the next "Peyton Place?"
"Cookie" on January 25, 2012 2:39 PM
I was wondering.....now that he is going to be rich could he pay for our next class reunion? If so, I suggest White Sulpher as a nice venue.
"Cookie" on January 25, 2012 2:44 PM
Oops! Deduct 3 points Ms. McDonel--another spelling error. Do old people have to spell correctly? I'm lucky I got up this morning.
Brenda Persin on January 26, 2012 1:50 PM
First of all, Jim's book is on order from Amazon, and I can't wait to read it.
Second, when did I get to be the class proofreader?
Third, the reason I haven't written on the Blog is my husband is now in a nursing/rehab facility after a fall and surgery. It has been a rough, rough road that I know many of you have either been down or are going down at the present time.
I'm not sure he will ever be able to return home.
Reading the Blog has been a refreshing outlet. At least I know you haven't forgotten "B", and I love all the comments regardless of the subject.
What cemetery are you talking about that wasn't there when you were in high school, Cookie? I know there was definitely a cemetery close to Mooney's Drive-In when I was in high school. Mike and I used to see if we could beat some policeman or state trooper (can't remember which) for the top parking spot. Surely Cookie, you would remember the cemetery--Deloros might not, howeve
I'm looking forward to a mini-reunion this summer--maybe I'll be able to attend this one.
Brenda Persin on January 26, 2012 1:54 PM
OMG – I mispelled Delores – was it intentional, Cookie!!
Tom Dillon on January 26, 2012 3:13 PM
Dillon here -- Brenda, sorry to hear about your husband. I will pray for the two of you. We knew you had to be involved with something major to stay off the blog and to allow Cookie so much free reign. We look forward to hearing from you more often.
I use spell check so you won't get on mu case.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 26, 2012 2:27 PM
Received my books today. I ordered from Barnes and Noble...got them in a couple of days.
Tom Dillon on January 26, 2012 3:20 PM
Darla, don't give advanced notice to those classmates who will live in infamy in J.K.'s book as you will be one of the first to read "Reunion". Let them sweat a little as to whether their transgressions and peccadilloes have been chronicled forever. I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement with J.K. in order to review an advanced copy.
Delores on January 26, 2012 4:38 PM
I was reading the Baltimore Sun Newspaper on line a few minutes ago and you won't believe what happened.....a "pop-up" appeared at the top of the article advertising................................
"Reunion." WOW!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 26, 2012 6:40 PM
Tom, I had to get the dictionary out to know that peccadillo meant "slight fault" or "small sin". I enjoy learning new words, even though I don't always remember their meaning.
Fred Lucas on January 26, 2012 9:23 PM
Brenda, I would like to wish you and your husband my best wishes after his surgery.
Since I did a download of the book "Reunion" by Jim George and read all of it, I was impressed with his story. He has done an outstanding job, as well as Homer Hickham with his book "Rocket Boys".
I won't reveal anything about the book until we've all had a chance to read it.
Carl on January 27, 2012 12:17 PM
Fred, I appreciate your not spilling the beans, but I heard somewhere that the butler did it.
Tom Dillon on January 27, 2012 4:03 PM
Carl, the unsub was actually a Groupie who loves to dance -- even pole dancing.
Becky Novarro on January 27, 2012 6:31 PM
OMG! How did you know about my pole dancing?
Tom Dillon on January 27, 2012 6:53 PM
Remember a saying/phrase in vogue in the 50's?
It's in the Book!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 28, 2012 10:47 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with Doug and Ann Neal. Ann's brother passed away this week.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 28, 2012 11:18 AM
Doug's brother-in-law's name is Dale Bailey. I am sorry that I omitted his name.
Jimmy George on January 31, 2012 8:29 AM
Hi all. Jim/Jimmy/JK here.
Sorry I've been MIA but Diana has four days a week of therapy (PT, OT, Speech), plus some others they throw in occasionally, so with that, the 30 minute drive into Austin to and from, and all the shopping we do ... all that's a two person job now that I'm the designated driver and helper. It's interesting, since Diana always has been a (super) careful shopper. I go into a store, go right to the place with the goodie, grab it, and sprint to the check-out. Diana picks every article of food or other thing up, rotates in the light to insect for whatever women inspect things for, then repeats that for several times until she has unearthed the exact goodie she was seeking, and then goes slowly to the next aisle and repeats this over and over. Before her stroke, I had an agreement with her that any time we were in a grocery store together, I would either wait in the car outside, or would find the coffee bar inside and hang out with a latte. (We have lots of these stores in Austin) Any-hoo, shopping is a totally new experience for me now. And I sort of like it, doing it together.
Regarding the book, I get a kick out of the comments. Just spent a few minutes admiring Dillon's word of the day. Good stuff, Tom. Also, I got a kick out of Tom's comment about the non-disclosure deal. Actually, I approached him as both a good friend of mine at PHS as well as the class Prez. So he could read an earlier version and give me some feedback. Thanks a lot, Tom for your time and your support. In a weak moment, he also wrote a nice review, which I will use in marketing material.
Since we are a close group (except for politics, where apparently I'm the only class member who doesn't think President Obama is a serial killer, and considers every one of the Republican candidates except for Romney and Huntsman are competing to take the most extremely radical positions, positions that almost guarantee they cannot win a general election), I'll share with you that the Hardcover book is waiting a few weeks for the dust jacket to be reprinted. that should be completed any day. Then the Hardcover will be shipping. Also, it's frustrating that the eBook for the Kindle is delayed. No reason for that other than Amazon has 30 days in their contract with the publisher to offer it, and apparently they are taking their good ole time. Barnes and Noble had their eNook eBook out almost immediately, and several people including Fred Lucas have gotten that, and have read it. But clearly the eKindle will be higher volume, so I hope it's available soon. The eBook is priced at two bucks (actually $1.99) so it's convenient for lots of people and less expensive as well if people prefer to read that way. I'm still old fashioned and like to hold a book in my hand.
There will be a book signing session at the Princeton Library sometime in the spring or summer. Apparently it's a wonderful renovation of the old Post Office, and they are doing a nice job of supporting reading and West Virginia authors. Look for additional information on the schedules in Princeton and in Bluefield, in addition to Blacksburg and Roanoke. Okay, thanks again for the comments. I'd really like feedback and/or questions if you have any. Send them to me at my email (n3bb@mindspring.com) or my home address, or here. No problems.
All the best to the best class ever. Jim
Carl on January 31, 2012 11:21 AM
JK, I'm certain that you aren't the only class member who supports the President. It's just that since Dubya left office, the previous group of presidential bomb throwers has become quite quiet, while the current group is now outspoken. C'est la vie in politics.
Delores on January 31, 2012 12:53 PM
ZIP IT "COOKIE!" THAT'S AN ORDER!
Carl on January 31, 2012 3:30 PM
Who you callin' "COOKIE"?
"Cookiei" on January 31, 2012 6:28 PM
Carl: Someone here on my ward told me you raised hogs in Bethesda. If so would you please send her to feed them. Hopefully they will eat her and get her off my back. Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!
Jim George on January 31, 2012 11:05 PM
JK again.
Good news. The publisher called today, and the Hardcover now is shipping. So everyone should be receiving their "order shipped" notification from Amazon, or whoever.
Also, how does one "comment" on an existing thread. I seem to be able to post a new comment, but can't add a comment to an existing thread. It's probably a "duh" thing, but can't seem to do it.
Carl on January 31, 2012 11:22 PM
On my screen, within each comment block, the word "Reply" appears in the lower left corner. Clicking on "Reply" links to a screen for, well, a reply to comments in that block/thread. The "Add a new comment" entry -- outside the block -- links to a screen for, well, a new comment. Just keep clickin' and typin'. We'll catch up if you lose or confuse us. (: }
Jim George on February 1, 2012 4:46 AM
Oh. You mean that one. Told ya it would be a duh monent. OK, I'm on board.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 1, 2012 7:51 AM
I received my hardcover books last week for Barnes and Noble.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 1, 2012 7:53 AM
Sorry, I got in a hurry and did not spell check myself. Should be from not for.
Jim George on February 18, 2012 1:12 PM
Darla, just saw this. Finally! Tnx for waiting. Let me know what you think.
PS I'm not smart enough to have all the clever fonts and fashion colors as Carl. (This is a check to see if he's going back and reading old comments.)
Carl on February 1, 2012 3:08 PM
Yo, football fans! Where's the chatter about the upcoming SuperBowl? Y'all know that NY Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw is a proud product of Graham High School, Bluefield, VA, dontcha? So who's pickin' whom? [I love working "whom" into the conversation, even is it's wrongly used. Thank you very much, Miss Paxton.]
Brenda Persin on February 1, 2012 8:31 PM
I am getting so impatient waiting for my hardcover book from Amazon! I ordered a hardcover so you can sign it, Jim. The new Princeton Library is lovely, and I will try my best to attend your book signing.Yea, Graham High School!! I taught there for ten years, and Ahmad's father and uncle played on my ex-husband's basketball team. Ahmad's father, Jim, who died last year, also played football player at Graham. Guess who I'm rooting for in the Super Bowl?
Pete Stephenson on February 1, 2012 8:41 PM
Football fans let me put my 2 cents worth in there also.While living In Martinsville in the early ninetys my neighbor was the starting middle linebacker for the Patriots. Sooo I suppose I have to go with Brady and the two big tight ends over the NY football giants. Welcker is not bad either. JK, still waiting on my copy. Hope Diana is doing well. Nuff said (keep the shinny side up)where you at big Mike and Geno, you two hybernating in the man cave.
Brenda Persin on February 1, 2012 8:34 PM
Oops!! The proofreader made a boo boo!!
Becky Novarro on February 2, 2012 8:57 AM
GO GIANTS!!!
Pete Stephenson on February 2, 2012 10:53 AM
Would someone give me a little help, Persian and Navarro have made a Giants sandwich out of me. The neighbor I mentioned and forgot to post his name was Ed Reynolds. His best friend was an all pro right offensive tackle named Bruce Armstrong. Never shook a mans hand like the size of his. There must be some more Patriot fans on here. Nuff Said (Keep the shinny side up)
gene law on February 2, 2012 4:28 PM
Hey Carl thanks, it's good to have someone to lean on when you need help, yourself Tom, and Doug Neal have helped this ol' man thanks thanks very much, went bowling a while back, half way through first game my parents (mother nature &father time) beat the fire out of me, but living under the code of "a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do" I finished that game plus bowled two more, needless to say crawled to car, crawled into house, been hiding out here ever since, gotta try and man up, and get going again, glad I'm retired, don't think I could work, my back feel's like it is broken, I'm sure it is not, well half way sure, any way it sounds like sides are being drawn up for SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, everybody can't win but I certainly hope everybody isn't disappointed, this is one superbowl geno doesn't care who wins, as alas my team was eliminated, oh well can't always have a favorite doing well, must go lie down, down but not out, good to see the blogs, Dillon jump in there with your super bowl apps, catch you on the flip flop........
Carl on February 2, 2012 4:52 PM
I'm with you Geno re a Super Bowl favorite. Being a die-hard Redskins fan, I won't have a dog in this fight. Should the Giants win, we pathetic Redskin fans can take a bit of pleasure in having the team that beat the Giants TWICE this season. How do you think we posted that gaudy 5-11 record?
Fred Lucas on February 2, 2012 5:59 PM
Carl, I live in Bengal land. Since they are part of the AFC and since the New England team is also part of the AFC, I will be pulling for them to win. This franchise has some excellent talent.
Jim Tressel has taken a job as coach of the University of Akron team. As a result of the football team from WVU defeating the Clemson team 70-31, the defensive staff was told to look for another job.
Fred Lucas on February 2, 2012 6:16 PM
I was wrong about Jim Tressel. He was named vice president for strategic engagement at the University of Akron. His salary is $200,000 per year and is a non athletic position.
Tom Dillon on February 2, 2012 7:27 PM
Tressel was in the running for the head coach job with the Indy Colts until the very end. He had been hired earlier to sit up in the press box and alert the coaches on the field as to whether a red flag appealing a call was suggested. Guess I will go with the Brady Bunch to prevail on Sunday.
Some of you may live close to a city that has hosted a super bowl game in the past, but the hype is ridiculous and the gouging in prices is sinful. Our local 6:00 and 11:00 PM news out of Indy (all 3 networks) is being broadcast from downtown in the NFL Village, Jimmy Fallon is now in town with his show, and the national networks will do their morning show tomorrow from the village. Our news for the past several days has been primarily about how many people have visited the events, who has been in line the longest, and who has made the most money scalping tickets to the zip-line. Who won the primary in Florida? Was it really Mike Farley? We are not getting any news.
Beer is now going for $7 a bottle, and will be $11 in the stadium on Sunday. Motel rooms that typically run $100 plus are now $500 - $1000 per night with a four night minimum required. Parking places that were $20 per day will be $200 on Sunday.
And all the media can talk about is whether Peyton Manning will retire -- the Colts must pay him a bonus of $28 million by March 8, 2012 or???? -- with a new GM, new head coach, and the 1st pick in the NFL draft , many think he will not be a Colt in the future -- but, can/will he play for another team. The upcoming decision for the owner has been likened to the departure of Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky, or Bret Favre from their teams.
Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and the Patriots and Giants have taken a back seat to all this.
Enough, let's play the game and hope it even comes close to the passionate play of the players and the intrigue of the recent Pro Bowl. And no, I don't plan to watch that Virgin during the half time show -- I am going to record the commercials and replay them until the second half begins.
Tom Dillon on February 3, 2012 10:27 AM
Did I scare all of you away with my harangue? Do you think I have become "Cookiefied" with Spring in February? Our flowers are up probably 3 inches and are going to get their heads burnt off with the next cold spell.
Tom Dillon on February 3, 2012 10:36 AM
Sorry, big news yesterday was that Peyton was released by his Docs to play again -- this was the same news that initially came down the pike last year, but didn't bear any fruit. Also Luck is in town and was quoted as saying "he would embrace the opportunity to play with Peyton and learn from him", so the news is still about the elder Manning -- and Brady bad-mouthing hotel accommodations in Buffalo.
I feel like a ginger SNAP! Cookie, could I room with you for a reasonable rate?
"Cookie" on February 3, 2012 1:57 PM
Dillon: Come on down....its free! I don't pay for anything here on the 5th floor......its all free stuff....room, food, meds, docs, movies, TV. They even send over a bus once a week to take us over to the Bay for hair, manny, petty and ice cream. Its amazing what you can get when you don't work and act crazy. Is this a great country or what?????
Carl on February 3, 2012 5:42 PM
Fred, after his experience at (The) OSU, I think a position for Jim Tressel as VP for Strategic Disengagement would be more fitting.
Becky Novarro on February 3, 2012 11:17 AM
Oh my! I wondered what Indy was like with the Super Bowl there and I guess it's like living in a resort---the prices going up in season are a little hard to accept. I have been to only one SuperBowl and that was in Pontiac, MI with about 5 feet of snow on the ground and a depressed town. The people opened closed five and 10 stores and put a bar in it to accommodate the visitors. The 49ers were playing Cincinnati and the Californians wore loafers and blazers! Needless to say, there wasn't a Village downtown. It will be over soon! Just remember how the economy is being benefitted. Again, GO GIANTS.
Jim George on February 3, 2012 1:05 PM
Enjoyed Dillon's comments about the amazing hype re. the Super Bowl. Apparently, it's one of those events that attracts the super high rollers, and corporate expense accounts to reward the biggest customers. Literally, moolah is no issue.
We're getting a wee taste of that with the Formula 1 track being built here in Austin. Well, a few miles outside town. It will seat 250,000 peeps, and the cognescenti all say that F1 will attract the super rich from the Middle East and Europe. Frankly, no one here even knows what the F1 is, since this is Nascar country, that is, if anyone gets past Longhorn football. But the phenomena of these few incredible events (I've heard a really big heavy weight fight in Vegas is like that as well) that bring in the beyond-the-pale money is unbelievable.
Carl on February 3, 2012 1:27 PM
Is this a great country, or what?
JK, I haven't heard anyone say "moolah" in half a century. Just how old are you anyway?
Becky Novarro on February 3, 2012 3:30 PM
Don't know where you vacation but if you go to any shore, expect to spend a lot of moolah! Also, 250,000??? We get that many every winter!!
Carl on February 3, 2012 6:21 PM
Wow Cuz! If you get anywhere near $11 for a Bud Light, you must be rollin' in the green. I'd call that moolah-la.
Tom Dillon on February 3, 2012 7:31 PM
Cookie, you didn't mention free senior tonic. If Miller Lite and/or any kind of wine is offered, I am in the car.
Carl on February 4, 2012 10:58 AM
For all you other NFL junkies who are fans of the 30 teams NOT playing in Super Bowl XLVI, a reminder that it's less than 3 short months 'til the NFL draft. We'll get 'em next year!
Mike Murphy on February 4, 2012 12:32 PM
Have been away for a few days. My Brother Jim PHS 55 passed away and family and I went to Symrna De to his celebration of life. He was the one that dated Big Foot Wanda and during that era he was in the Army stationed in NYC and participated in the rodeo there, rode horses and tried a bull only once, I am sure Jim is up in heaven riding that bull to the bell.
Thanks Pete and Carl for missing me and I waved at you Cookie as I passed through Anapolis. Was that you dancing with all those guys in their whites?
More on Football later Keep the faith Mike
Carl on February 4, 2012 1:00 PM
Sorry to learn of your bother's death, Mike. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Becky Novarro on February 4, 2012 1:03 PM
No Cuz, I don't pay $11 for a beer; Wine, maybe!!!Most stadiums don't sell wine unless you go to the Clubhouse and we haven't done that in many, many years.Remember, Jim sold beer and the executives gave free passes at times. Jim has been to 4 SuperBowls but I only got to go to the Pity Bowl in Michigan. Hey, I can say i went, right!? AND, the Redskins, really????
Carl on February 4, 2012 2:03 PM
Darlin', I'm nothing if not loyal. Redskins fan forever. Still relishing the glory years [1982-90], a benefit of being older. As Kris Kristofferson put it so well, "the goin' up was worth the comin' down."
Mike Murphy on February 4, 2012 1:08 PM
Pete - I think you are right on with Brady and the Pats. I would like retribution for last match when Giants recvr caught ball on top of his head and robbed Randy Moss at his one chance at a super bowl victory.
Recent article in Charleston Daily Mail about Dennis Harrah #60 who was Guard for the LA Rams in the 1980 super bowl (lost to pitt 31-19).
He summed up the upcoming game "the game will come down to the Giants defensive line. Their pass rush is good as any in the league. If the can take Brady out, they'll win. If they can't they"ll Lose."
I have some found memories of Dennis during the later 70's. Jim Braxton who played for WVU and later was fullback for the Buffalo Bills conducted workshops and held a summer camp for disadv WV high school students that I managed while with the WV dept of Ed. Jim encouraged kids to stay in school and study hard noting that everyone including himself needed to prepare for a career and not many would make it to the Pros.
Jim held a pre conference workshop at Pipestem for the NFL players that came to the state for the camp and afterwards we played golf. Jim and I were in one cart, Dennis and a friend of mine were in another and Kerry Marberry (WVU & Seattle) was in a third cart with the beer. Kerry didn't play but managed well! On about the 8th? hole Dennis drove the cart up to my friends ball and cut sharply to a stop. throwing friend out and breaking wrist in 3 places. I rushed friend to Prince Hosp.
Unfortunately Jim Braxton who was a great football player and humanitarian Passed away at 42.
Becky - I hope we have a good game and that the New Jersey Giants aren’t bad loosers! Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on February 4, 2012 2:31 PM
For those who don't remember (or never knew), Jim Braxton was a fine running back at WVU during the late 60s, at 240+ lbs., very unusual for his time. He was a fullback for the Buffalo Bills throughout O.J. Simpson's record-setting years there. As a really good blocking back, Braxton contributed much to O.J.'s success.
Tom Dillon on February 4, 2012 2:15 PM
Back to moolah. Each player on the winning team Sunday will receive $68,000 -- this is after close to $60,000 after having come through the play-offs and conference games. The losing Giants players will each receive $36,500. For some players, these bonuses won't even come close to their typical game salary for the regular season -- the average salary for an NFL player now for a16-game season is 1.9 million.
Fellows, as I mentioned a couple of years ago at the reunion, we still have a year of eligibility left and could play for PHS and then go straight into the NFL bypassing college. My social security income could surely use a nice bonus. Start getting into shape NOW for the August two-a-days.
Delores on February 4, 2012 2:45 PM
Mike: My condolences on the passing of your brother. I know that area well, my daughter lives in lower Delaware near Salisbury. I did not know him but I'm sure if I can find a yearbook from that era I would remember the face. Is Melitta (spelling) your sister-in-law?
You must have driven up 301 and across the Bay Bridge in Annapolis. I'm about 40 minutes south of there in Calvert County along the Bay. I have no idea if that was Cookie with the mid-shipmen. I doubt if they've let her out. The mid-shipmen look like middle school students these days (to me anyway.) But then so do all my doctors. Again, my best to you and I'm sorry to hear about your brother.
Carl on February 4, 2012 2:48 PM
Tom, I'm no accountant, but I still remember my arithmetic. Based on your figures, I calculate the Super Bowl player payout at $5,538,500, based on full shares for 53-player rosters on the two teams. I further note that the average cost for a 30-second TV commercial is $3,500,000, meaning that one minute of commercial time will cover the entire game bonus payments with a cool $1.46 million left over. Now I don't know how much commercial time the game will have, but I'll estimate 40 minutes. That leaves about $136 million to cover expenses and additional profit. Now THAT's moolah.
Mike Murphy on February 4, 2012 4:18 PM
Yes Cookie Malita is my sister in Law married to my Brother Mason & other Brother Howard Freeman still live in Athens and Princeton resp.
I hope we have a good game and the best team wins!
Are you sure Cookie wasn't booggin? Keep the faith Mike
Carl on February 4, 2012 4:39 PM
Folks, I've long wondered just who amongst us -- I like the word "amongst" -- is related to whom. [As previously confessed, I also like the word "whom."] I'd be interested in compiling a "classroom tree," showing kinship linkages within our class & other Princeton-area connections.
Soooo, here goes: I'm related to Becky Arney Novarro [2nd cousins], Kerby Smith [not exactly sure], Ron Thomason [PHS59], [2nd cousins, I think] and who-knows-who-else.
I'd be happy to compile a kinship table if any of you would like to identify your relatives, such as have been identified in recent blog postings.
"Cookie" on February 4, 2012 5:10 PM
Carl: With all due respect--do you need to go back to work or something. "That there" could be a dangerous undertaking when you discover the entire Class of 60 all have the same DNA. Now I know why I'm on the 5th floor. LOL
Carl on February 4, 2012 5:45 PM
Cookie darlin', I contemplated the difficulty, discomfort, and downright embarrassment of embarking on such an enterprise, but dammit [no offense intended] I'm of an age where those things don't terrify me like they used to. And suspecting that few would want to reveal their kinship to me, I decided to strike first (hoping, of course, to discover to you and I are somehow related).
So it's up to others to decide if they want to come clean. We'll leave DNA testing aside for now until be discover the need for it. Even then, I guess it'll have to be voluntary. So why don't you keep the ball rollin' by identifying the more respectable aspects of your kin?
Pete Stephenson on February 4, 2012 7:44 PM
Carl sounds to me there will be a lot of closet doors opened in this adventure you are suggesting. the only person that I recall in the Princeton area that was kin is Richard Stephenson class of 59.Mike sure am sorry to hear about your brother, My condolences for sure. The salaries of the pro players in all sports is ridiculous. I'm still with the pats, I think Brady is a class act. Nuff said.
Tom Dillon on February 5, 2012 9:08 AM
Mathematician Carl -- in a letter to the editor in today's paper, the writer has calculated that if the Colts pay Peyton his 28 million bonus by 3/28 to retain him, that will be $76,712 every day for 12 months or $29.167 per game for a 16-game season.
Kerby Smith never had that good of a run in Vegas.
Also, a game day jersey worn by Tom Brady just sold for $46,000. His sweat must be sweet or something. Parking places nearest the stadium today are going for $485.\
Kay and I are getting ready for church to go and pray for all of us.
Mike Murphy on February 5, 2012 9:52 AM
Carl - you mentioned Jim Braxton blocking for OJ - Jim told me that he blocked with his head, doubt that they would let him play today?
He also related that OJ was mean to his (own) kids, so I disliked him before the murders. Keep the faith Mike
Becky Novarro on February 5, 2012 12:13 PM
Okay, Tom Brady is too pretty to get hurt and the Giants love to go after quarterbacks. However, Eli looks like he is 12 and gets the crap beat out of him in most games. I hope no one gets hurt badly and that the refs can see straight. It is incredible how costly all entertainment is these days. Just wish I had a yard that people would pay to park in! The last SuperBowl with the Pats was such a surprise to us Giant fans that we can only hope for the best. We do have Bradshaw who is kind of local. One of us Chatters will have bragging rights tomorrow----I just hope it's me! ha
Carl on February 5, 2012 6:12 PM
Well friends & fans, it’s nigh onto Super Bowl kickoff so I’m ready to make my prediction. (I wanted to wait until the status of several key players was known.) Soooo, I think it will be a low scoring game and that the difference will come down to Eli managing another 4th qtr. winning drive. So I predict a 20-17 Giants win.
Now let’s go watch some football! We’ll talk later.
Tom Dillon on February 6, 2012 8:43 AM
Dillon here -- Carl, I ditto your prognostications but with one tweak -- the Giants will win 21-17. I think there will be a safety against the Patriots in the early part of the game. You didn't see that one coming or need a refreshment course with Miss Brenda.
BTW, are you on a cruise in Alaska? We were on one several years ago in the Caribbean on Superbowl Sunday. Have a great time. Hope you won some money.
Mike Murphy on February 6, 2012 10:08 AM
oops - hats off to the New York Giants Mike
Carl on February 6, 2012 11:50 AM
I wish I were an Alaskan cruise, even in February. Hoping someday to cruise the inside passage between Seattle or Vancouver & Alaska. Watched the Giants-Pats from the comfort of my Family Nook [too small to qualify as a Family Room]. I could have ensured a Patriots victory if I'd bet on the Giants. Oh well.
"Cookie" on February 6, 2012 1:43 PM
Alaskan Cruise--how’s that for a class reunion for you?
Pete Stephenson on February 6, 2012 2:00 PM
My hats off to the NY football giants. I also yield to Mrs (Homecoming Queen) Navarro for sticking with her team and making the right prediction. Like Chris Collins said last evening during the broadcast" These two teams should play every super bowl".What a great performance on both sides of the ball. A great coaching job by both coaches and great play by all. Never saw a prettier pass than one made by Manning to Manningham in 4th quarter. Kudos to him and his team, they deserve the win. I yield to Mrs Navarro. Carl, good prediction I thought it would have been in upper 20s either way. Nuff Said, great game. Keep the shinny side up.
Thomas Dillon on February 6, 2012 2:17 PM
Dillon here -- Carl, the reason I asked whether you were on an Alaskan cruise was the almost perfect call on the final score of the game. The Alaskan time zone would have allowed you to have watched the game and enter your blog prediction 4 hours earlier than actual eastern standard time. Now would the blog master manipulate the time of his entry? Did you really come that close to the final score? Have you ever made an entry under the Anonymous moniker?
If you did that well, will you invest my next social security check?
Great game -- way to go N.Y.!
Carl on February 6, 2012 3:19 PM
1. Thomas, what a skeptical mind you have. Nothing in my prediction -- team tendencies, previous history, Eli's ability to produce come-from-behind, 4th qtr. wins, or a 20-17 final score -- was illogical or unreasonable; sometimes the explanation is just dumb luck.
2. I'm not nearly smart enough to understand how my being in an earlier time zone would have allowed me to catch the game 4 hrs. ahead of you (although I have watched "Back To The Future" at least twice). I've heard of the 7-second delay in broadcast radio, but the 4-hr. head start stumps me. So I simply tuned in at about 6:15 pm EST. Luckily, I found the right channel and didn't miss a play.
3. Never made a blog entry under any name except "Carl" (and that includes "Mike Murphy" -- I lied about that). Don't expect that I ever will.
4. Take care; stay well. That goes for ALL of you bloggers.
Tom Dillon on February 6, 2012 3:47 PM
Dillon here -- Carl, my most profound apologies. Sometimes, when I try to be funny, I totally bomb.I will leave the clowning to Geno and Cookie. BTW, Geno, where are you?
Carl on February 6, 2012 3:49 PM
"Sometimes when I try to be funny, I totally bomb"? Tom, have you been reading my diary? That's the story of my life.
Fred Lucas on February 6, 2012 7:35 PM
I enjoyed the Super Bowl even though the New England team lost. I watched it at Tom & Jerry's Bar where the beer was $1.00 per bottle from 6pm-9pm.
I was reading comments about the game, and I thought that Giesle Bundchen, Tom Brady's wife and Brazilian super model with a German name made the best comment. She said that husband Tom could not throw the ball and catch it as well. The team members dropped four passes that could have been caught.
The better team won and I certainly salute the Giants and Eli Manning. Let's face the fact guys that the Giants don't have that very attractive super model Giesle Bundchen in their corner.
Becky Novarro on February 6, 2012 7:46 PM
Loved the game and especially the outcome. I have been a Giant fan since moving to New Jersey but never bet on them because they are so unpredictable. But, they are never dull. Congrats to the Giants.
Now, how many of you have read Jimmy's book? I haven't received mine yet and am anxious to hear what all of you have to say. I am sure Jimmy is too.
Pete Stephenson on February 7, 2012 5:05 PM
hey fellow classmates, lets all keep Tracy French's wife Elizabeth on our prayer lists. She has had a perforated colon operation and is experiencing more after surgery complications. I talked to Tracy within the last hour and he said she was still on the ventilator. Slow progress is being made but he said that she had gotten pretty much over her infection. That is a little progress anyway. My Judy is progressing along rather slow herself. Good days bad days.
Fred Lucas on February 7, 2012 6:48 PM
Here's a bit of trivia about the meaning of the last name of the owner of the New England Club. Kraft in German means strength. Since I have been studying German in Cincinnati, I will give you a sentence in that language then will give you an English translation. Die Patientin von zimmer 12 wird bald wieder bei kraften sein. The patient in room 12 will soon have his strength back.
I wanted to study German at PHS but it just wasn't available.
Carl on February 7, 2012 9:59 PM
So Fred, what does Herr Lucas have to say about Cookie on the 5th floor?
"Cookie" on February 8, 2012 1:00 AM
Carl: I'm on leave of absence from the 5th floor. Some jerk called me a "clown" on the blog so I'm on a short tour with the circus. I guess being a charter member of the yellow school bus brigade wasn't enough. The staff met and felt the change in scenery, big shoes, red nose and ruffles would help my self esteem. Hopefully my big a... can make it out of the volkswagon.
Thomas Dillon on February 8, 2012 6:32 AM
Cookie, "if it quacks like a duck, then it must be a ____".
"Jerk"? I'm not going to be your roommate if that is truly how you feel. I had a case of Mogen David wine, vintage 1960, that I was going to bring to our open house.
"Cookie" on February 8, 2012 6:21 PM
Doc: What? No wine-bibbing from a brown paper bag of Boone’s Farm from under the front seat? They must be "top drawer" in the midwest these days. I have to go back to work and need to find my shovel. The clowns are assigned elephant duty during off hours. Not a problem, I've been getting a lot of practice.
"Cookie" on February 8, 2012 1:00 AM
Common sense was genetically altered at Woodstock," but I know that my common sense was altered either about that time or soon after. Mighta happened at the Red Barn one Sat. night.|
Jim George on February 18, 2012 1:12 PM |
|
Darla, just saw this. Finally! Tnx for waiting. Let me know what you think. Jimmy |
Fred Lucas on February 19, 2012 5:44 PM
Pete, Roanoke made the yahoo news. The city has one of the lowest auto insurance rates in the nation $786 while Detroit has the highest rate $5600 per year.
I had to laugh at a retired lawyer who supports Newt Gingrich. Two weeks ago, Newt came to the Price Hill Chili Restaurant. The restaurant which serves delicious chili is a mandatory stop for Republican candidates. He asked his wife if she wanted to go and she said no.So they didn't go. Neither did I. I don't support Newt.
Back when Abraham Lincoln was running for Congress, he went to a tent revival where Elijah Cartwright was preaching. At the service Cartwright asked everyone who didn't want to go to hell to stand. Everyone but Mr. Lincoln stood. Cartwright asked Lincoln if he wanted to go to hell. The reply, " I want to go to Congress". Fred Lucas
"Cookie" on February 19, 2012 5:53 PM
Woo Hoo! Freddie Rocks!
Carl on February 20, 2012 9:12
Hope all you folks in the TN-VA-WV-NC area are safe from the big snow. Living on the doorstep of DC, we don't get much snow here. It seems that our air temperature is much higher. Go figure.
gene law on February 20, 2012 2:47 PM
I went to figure, and I came up with it, you know that "bull sh__" is great fertilizer, with all the "bull" that is being spilled out in D.C. well with fertilizer you get heat, need I say more? Good figuring huh? We now have a perfect Christmas Day, we should have postponed Christmas until now it is truly a white wonderland here in Green Valley, got the ol' 4 wheel drive side by side out this morning took my honey up on the mountain driving like a bat out of hell I thought she would be screaming, but she was having the time of her life snow flying all over both of us, tree branches covered the road laden with snow and when you hit them the snow just covered you up, both were soak and wet when we finished, had a cup of hot chocolate and were still laughing like 2 kids, who says old folks can't have fun. Tired but happy geno.
Carl on February 20, 2012 3:00 PM
Geno, someone said, and I agree, that one of the great things about high school reunions is that they allow folks to act like they're 16 again. (I think our little Blog allows that too.) And it sounds like you not only acted 16 this morning, but that you kept your shinny side up. Good goin'.
Pete Stephenson on February 21, 2012 12:02
Pete here, I picked my grandson up in Chattanooga Tenn this past Saturday. Arrived back here in the Roanoke Valley Sat. night. Started snowing here Sunday afternoon with accumulation of 7" here at my home. K.C. had never built a snowman, I had a very good time with him this morning making snow man and having snow ball fight. He also made a pretty good snow angel as well. Remember all the good time we had as kids growing up in Princeton. Great times were had by all then. Geno go for it man, let her rip and git her done. I'm sure you and Sandra had a great time. Like Carl said,"I'm glad you two kept the shinny side up. Faith, Hope and Love. Nuff said.
Delores on February 21, 2012 2:02 PM
Pete: I know you are having a great time in the snow with that little guy. Grands are such fun and we love spoiling them don't we!! Hope Mrs. S. is doing better these days.
gene law on February 21, 2012 2:34 PM
Shame on me, but the best thing about grand kids is you get to send them home to mom and daddy. Although it is fun playing just like you are one of them, always sore the next day. You know I was shaving this morning, and some old man was looking at me, I said what do you think you're doing, He said I'm watching, I said what's to watch, he said the way your hand shakes you might cut your throat, I said get out of my mirror, he said if I do you can't shave, the moral of this is don't look in mirror and argue with yourself, does anyone out there, besides me do that, is it possible I have lost it, my smart alecky wife just said you cannot lose that which you have never had, don't argue with old women either. Well anyway, just passing thoughts, this blog is great you can get on here and just let your thoughts ramble, like I told my buddy Bill, the reason you never have any thoughts all of them ran amuk and wandered off, he turned 75 today, that's what you call an old friend. Old friends are good I love reading your blogs, you can reread the old comments, I get a kick out of you folks....thanks and happy trails....geno
Pete Stephenson on February 21, 2012 7:54 PM
Cookie, I'm having the time of my life with K.C. I'm paying the price though for some Hershey bars he got into. He's been bouncing off the walls today. We really had a good time romping in the snow yesterday. Most gone today though. thanks for inquiring about Judy. She is doing much better but has some time to go. She still is having to watch what she eats. No sugar, no fats a lot of water and protein. Geno, are you a 100 yet? If not then you are not an old man. That old crap is all in your mind. Start acting like the teenager you really are. I snap, crackle, and pop all the time but in my mind I try to think young thoughts. Doesn’t always work, but helps the soul somewhat. Keep the shinny side up. hope, faith, and love to all. Nuff said
Carl on February 22, 2012 10:36
Well, I reckon that those classmates in Florida are eating their hearts out after reading Pete and Geno's fun, fun, fun comments.
Thomas Dillon on February 22, 2012 4:30 PM
I have been wrestling for weeks what the saying "keep the shinny side up" really means. I envisioned men walking with their buttocks in the air which I am sure many women would agree we often do. I goggled "shinny" and there is a "shinny hockey" that is played on ice or on the street with no rules and sometimes without a goalie.
I thought about a spelling error, that is Pete really meant shiny, but knew Brenda or Cookie would have caught such.
The answer came to me recently in church -- Ladies, it is a guy thing. Next time you are in an event sitting behind any number of men, what is the most common denominator you see regardless of a man's age? Answer -- No matter how blessed we have been in the past with a full head of hair, 100% of us men in the 7th decade of our lives now have a little shinny or shiny crown at the tops of our head which serves as a beacon and points us and ET home. Thanks Pete for reminding us as to what end should be kept up.
Carl on February 22, 2012 4:36 PM
I'm having trouble "keeping up" with all of this.
Pete Stephenson on February 22, 2012 7:08 PM
Thomas, the shiney side up is a trucker saying that a lot of truckers sign off with when talking on CB,S. I’ts like telling someone in the arts to break a leg I suppose. I was fortunate to have kept the shiney side up over three and one half million miles. I probably didn’t spell shiney right to start with, my bad. Faith, hope, and love.
Carl on February 22, 2012 8:43 PM
I don't care what the word is supposed to be. I like the sound of shinny side -- and will continue to use it. Thanks Pete; it's a great expression. [It can be like the secret code word at our "Loyal Order of the Manifest Mancave Muskrat Lodge" -- coming soon to a basement near you.]
"Cookie" on February 23, 2012 1:01
Did Santa leave a new Funk & Wagnalls in someone's Christmas stocking?
Thomas Dillon on February 23, 2012 8:31
Pete, I still like my shinny crown theory -- don't most truckers wear a hat -- baseball cap, cowboy hat, or something else -- even the women drivers?
Carl on February 23, 2012 11:08
Tom, as kids, didn't some of you more agile types "shinny" up poles?
Becky Novarro on February 23, 2012 9:38
Greetings from Florida. It's hot but according to my weatherbug, it's 50 in Princeton. Have we all forgotten about Al Gore???
Mike Farley and I had a visit from two traveling hillbillies last week who were sweet enough to stop and say Howdy----Louie and Shirley (Skeens) Wikel....I know, spelled wrong but we all know Lou with his Chevy convertible and car shows and Shirley is known for her hot dog chili. What lovely people. So good to see "old" friends.
Carl on February 23, 2012 10:40
Pete, I was having trouble sleeping last night, so I picked up my bedside copy of Classical American Poetry -- my go-to tome for insomnia relief. Lo & behold, I came across this:
I once knew a trucker named Kenny
who said, "tell me friend what’’s the skinny
on hauling a load
over miles of bad road?"
I said "just keep the upper side shinny."
"Cookie" on February 23, 2012 12:04 PM
Its my party and I'll shin if I want to
shinn if I want to
Shinny if I want to
You would shinny too if it happened to you!
Judy & Johnny just walked through the door
Like a queen with her queen
Oh what a birthday surprise
Judy's wearing his ring.
Its my party and Ill shinny if I want to...............
"cookie" on February 23, 2012 12:08 PM
Judy's with a QUEEN?
HE IS A KING.
KING
Well, maybe not in Maryland but I think its still relevant in Virginia.
gene law on February 23, 2012 1:52 PM
Very interesting, I now know what happened to my head I am shinny headed. Pete you have generated a great deal of interest with shinnining, I have enjoyed it, Have any of you folks noticed that automobiles doesn't have personality any more? Do you remember when cars had such a thing? Now they all look alike, computer diagramed I guess, or maybe the new age of automobile designers have no imagination, why I can remember my ol' ‘55 chevy used to greet me with a smile. Now they just sat there like in a trance, or just a hunk of metal, excuse me, plastic. TOM Dillon still has one with personality, Tom you better hang on to that as long as possible, saw a ‘51 Ford the other day, that thing grinned at me as it went by, showing its big buck teeth, my wife said I have a big imagination, but I can recognize personality when I see personality. Any way keep the blogging going, keep the shinny, shiny, salutations slinging, ta ta geno
Pete Stephenson on February 23, 2012 2:40 PM
Pete here,I definately wan't to apologize to all of you that have trouble understanding what i said about the shinny,shiney,shiny side up.So to clarify what I said while sitting here in my truckers hat covering my shinny,shiney,shiny bald spot so i don't blind my family from the glare.What i should have said id this. (KEEP THE DIRTY SIDE DOWN.)fAITH,HOPE,@LOVE.NUFF SAID.
Carl on February 23, 2012 3:48 PM
Pete, thanks for the input, clarification, and good humor. But . . . where will I ever find a limerick about the "dirty side down"?
Pete Stephenson on February 23, 2012 6:19 PM
hey Carl, I have no clue as to what you could use with the phrase (keep the dirty side down) I do have something to share with you,(You were born with all the unique abilities, knowledge and talents you need for your mission in life, You don't need to compare yourself to anyone else. Just be yourself and let the shining begin. Faith, Hope @love.(keep the dirty side down)
Mike Farley on February 23, 2012 9:58 PM
Yes Becky, we enjoyed our visit with the Wiekle's. Like you, I'm not sure of this spelling, but it looks good. Lou and Shirley are indeed wonderful people. I would like to see them come to Florida for the winter. Even though the winter hasn't been that bad this year in Princeton. Shirley and I go back many, many years. We lived in rock throwing distance in east Princeton on the old Athens Rd. Along with her brother, Ronnie Skeens, we attended Thorn School together. Ronnie and I both were in the band.
Keep Believing Mike
Pete Stephenson on February 23, 2012 11:30 PM
Hey Farley, I see where you were in the Thorn School Band. Correct me if I'm wrong. Wasn't the band director Mr Callabreese or something like that.trying to find out how his name popped up. Go figure. keep the dirty side down, Faith, hope @love.
Thomas Dillon on February 24, 2012 9:56
Pete, if you would use an adequate amount of Charmin or baby wipes, or take a bath more than once a week -- or are you talking about feet?
I don't know what side should be up.
Snow predicted this afternoon. This is the last year that Kay and I are going to stay up here during February -- Farley. K. Smith, Becky, -- expect two more for dinner and/or we will rent your garage apartments -- direct deposit of our social security checks to your accounts, if you don't trust us.
Pete Stephenson on February 24, 2012 10:34
Thomas, whether it be not taking bath that week of our next reunion or not using enough fresh wipes or whatever uptown folks use, I promise to sit down wind of you so no body odors drift your way. sure wouldn’t want to be offensive to anyone. Probably just sit by myself. Keep the dirty side down or the shiny side up which ever you prefer. Faith, hope, love. nuff said
Thomas Dillon on February 24, 2012 11:45
Pete, if it were a foot problem, Amazon sells Tuff Skin.
I can't believe we all didn't contract "fungus of the bungus" during 2-a-days with wearing the same practice clothing (always damp from the previous practice), using the same towel for a week at a time, and stepping into the Tuff Skin powder pit all season.
Maybe, we did contract"fungus of the cortex" and that is why we do this palaver thing with such gusto. Great times then and now!
I sleep with my right side up. What does that suggest?
Carl on February 24, 2012 11:51
(I'm not sure I want to know.)
Carl: I'm on leave of absence from the 5th floor. Some jerk called me a "clown" on the blog so I'm on a short tour with the circus. I guess being a charter member of the yellow school bus brigade wasn't enough. The staff met and felt the change in scenery, big shoes, red nose and ruffles would help my self esteem. Hopefully my big a... can make it out of the volkswagon.
Thomas Dillon on February 8, 2012 6:32 AM
Cookie, "if it quacks like a duck, then it must be a ____".
"Jerk"? I'm not going to be your roommate if that is truly how you feel. I had a case of Mogen David wine, vintage 1960, that I was going to bring to our open house.
"Cookie" on February 8, 2012 6:21 PM
Doc: What? No wine-bibbing from a brown paper bag of Boones Farm from under the front seat? They must be "top drawer" in the midwest these days. I have to go back to work and need to find my shovel. The clowns are assigned elephant duty during off hours. Not a problem, I've been getting a lot of practice.
Fred Lucas on February 8, 2012 10:52
Ed Laufer sent me an E-Mail asking about Mr. Webb. He wants to contact him but doesn't know how to reach him. He contacted the County Board of Education but they don't have any information.
If anyone has information about Ward Webb, please contact Ed . His E-Mail is lauferdance@aol.com. Thanks Fred Lucas
Thomas Dillon on February 9, 2012 5:13
Hey, did anyone go to the meeting at Ryan's on Tuesday night? If so, what was the group's thinking with regard to a mini-reunion this year? We want to give Lambert as much advanced notice as possible.
Carl on February 9, 2012 5:57
Wouldn't it be simpler just to ask Bob when he wants to do it?
Mike Farley on February 10, 2012 5:15
Farley here.... Just received Jim's book this afternoon. Read the first four chapters and found the book very amusing. I think I know all the fictitious chacterters he has mentioned. Very well done. I am anxious to move on to the next chapter. JK, you are truly an Author. Keep Believing, Mike
Jimmy George on February 11, 2012 11:38
JK here. Thanks, Mike. All the characters are fictional. But of course based on the PHS crowd plus people I made up. The underlying story is about high school relationships, but also the relationship (or lack of) between a father and his son.
Dillon and others have recommended I contact Tamarack and get the book stocked there. Good recommendation. "I'm on it."
Also, the word on the book sort of got out before the marketing and publicity campaigns got going. They are in development now and will be rolled out in April and May.
Becky Arney emailed me and said she was reading the book. Then she went on to tell me she wanted to sleep with me. I got all psyched up but the next line added that she meant taking the book to bed to read. Hmmm. So I'm hoping that Farley doesn't want to sleep with me. :-)
Several people have asked about Diana. Here's an update:
Diana suffered her severe stroke on Nov 11 (11/11/11) and we are going through a long and difficult recovery together. Her walking now is very strong and she is more or less completely independent in terms of walking, dressing, etc. Lots of family support, but in the end it's mostly her and me as the care-giver. Her speech and her right hand both will be long and difficult projects, and there is some cognition loss as well. That will recover. in addition, she gets confused and gets stressed out easily. But it's only been a relatively short time, and she is making significant progress in rehab four days a week here at St. David's Rehab Hospital. All in all, we are so pleased that she is independent at home, and is doing so well. The glass is more than half full. Love to all, Jimmy
Mike Farley on February 11, 2012 3:11 PM
Farley here..... No Jim!! I love ya like a brother. I'll be like Becky, just your book in bed.
Barb and I are sooooooooo happy that Diana is on the upper swing. She WILL reach the top.
Keep believing. Mike
Mike Murphy on February 11, 2012 1:38 PM
Finally got brother Jim's obit in Blfd Daily Tel. The Rag hasn't changed, wrote that Jim Graduated from Paton HS not Princeton?? Keep The Faith Mike
Linda Mills on February 11, 2012 7:02 PM
Jimmy we are so happy to hear of Diana's progress. Keep up the good work. We know it is a long road but sounds like she is doing great for such a short time. We will continue to keep you both in our prayers.
Jimmy George on February 12, 2012 1:46 PM
Tnx Linda. Thanks for your card, too. Diana has received at least 200 cards. We kept them all, and she looks at them from time to time. I have all the return addresses in a list, and will get a little "thank you" out to everyone, along with an update, at some time. JG
Jimmy George on February 12, 2012 1:47 PM
Some good news. Amazon now has the eBook/eKindle version of Reunion up and available. Finally!
Thomas Dillon on February 13, 2012 3:14 PM
JK., how can Amazon or you make any money selling your novel for less than 2 bucks a pop? One cannot buy a RC Cola and moon pie for that these days.
Jimmy George on February 15, 2012 7:01
Remember, it's the price of the eBook. There was a major article in the weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal several weeks ago about a woman who self-published, and she only did the eBook version of her novel. She priced it at ninety-nine cents (can you believe that) in order to get it purchased and read by the "price is the only criterion" readers. At any rate, it was a very good story, and it's now welling over 100 thousand a month on Amazon's eKindle store. She was looking for volume and recognition. She got it, and now has a movie deal and international translations, etc.
Actually, the margins on eBooks are very high, since there is virtually no incremental cost to deliver it. In my case, the royalty is something like 15% on the printed books, both Hardcover and Softcover, and 50% on the eBook. So in terms of actual cash royalties, it's not hugely different. But the main reason for the $1.99 price (I set that) is to encourage readership from people who just are scanning the book list and making impulse buying decisions mainly on price. All in all, my overall strategy is to try, on a modest publicity and marketing budget, to get the novel "out there" and give it a chance.
All the little glitches now are fixed, and the Softcover, Hardcover, and eBooks now are out and perfect in all respects. So I am broadening the announcements (actually, this class somehow got the word, not from me, and it took off from there) to an email list of several thousand that I've put assembled, and formally announce it. That will increase the sales, and then in April and May, the "national" and "regional" marketing and publicity campaigns will kick in. There will be interviews, and hopefully numerous book reviews in newspapers and magazines, plus radio/TV appearances, certainly in certin markets. As many book signings as I can arrange and personally make it to.
Sorry to burden the class blog with all this stuff. Hope I didn't overload the bandwidth. But this is interesting, and I am learning a lot about writing and publishing and marketing.
All the best to everyone.
Just a little update on Diana. She's settling into a daily routine of four days a week in St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital here in Austin. It's hard work, ranging from two hours a day to four hours a day in the hospital, followed by "homework." We practice her speech work every day. It's amazing how one must re-learn everything about talking age 67: what the word is, what some words mean, how to say all the sounds — how to form your lips and tongue to make the various sounds, etc. Her leg is very strong and she walks very well, up and down stairs, etc. Her right hand and the speech will be the long-term projects. We are coming back to Princeton for a Taylor family reunion/picnic in June, and are looking forward to that for sure.
Thanks everyone's support of Diana. Jimmy
Fred Lucas on February 13, 2012 10:19 PM
Hi Jim,
I read your update about Diana and am pleased that she is doing better. I know that the work will take time but I think that she will be talking again and using her right hand. I give updates to a speech therapist who works out at the Mercy Health Plex where I work out. She is also praying for Diana's recovery.
I spoke with our former teacher Margurite Miller. She just returned from the Princeton Hospital where she was treated for pneumonia. She is still coughing. I spoke with Susan Miller, her niece who told me that Diana's class will hold their 50th reunion this summer. She knows about your book.Margurite can be contacted at 1105 South Ninth Street, Princeton 24740. Phone 304-425-2306. Fred Lucas
Carl on February 14, 2012 10:15
Fred, thanks for keeping apprised of Pctn. goings-on, and for keeping in touch with faculty and others, & sharing your updates. I'm sure that I speak for many others in voicing my appreciation for such news.
Fred Lucas on February 14, 2012 6:33 PM
Carl, I'm happy to keep our classmates informed about health concerns of faculty, family and other classmates.
During the time I was in Princeton for the last reunion, I had a long conversation with Richard Flanigan '59 about what their class was doing. I decided to let our classmates know what are some concerns of others. Thanks for your vote of confidence Carl.
I don't go into political discussions. I really don't want to alienate anyone. Fred Lucas
Jimmy George on February 15, 2012 7:06
Fred, thanks for your edate emails. I wrote a personal letter to Beryl Crockett Santon, who was one of my most inspirational teachers. She taught English (I think it was English) at the Jr. High when it was on Straley Avenue.) At any rate, thanks, as there are some nuggets in those updates.
Keep up your Deutsch language. That's one of my hobbies as well. Wish I were better.
Carl on February 16, 2012 9:09 PM
Fred, I appreciate your stance against alienating people re politics and religion, and I trust that it works well for you. My life, on the other hand, would have little flavor if it weren't for alienating folks along those lines. As they say in Heidelberg, vive la différence.
Mike Murphy on February 17, 2012 9:57
Do I send my contributions to:
Carl@carl.PAC.gov ????
Cookie and Geno where are you and are you going to contribute.
I always liked the saying - I wouldn't join a party that would allow me to be a member.
Looking for a part time job to pay my taxes on my retirement. Carl - do you have any paid internships - like Job Corps?
Keep the faith
Mike
Carl on February 17, 2012 12:33 PM
Sorry Mike, no paid internships here. While I'm a fully unpaid intern for Joan, attending to her 24/7 -- kinda like Delores to Cookie, I think -- seems to be enough HR staffing. As regards Job Corps, I'm pretty sure that they're looking for one somewhat less age challenged, PLUS, now that you've exposed your political leanings to the world, it's a safe bet that no return bridge exists there. Good luck looking elsewhere. (Don't call us, . . .) Take care; stay well.
Delores on February 17, 2012 2:03 PM
Someone posted earlier regarding the Keystone Pipeline--it may have been you Mike. Well, Google Susan Tompkins Buell, founder of Espirit, and you may find out why the Pipeline is having such difficulty. Sounds like the "Greeny" billionaire philanthropists have hitched up their money wagons and gone home. Connect the dots boys and girls!!!!!
Carl on February 17, 2012 3:39 PM
Boys & girls, can anyone help me locate my money wagon? I think it was last seen, uh . . . , hmm. Well, I'm not sure it's ever been seen, but I'd like help anyway.
Mike Murphy on February 18, 2012 12:17 PM
Working on getting a green job. Installing a windmill on my car. It would take all of Jackson County to add enough windmills to run and reopen the old Kaiser aluminum plant. Or could invest in Solyndra, sure to get my money back even if it goes bust. You rich taxpayers can afford it! Pay your fair share! over 50% pay no share.
Are we crazy or just forgot how to add and subtract?
Big Government please help me.
"Cookie" on February 18, 2012 1:20 PM
Dear Glenwood Park Brother: Open your eyes, the Government IS helping you. They are
1. providing brown paper bag police to insure your kid's are getting a well balanced school lunch.
2. protecting your health by mandating seatbelts, helmets and placing a fine on cell phone use.
3. safeguarding the environment by making Delores put her oil tanks above ground ($3,000)
4. protecting the Chesapeake Bay by charging her $60 annually to flush her toilet--next year its $90.
5. out-scorcing the manufacture of light bulbs to China....why do they come back looking like corkscrews and cost $12. Why do you have to call HazMat when you break one? You can buy the good kind at Ace Hdware all day for 79 cents.
6. Mandating you buy health insurance at triple the cost...Delores likes what she has now. (Check your medicare premiums over the next three years brother--you are in for a surprise. Be ready for the Early Bird Specials, thats all you are going to be able to afford.
7. Ensuring the Murphys will not multiply and prosper because birth control and abortions will be available--even if your priest differs.
8. Protecting the environment by building a wind-mill farm off the coast of Maryland...electric bills will reflect her contribution to this effort.
9. Putting "corn" in Delores' gasoline that gunks up her car, truck and all her small engines. (Her engine is getting slow enough already.)
I could go on and on and really "gunk" up this blog but I've saved the best for last.
There is a little creature called the "Tiger Beatle" that resides in sandy soil along the cliffs of the Chesapeake Bay here in Calvert County. This little bastard is protected by EPA and classified as an endangered species. Several hundred homes reside along the shore perched high above the prestine waters of the Bay offering a peaceful and bucolic vista. Periodically they must repair and restore their retaining walls. As we speak a number of those homes are sliding into the bay and several have been condemed because EPA is prohibiting them from doing so. Why you say Brother Mike....EPA is saving the Tiger Beatle..they don't want him disturbed. Well, son of a gun the last time anyone saw one was 1972.
Delores has a lot of time on her hands since she can't dance anymore (no one will ask her) so she is in the process of auditing all her receipts for the past 12 months. The purpose of her audit is to tally up all the taxes she has paid--sales, excise, federal, state, county, etc. This is an effort on her part to prove she is "paying her fair share."
That old broad needs to get a life! She keeps running through the neighborhood yelling "I AM paying my fair share! I AM paying my fair share!"
I am afraid the Web Master has let the cat out of the bag!
P.S. Common sense was genetically altered at Woodstock.
gene law on February 18, 2012 2:41 PM
While you folks have been blogging away on stuff that change will surely not change, I have been studiously, and I might add seriously contemplating, and that is our english language, though (tho) I have been taught, by the way, how come rough (ruff) and tough (tuff) sound like that and through (thru) I think doesn't make sense, so I am with you Fred I' m going to speaken der deutsh, oh that's spreken der deutsh, or is it dutchen the spreken or maybe something else, I'm so confused, you don't think I've become a congressman do you, hey maybe that's why I'm having trouble thinking any more, maybe I have developed a govermental attitude, in which I would lose all gratitude, and feel at a new altitude, in which I would feel deluded and feel the necessity to to feel secluded and also have the mind set to think about.........what was I talking about......hmmm oh well I suppose.... surely I suppose something..... maybe I am a congressman, that would mean I have elevated from something to nothing....wait a minute.. wouldn't that be nothing to something.....doggone forgot again. Oh well I don't remember what I was going to blog about now so I guess I will just say HELL NO.....that's not right I meant HELLO doggone there is a politician hid in there somewhere. overtaxed geno
Carl on February 18, 2012 3:27 PM
Wow! WOW!!! There's just so much here to process. Where to begin?
Mike, I ain't no engineer, but I like the prospect of you driving a car with a wind turbine atop. Speaking of which -- I think you'd look dashing wearing a turbine -- uh, I meant a turban -- behind the wheel.
Geno, I couldn't have said it better myself -- or even under Murphy's name.
Cookie -- yes, you again -- I can't speak to the overall truth that "
Pete Stephenson on February 19, 2012 3:54 PM
Pete here, boy am I confused with all the chatter. The one thing that caught my eye was Mike with the turbine, turban or what I thought about was him driving a Crosley down Mercer on Sat night wearing a beanie with a whirleygig on top. LMAO. Cookie you lost me on what was the fate of the beatle. Also Carl, if U crash your VW and land in the ditch on 295 on your top your shinny side is sure not up. Nuff Said. Confused in the snow in the Roanoke Valley Va. Faith, hope@love everyone.
"Cookie" on February 19, 2012 4:15 PM
Fate of the Beatle? The houses are still sliding into the Bay because homeowners can't disturb the soil and EPA is still protecting a Beatle that no one has seen in 40 years.
"The oil is all in Texas but the dip-sticks are in Washington."
Carl on February 19, 2012 4:46 PM
Now Cookie dear, who you callin' a dipstick?
"Cookie" on February 19, 2012 5:25 PM
Bethesda is not in Washington, it’s in Maryland--where all the genetically altered live. When O'Malley isn't "gunking" up the Legislature he is strumming on his guitar at the Israeli Embassy.
Pete Stephenson on February 24, 2012 12:28
Thomas, you probably have some rotator cuff problem or arthritis in you side. I have the same problem. can’t sleep on left side or back. It is remarkable that we made it thru 2-a-days without being chaffed All over our bodies. Would do it again today if it were possible. these are the sights, sounds and smells while growing up that I will never forget. Carl, looks like you have 2 new limericks to research. Faith, Hope @Love.(Keep the shiny side up}
gene law on February 24, 2012 3:02
Keep the right side up, keep the dirty side down, shine up your feet and shake it all around. sounds like a new dance to me. you people are amazing inventing stuff all the time, geno
Thomas Dillon on February 24, 2012 4:58
Geno, how perceptive you are!
I do the dance every morning when I first get up until the coffee kicks in -- it's called the Quasimodo Shuffle, cha, cha, cha. It ain't pretty, but it gets me loose enough so that I can put my socks and shoes on.
gene law on February 25, 2012 2:15
Reminds me of another song "makes me feel real loose like a long neck goose ooouwe baby that's what I like" stay loose Dillon that's the secret to young of age. I believe we don't get older we get tighter and our joints do not move so easily, I haven't been this old before, and as a first time experiencer I'm having to modify as I go, I have decided not to modify any mo' if I can't make a certain move I'm gonna stand in one place and shake different parts until they will move like I want them to move, this is called "makin' it happen" theology of mind over matter, I have found if I don't mind, it doesn't matter. As Pete says shine the top side or was that the dirty side, or maybe the right side, gonna have to shake my brain can't remember, oh well toodle oo.
Carl on February 25, 2012 4:02
Curiously, I like the notion of a "70ish-aged" man who says "toodle oo."
gene law on February 26, 2012 11:42
A young at heart ol' man, how bout ta ta
Carl on February 25, 2012 8:13
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following classmates.
[Sorry for not posting this a few days earlier]:
Peggy Charolene Fields Glenn - February 24
Joyce Lytton Mash - February 24
Kerby Smith - February 25
Ched Yearout - February 25
Barbara Stepp Rumburg - February 27
Carl on February 26, 2012 9:42
And, Fats Domino is 84 today.
Mike Murphy on February 26, 2012 9:47
I have entered my (our) OM Volt (Volkssparken -Fred) with a windmill on the shiny side in the Daytona 500. Extension cord was to costly, with the cost of non ferrous metals and EPA regs. Thanks to all you tax payers for making my green dream.
OOps I just found out that it is 500 miles not feet!!
Seriously - would like to see Earnhart win, he has faced adv without whining.
Geno - do you know how to tell if a British Air Flight has arrived?
The whining continues after the plane gates.
Keep the faith Mike
Fred Lucas on February 26, 2012 7:17
The following is a joke. There was a magician working on a cruise ship. He had a parrot that was always ruining his act. The parrot would watch the magician very carefully, then squawk and flap its wings. "The card is up his sleeve, " the parrot would call out." He has a dove in his pocket or he slipped it through a hole in his hat."
One day the ship hit a reef and sank. The parrot and the magician found themselves together on a raft. For several days, the parrot sat silent and stared intently at the magician . On the fourth day the parrot spoke up . OK I give up. What did you do with the ship?
Joke compliments of the Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association. From Have A Good Day May 2000. Fred Lucas
mike farley on February 26, 2012 9:28
Yes Pete, not real sure about the spelling,
but he was our band director. He took the place of Billy Lilly. Was you in the band at Thorn??
Keep believing, Mike
Pete Stephenson on February 26, 2012 11:35
Hey Mike Farley. I tried out for the drums for about a week before football start ups. Mom made me practice out in the wood shed. evidently I wasn’t very good. Mr Callabreese was a young man at that I believe, and i respected him very much. It seemed to me at that time that you guys really appreciated his work for the school. I know Ron Skeens liked him a lot. ron and I have always been friends. I hope you are feeling well and are getting along ok. Keep the shiny side up. Hope, faith,@ love.
gene law on February 27, 2012 3:22
Mike I been trying to figure out that question you asked, I thought I might be missing something, sure nuff I went back and read it awhile ago, you already gave the answer, had I read that slower I wouldn't have strained my brain, well any way, you hear bout little Johnny when the teacher asked him " if I give you 2 cats then I give you 2 more cats, then I give you 2 more cats, how many cats will you have" johnny said 7, teacher says lets try again I give you 2 cats plus 2 cats plus 2 cats how many will you have Johnny said 7, teacher said hold up 2 fingers, now 2 more, now 2 more, how many have you got, Johnny said 6, good said the teacher, now if I give you 2 cats plus 2 cats plus 2 more cats how many would you have, Johnny said 7, teacher said Johnny how can you count fingers and not cats, Johnny said I can and counting the one I have at home I got seven. well when I heard it I thought it was funny.
Brenda Persin on February 27, 2012 4:52
Could you all be talking about Jim Calabrese? Nick and I used to go to the Bluefield State Jazz concert every spring and the Caruth's used to bring in a great sax player named Jim Calabrese (not sure about the spelling). Bea Leist told us she went to Concord with him, so I bet it's the same man. Bea was the choral director at Tazewell High School for years and is the mother of the McGraw guy who plays with Dr. Greenberg's group (you area people probably know who I'm talking about).
Jim George on February 28, 2012 7:06
Does anyone have a current telephone number for Arnold Palmer? I'm trying to reach him, and all the previous phone numbers I have for him don't work. Email it to me or let me know here. Tnx in advance.
Jim George on February 28, 2012 7:08
Don't know that that strange garbled stuff was at the start of the previous message. My email address is
Thanks, Jimmy
Mike Murphy on February 28, 2012 9:54
Daytona 500 was crazy and exciting. Jr came in second and our OM Volt was 45th. Wind quit blowing?
Let’s drill for some oil and pipe it to new refineries which will create new jobs and lower gas prices. Even if it doesn't lower prices at least the money is staying here. Hopefully it will buy us less government. Be glad you don't get all the government you pay for.
Cookie- The yellow Bus needs fuel! Keep the faith Mike
Fred Lucas on February 29, 2012 6:27
In November, Diana George had a stroke. Several years ago, my primary care physician advised me to work with a nationwide screening company called Lifeline. The screenings aren't covered by Medicare but the cost is reasonable. They screen for risk of Stroke, Atrial Fibrillation, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Peripheral Arterial Disease, and Osteoprosis. They also check weight. If any of you want to schedule appointments for screening call 1-800-679-5190
Jim, when I read your book, I had to ask where were those mainstay performers on WLOH, Rex and Eleanor Parker?
Jim George on March 1, 2012 5:29
Fred, I confess, have never heard of them. What did I miss? Jim
Mike Murphy on March 1, 2012 12:37
Bad News - Andrew Brietbart died this AM. He was a happy conservative warrior. I first saw him on Red Eye a FNC program that airs at 3AM several years past. Admired his in your face fight for the truth against liberal lies and half truths.
Good news - B Clinton is for the Keystone Pipeline.
Bad News - H Clinton still supports her and Obama's position against building it from Canada.
Keep the faith Mike
Fred Lucas on March 1, 2012 6:09
Jim, Rex and Eleanor were from Lerona. They were on WLOH on either Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon. He had a guitar and they sang gospel and country music.
Delores on March 1, 2012 7:07
Their daughter's name was Connie.
Mike Farley on March 1, 2012 8:20
James K. George I finished your book. The exciting days we had so long ago was astronomical. Even though you used fictitious names, I feel as if I knew everyone you spoke of. I loved the part with the Cool 48 Merc. It was so humorous the way you fit it all in. Your demeanor toward others has always been awesome. I knew you had challenges with your father, but not that many years. Sounds like you have made piece with your bitterness toward him. That makes me happy. Charles Dickens wrote "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts".
Sending you my heartfelt best wishes for your future books.
Keep believing, Mike
Jim George on March 1, 2012 9:06
Farley? Are you that rascal Mike Farley? :-) Glad you liked the story. I worked for a long time on it. "Only" revised it nineteen times.
I don't know anyone that had a '48 Merc. Did you have a car in high school? Seems I recall one, but my memory is hazy. :-) Jim
Jim George on March 1, 2012 9:08
Mike, I forgot to mention. Great quote that you mentioned. Very true.
Writing the book was extremely important for me to deal with those feelings.
Thomas Dillon on March 2, 2012 7:21
Donnie here -- Mike, didn't Troupo name your car? The Crap (actually he used the S word) Wagon?
Thomas Dillon on March 2, 2012 8:08
Or was it the SH__ Box? Remember when we ran for class officers at Concord and parked the convertible in front of the administration building with placards on the side doors? Your Dad had taken your license away for 6 months because of the "run Joe Troupo off the road drag racing fiasco", so I think I drove your car. Ellen and Linda Ferrell and Connie Elmore helped us with our campaign. We skipped classes the day candidates had to present their platforms to the freshman class. I don't think we knew that this was scheduled, -- but we won!!!!. Do you think it had anything to do with the number of PHS Class of 1960 classmates who initially started at Concord the fall after our graduation?
Mike Farley on March 2, 2012 9:22
Sh__ Box was the official name. Yes, I remember our election well. Your correct. I was grounded. Roy Farley had my license tucked away for 6 months. I think I have some pictures around here somewhere of that day. If I find them, I'll send you a copy. Winning the election for Pres. and Vice was definitely because of the friends of PHS that entered the halls of Concord that same year.
Keep believing, Mike
Mike Farley on March 2, 2012 8:17
Jim, remember the time you and I set up a radio station in your house. We played music on some kind of turn table broadcasting the sounds to the down stairs. We took a radio down stairs and listen to our music. You got scared and thought the FAA or FCC or FBI or someone from the sound wave system might hear us. You would have got in big trouble. I didn't have anything to lose. Anyway, we thought we accomplished something big. Funny how you think of little things so far back in the past.
Keep Believing, Mike
Jim George on March 3, 2012 6:45
Farley, yeah. I do remember. That was one of the dumbest things we did. And there were a lot of dumb things to choose from. The quality was terrible. We played the record on a record player. It was cheap and the sound was crappy (not to be confused with your C-Mobile), and we just picked up the sound on a microphone and broadcast on the 7.2 Megacycles (now called Megahertz) ham band. It went out over the eastern half of the US. If any of the strict, older hams in Princeton had heard that, they would have kicked my butt. Not literally, but they would have let me have it.
Stan Hill might have done the same thing, but I think he had better sense.
Mike Murphy on March 3, 2012 10:13
Tom - Are you and family OK. Tornados were crazy twice this week! Hope everyone is OK
Keep the faith Mike
Thomas Dillon on March 3, 2012 1:26
Thanks Murph. We are OK. Lots of wind and rain locally, but no damage that I am aware of. Southern Indiana near the Kentucky line and following the river valley got hit very hard-- deaths and entire towns wiped out. Did any of you in Princeton and/or WV suffer any damage?
Farley, I once picked up one of your broadcasts from Jim's house when I lived on Walnut St. When I told JK about this he really got concerned that one of the agencies was going to catch him and take his ham radio license away for life--He wet his Khaki pants or was that another friend and another time?
Jim George on March 3, 2012 6:46
I confess. It was all Mike Farley's fault.
Mike Farley on March 3, 2012 6:51
That could have happened, but not while I was helping in our illegal broadcasting. Jim was pretty nervous that day. If I remember correctly, he was wearing black. Water doesn't show much on black.
Keep believing, Mike
Thomas Dillon on March 4, 2012 7:08
Dillon here early -- The Khaki Whisperer was a boy named Hosea, not JK.
1st church at 9:15 AM. Twenty-two degrees, wind chill 13, with flurries. Farley, you never responded to my invite to rent your garage apartment. You always said that "I will love you forever". Am I going to have to "Look for love in all the wrong places?"
Mike Farley on March 4, 2012 9:40
Getting ready for Church. Windy & Rainy 60 degrees, wind chill 57 degrees. Garage Apartment??? I ain’t got NO apartment connected to my garage. You must have been talking to Becky. Now, if you want to stay in my garage, you are welcome to it. I would rather for you and your lovely wife to stay inside my house.
Keep believing, Mike (Mack)
Mike Murphy on March 4, 2012 10:20
Our OM Volt got scratched for the Phoenix race today. Must be production and OM shut it down this week. Needs to be $20,000 rebate!
Lost a lot of "green" Jobs.
Now this is truely a Sh-- Wagon.
Hope everyone is safe from the storm. News said ther was damage in Wayne and Lincoln Counties in WV.
Keep the Faith Mike
Carol Martin on March 4, 2012 9:14
I am going to have to read the blog more often as there was too much catching up to do!
Hello all! Becky, we had such a mild winter that we didn't feel motivated to go to FL. Neil talked with Jerry R. (for those who don't know Jerry, was the 6'7" center for Beaver H.S). We sometimes get together. He lives in Naples. His great uncle started the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch in FL and there is a building named for him at Bob Jones Univ. Anyway, I digress. Maybe next year.
It must be spring -- the peach trees are blooming and the guys are at Myrtle Beach playing golf. Neil has a torn rotator cuff, but had paid his money, so he is adjusting.
Surgery will be scheduled when he returns.
Son, Greg, will be home tomorrow for a week of spring break. What a Godsend since we need help with mulch, trimming etc. Son, Blake, is on vacation this week too.
Jim, I read your book, maybe you will be kind enough to sign it for me sometime. Our son, Greg, has a book on Amazon. I doubt that it has ever sold a copy, but the name of it is "The Role of Exigencies in Marketing." When he did his thesis, he was approached by a German Company about publishing it. I thought it was a joke, but it wasn't.
I guess I am just suspicious by nature. Last week our Tea Party leader, said , "Carol, everything is not a conspiracy." Later, I had lunch with friends and one of them said, "since I served on the grand jury, I see a conspiracy behind every door." I came home laughing and told Neil and he said, "sometimes I see two conspiracies behind those doors."
Speaking of Austin, Tx, Jim, you know Brownwood, TX, is almost as conservative as upstate, SC. I'll never forget our friend, a veterinarian, and Aggie, of course; who said his son couldn't attend UT if he got a full scholarship. Here, it is rare to meet a democrat, but I do have a democrat friend who lives in Durham, NC. She is the nice lady who gets us tickets to Duke games. We have a common bond because she supports Ron Paul. I assume this is because he graduated from Duke Medical School and is a noninterventionist.
My knee feels great since I got a cortisone shot. I am still playing a little tennis and line dancing.
Does anyone have an update regarding Tracey's wife?
Fred Lucas on March 5, 2012 9:48
Hi Carol, I am related to Jerry R. and his older sister Betty Jo Tilly who lives at Claytor Lake near Radford. She retired from teaching at Radford University. We are related through the Ballards.
There was extensive tornado damage in parts of Kenton County and Campbell County Kentucky. These counties border the Ohio River across from Cincinnati. In Ohio, the village of Moscow which is 25 miles east of Cincinnati had extensive property damage Hamilton County where Cincinnati is located was spared. However this morning there was an inch of snow with glare ice. Earlier there were a number of traffic accidents.
Should anyone want to donate to tornado victims, they can contact their local Red Cross.
Carl on March 5, 2012 11:19
I really liked Jerry R. in "Smokey and the Bandit." [probably watched it 5-6 times]
I never knew that he was from Blfd. or that he was so tall.
Jim George on March 10, 2012 12:35
Carol, I'd be happy to sign it. But do you want an Obama man's signature in your book? Now no nasty comment here ... just a little jesting. Thanks for reading the book, and for the nice comment. I've received lots and lots of feedback, virtually all very positive.
Kudos to your son (or was it another relative) on his thesis work and the publication. In general, theses are not big sellers. :-)
Tom Dillon on March 6, 2012 11:55
Dillon here -- Doug, Darla, Geno, et.al., discussion at Ryan's last evening regarding mini reunion?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on March 6, 2012 1:06
Tom...we meet tonight. Will let you know what is going on. Do you have any suggestion I can take with me?
gene law on March 6, 2012 5:34
geno, can't make dinner tonight, my go gear won't go yet, missed last month's dinner, hope's for april showers and dinner also.
Becky Novarro on March 8, 2012 11:03
Dear Classmates, When I wrote about being a pole dancer I thought I was being funny, didn't realize it was in the "book." For the record, I wasn't living in Florida I was living at The Jersey Shore!!
Also. to you sports fans, shame on Indiana for not keeping Peyton. However, he is in Florida today so maybe he'll be in Miami hanging out with LaBron.
gene law on March 8, 2012 2:59
Becky do you mean to tell me pole dancers are not elves, you're about to mess with my detective mind, I have thought all these years all pole dancers were elves. With my analytical mind I cannot envision you as an elf. I know my defective mind er make that detective mind is still working, I was sitting on my back porch, soaking up some rays, yesterday when I saw smoke signals rising from the golf course, being a man of action and reaction, I began to analyze what I was seeing, I first thought, is a golfer in trouble and summoning for help, I got my binoculars out and examined the smoke, 2 round puffs, followed by long column, I followed the column down to where it originated from, using my detective skills, I quickly realized it was a brush pile burning, I told my wife they are burning brush on the golf course, she informed me she had seen them gathering up all the branches that had broken off during the snow storm. Amazing I had not seen that but my detective mind had figured it out, pretty good huh? this is columbo signing off and that's the rest of the story.
Jim George on March 10, 2012 12:31
Becky, for the record, "although it all was fiction," that woman who "danced the pole dance without a pole" was NOT you. In fact, there was a mention that she was "a shy girl from Florida ... " Honey, that ain't you!
Fred Lucas on March 8, 2012 7:15
I was reading the information from the Mountaineer Sports Network. It reported that an outstanding football player PHS 44 died on February 22, 2012. If you don't remember who he was his name is Jimmy Walthall and his coach was Lee Patton
After PHS, Jimmy played for WVU where he was an outstanding quarterback. His team beat Pitt and Penn State. He also played for the WVU basketball team.
He died in Lafayette Georgia where he is survived by his wife and three children. He was 85 years old.
Did the football team ever hear the coach mention Jimmy Walthall or Lee Patton? I met Mrs. Patton at the WVU Library when I was a student there.
Pete Stephenson on March 9, 2012 12:57
Freddie If my memory is correct Jimmy Walthall was the football coach at PHS when we were 10th grade football players. He was an outstanding person to me. He and Buster Brown we the coaches at the time. A coach that was tough on us was no body but {Wild Bill Ayers} Damn he liked those wind sprints. Keep the shiny side up. Faith, hope, love.
Pete Stephenson on March 9, 2012 1:02
Fred the PHS football field was named after Lee Patton I do believe. Also coach Lambert replaced Coach Walthall. Dillon, am I correct on this?
Thomas Dillon on March 9, 2012 7:59
Pete, you are correct. Walthall coached football and basketball when we were sophomores, but not the next year. There is a picture in the 1958 annual showing Don Davis presenting a jacket to Coach Walthall -- had he announced his retirement? Don't know where he went. J.K., do you remember the real Don Davis -- didn't know that he was steaking around with the Pole Dancer.
Also Pete, do you remember a coach who was with us for only 1 season, perhaps only during 2-a-days -- He had played or was playing football at Notre Dame, and worked with the punters and showed us how to "quick kick" (actually punt the ball) coming out of a crouched position, rather than getting into punt formation. He could punt a ball like no one I had ever seen before.
Geno, my dear friend, I think your "git up and go" is back, but man you are stuck in the wrong gear. What the heck are you trying to say -- Becky
was an elve? Be careful or you will blow out your transmission.
Pete Stephenson on March 9, 2012 5:36
Yes Thomas i vaguely remember the young coach that helped us. I believe his first name was Randy or Richard, something like that .I believe he was coach Walthall’s nephew and was attending Notre Dame. His style of quick I actually helped our fullback in Germany to do. I snapped some on the practice field there at PHS. Hated keeping my head down. If I am correct You got pretty good at that also. Never did know where coach Walthall went. Later
Fred Lucas on March 10, 2012 11:52
I checked with Gayle Walthall about Coach Jim Walthall. She said that he left Princeton High to become an assistant to Merrill Gainer at Bluefield High. Then in 1960, he became an assistant to Gene Corum at WVU. When Corum left, Jim went to Lafayette Georgia where he was a teacher and coach. In 2000, he was a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee at WVU.
While at WVU he played football and basketball for Coach Lee Patton who was the WVU basketball coach. .
According to Gayle, there wasn't a funeral service. He was cremated.
I think that all of the ladies in our class have been fantastic in their journeys through life.
"Cookie" on March 10, 2012 12:24
"Women who behave
Seldom make history!"
Carl on March 10, 2012 12:51
"Be that as it may
They still maintain the mystery."
mike farley on March 10, 2012 4:06
The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.
Keep believing, Mike
Carl on March 10, 2012 5:20
Who you callin' "average"? (: }
Mike Farley on March 11, 2012 8:37
Farley here..... HMMMMMMMM!!! I'll take the 5th. Not the liquid.
Carl on March 11, 2012 5:59
Upcoming birthdays
Carol Martin on March 12, 2012 10:10
Carol here... Carl, have we run out of white space? My blog is blue! Thanks!
Fred, I think you are related to more folks than I am. Neil and Jerry have been friends since elementary school. He and Susan stop by to see us once or twice a year going and/or coming from VA, MI etc. The guys usually squeeze in a round of golf here. Jerry tried out for the senior tour about 12 years ago, then met Susan, said golf was too expensive in Naples and took up bird watching. (Are they really bird watchers or undercover FBI agents? Carl, what say you?)
I recently heard that Irwin Belcher Ingrahm is very ill. I called her and she is very weak. Most of the conversation was not audible. My sister said that she is in a wheel chair. I knew that she had Macular Degeneration and struggled with walking alone. Apparently, she has had a stroke. Darla, have you heard anything?
Carl on March 12, 2012 12:22
Blue blog, you say? That's a new one on me. Best I can speculate, it may be due to the polls showing Ron Paul running a very distant 4th in a four-man race for the Republican presidential nomination. Then again . . . {: )
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on March 12, 2012 12:43
Carol...Irwin did not have a stroke. A part of her brain is degenerating. She is in a wheelchair when she is out. She has a hard time with speech. She doesn't talk very loud or very clear some of the time. She and Bob came to our get together in February. She is going to Winston-Salem to a doctor. She seemed to be in pretty good spirits then. Sorry to hear about Danny.
Carol Martin on March 12, 2012 4:38
Martin here...Carl, I think I see a conspiracy. The blue background has now taken over the white area, beginning March 10; however, your comment about RP is white....... I do think your analysis might be correct, our patriot (if you believe the polls) is running in fourth place, but is still running. Rumor has it that Romney may not get enough delegates and he and Paul get along better than Romney and the other two; so, what happens if Paul gets offered a major department; e.g., Department of Defense or Department of the Treasury? Hey! Back to the gold standard and sound money. I did read that Iran is selling oil to India for gold. Are we approaching another Bretton Woods? So many questions, so few answers!
I used to watch O'Reilly before I graduated to "Freedom Watch," which has been taken off the air (another conspiracy). "What say you?" was one of O'Reilly's favorite questions.
"truth is treason in the empire of lies" RP
Carl on March 12, 2012 4:52
Carol, I think I now understand your difficulty -- i.e., your blue-blog tech. difficulty. [I'm still working on the political conspiratorial one(s).] It sounds like you've clicked on the icon just to the right of the "T" text color icon, so instead of writing in blue text, you're writing with a blue background. You can remove the blue background by blocking your text, clicking on the "paint bucket" icon, and selecting white from the color palette.
Now about those political pinkoes who are undermining things, it's nothing that we rednecks can't deal with if we just stay true blue to our principles. Orange you glad that you asked me?
"Cookie" on March 12, 2012 5:22
Watch it web master. "Blue" is a four letter word in Calvert County. A month ago the county needed 326 newly registered voters to be a Red county for the first time in history. Friday we were down to 31. St. Mary's County is RED for the first time ever. So, I'd appreciate a more careful approach to your vocabulary in the future.
I have to run. There is some big guy in a white suit coming this way with a tranquilizer gun and a great big butterfly net. He is driving a van that says "O'Malley Staff."
Carl on March 12, 2012 5:30
Cookie, I'm not sure that it's possible for anyone to take a more careful approach to my vocabulary, but if anyone can . . .
Pete Stephenson on March 13, 2012 12:05
with all the colors floating around here on the blog I feel like wearing shades just to read everything. My update on Irwin is that she has a neurological problem in her brain and she has lost all power to hold her head up. As far as I know the family has had to put her on a feeding tube; She definitely needs all our prayers. Irwin’s brother is my sisters husband. Cookie keep up the fight there in Calvert County. maybe you could convert some of those white coat guys. Nuff said. Keep the bright side up.
Tom Dillon on March 13, 2012 7:39 PM
E-mail from cousin Mike Herring today. Gave him the blog access address and invited him to give us an update as to where he has been for the last several months. Some of you might wish to urge him to join our elderly palaver.
Are we going to have a mini reunion this year or ??????
Carl on March 13, 2012 10:02 PM
Hey Fish, you out there? I'm sure that I speak for many in hoping that you'll lend a word or two here. No one gets inquired about more than you.
Tom, I'm told that there have been discussions of a mini-reunion at recent Ryan's 1st-Tuesday gatherings. I think that efforts are in place to arrange one for sometime in Sept. or Oct. My info is a bit sketchy, so you may find more from classmates who have been at those meetings.
Carl on March 13, 2012 10:54 PM
Oops! Oops x 2; & oops again. Just after Cookie cautioned me to watch my vocabulary, I scribed a confusing sentence.
Clarification: The discussions of a mini-reunion have taken place at Ryan's. The site is yet to be determined. (Sorry if my poor wording led any to believe that a mini-reunion was planned to take place at Ryan's.) Excuse me now, I have to go flog myself.
Mike Murphy on March 14, 2012 11:59 AM
Darla's suggestion for holding the mini reunion at Glenwood Park is good. If we could get the shelter in case of rain and I think early Oct would be good for the folage and weather.
I would try to get some of the Glenwood folks who do not normally attend. Barbara Calfee Fields mentioned to me that some of the Glenwood grads would be interested such as Doug Coburn, Bobby Hawks, David Hicks Etc., who normally don't attend might participate. An informal Round Robin Mixer would be good without a lot of loud music (a little to dance to for those still able). Keep the Faith Mike
"Cookie" on March 14, 2012 5:04 PM
How about passing the hat and hiring a good ole' Blue Grass band? Hot Damn! That--a hot dog with chili and a bottle of orange "pop"! Now, that's a party!
Mike Murphy on March 15, 2012 10:18 AM
Some time back Pat Smith offered to hold the mini reunion at here "School House". Also she has a catering business for her resturant that could cater the reunion.
Has anyone checked with her recently?
How about it Patty? Are you on the Blog?
Food and drink for thought! Keep the faith Mike
Carl on March 16, 2012 12:13 PM
Say Tom Dillon, if you'd post Herring's email address here, folks could try contacting him directly, and I'd update my PHS60 email addr folder. Thanks.
Thomas Dillon on March 16, 2012 2:16 PM
Herrings e-mail address is herringwilliam42@yahoo.com
Watching NCAA games -- missed 2 yesterday -- in a pool with brothers Bob & Jim and several others. I need the money to pay for my gas to come see all of you at the mini.
Carl on March 16, 2012 2:23 PM
Thanks Tom. That's a different email addr than I had.
Good luck in the NCAA pool. I'm picking Witchita State to win it all. Oops again. Should that be Which-itah? Ok, OK. Wichita State. Now I just know they'll win it all.
Pete Stephenson on March 16, 2012 4:38 PM
Judy and I just returned home from lunch with Tracy French.Had a great visit with him over baby back ribs and all the fixins.Picked him up at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.Carol was operated on again last week.If all is well she might get to go home tommorrow.Lets pray that happens.You really never know how many good friends you have until you get together and hash out old times.Really a delightful day.Judy was feeling fine and that made for a more more pleasant visit with Tracy.He told us that Carol has been hospitalized 50 days and I believe he said 7 surgerys.She really dodged a round by getting out of the hosp.there in Princeton and coming down here.All is well in the valley.Flowers blooming,tads cherping and the never ending love call of our resident mocking bird.Damn bird sings all night long.I'm going out on the deck tonight and howl at the moon just to pi-- him off.Kept the bright side up and pray for Carol,Irwin,Fran and to others that have their problems
Jim George on March 17, 2012 9:22 AM
Has anyone seen or heard from Arnold Palmer recently? I've tried to contact him at the local phone number that Darla sent, and have mailed him (snail) and emailed him, but nada. Any update? Is Arnold okay?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on March 17, 2012 9:51 AM
We saw his son 3 or 4 weeks ago. It was before you wanted his phone number. He said Arnold was doing good.
Ched on March 18, 2012 9:36 PM
I was in Princeton last week and Arnold came out to see me at the "homeplace" which is now for sale. Arnold looked good still doing the music thing and gave me some copies of his latest music. We had a great time reminising about the old music days and especially the Pair-a dice club. He is in the Princeton phone book but I do not recall the number.
Jim George on March 19, 2012 4:06 AM
OK, and glad to hear he's doing well. Darla sent me his phone number, and I've tried it several times, but no answer and no answering machine. Will try again. Tnx Ched.
Jim George on March 19, 2012 4:08 AM
Oh, one more thing. Does he know about the book?
Fred Lucas on March 17, 2012 12:33 PM
Today is St. Patrick's Day for all of the Irish and those who have Irish ancestors. Carl, I know that you write in red but today is a day to have fun with parades, singing, dancing and drinking green beer . Do you want to write in green Carl? Some of the Irish dress in kilts and play the bag pipes like their Scottish cousins.
Even if you're not Irish, you can still have fun. Yesterday at thr gym, a group of ladies got in the hot water pool and sang Mc Namara's Band.
Songs include Pe in Eirinn or Who'er she be, An Buachaillin Ban or The Fair Haired Boy and Bruach na Carraige Bain or The Brink of the White Rock.
Carl on March 20, 2012 2:21 PM
Well folks, Spring has officially arrived tho' it's been unofficially with us up here near the Mason-Dixon line for weeks. And there's no more beautiful season in these parts. It's also the season of poets -- it and only three others. As I revised our "Birthdays" webpage, I was struck by the clustering of some dates. An unusually [I think] high %age of those revealing their birthdays show SIX births between Feb. 24 & 27. So I pondered this. And here's my take: everyone knows that the winter's were far longer & harsher back in the 40s -- whether you embrace all the global warming views or not. So I'm left to think that "back home" maybe Spring didn't always arrive 'til nearer Memorial Day. And given that, as Tennyson notes, in Spring "a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love" -- and Thomason contends that they also tilt mighty HEAVILY in that same direction -- I'm given to wonder if several of our parents didn't harbor souls of poets that propelled them to celebrate late May. [Yes, I know that there are other, probably stronger interpretations, but I prefer my paean to love.] Anyway, whatever the cause, PHS60 is the beneficiary. Hail to Spring!
gene law on March 20, 2012 4:12 PM
HEAR HEAR!!!!!!!!
Pete Stephenson on March 21, 2012 10:36 AM
you're right Carl, there is nothing like the sounds of spring, especially the sound of the birds outside your window,or the sounds of the kids riding bikes up and down the street. Being a hunter of whatever the best sound to me is a big ole gobbler on the ridge booming out a big gobble to call all his sweethearts in. I believe you might be right on the later spring though.As Geno said "Hear,Hear"Hope your mower and all your springtime goodies start for you. As for Dillon,he will have to keep the snow thrower handy for a few more weeks.Tracy where are you.need update on Carol. Nuff said, Keep the bright side up.
Tracy French on March 21, 2012 6:45 PM
This is the firsttime I have had the chance to read the blog this year. Everybody keep up the good work. Carol is home now, I brought her home last Saturday after 51 days in the hospital and 6 operations in the span of 6 weeks. I had to take her back to Roanoke today for the doctor to evaluate her progress and it was so so. The last operation was to close a hole about the size of a softball (shaped like a small football) in her abdomen and do a skin graft. The graft was partially successful and may require another procedure later on. The doctor anticipates another 2 - 3 month to recover but the good news is "she will recover" and be able to resume normal housewife duties.
Carl on March 21, 2012 9:42 PM
All in all, that's wonderful news Tracy. Quite an ordeal for the both of you, but a happy ending in sight. Take care; stay well.
Pete Stephenson on March 22, 2012 8:23 AM
Tracy that is good news that you finally did get Carol home.A 51 day ordeal is as hard on you as her in a lot of instances.You need to chill yourself for awhile also.You and i are in the same boat,fair winds on the horizon but for now in a sunami.I pray that from here on that Carol will have a speedy recovery.It will take a lot of patience on your part.Stay well my friend and don't get yourself down.I,ll call you later.Keep the bright side up.
Mike Murphy on March 22, 2012 3:50 PM
At the risk of being called a Racist, UnAmerican or that I am implying that our President is a "Serial Killer" I have to take our President to task on his energy tour. Today he took credit for the southern half of the Keystone Pipeline, for which he had no control, as a sign that his administration was working to increase petro production and lower gas prices! He actually lobbied democrats in congress recently to again kill the northern leg of the Keystone Pipeline from Canada over which he and State Dept do have control.
Is it worth paying $4.00 per Gallon, soon the be $4.50 when the summer blend is instated by EPA next month to have "Green Jobs" which cost us taxpayers $300,000+ per Job in companies like Solondra?
It is time to get rid of the Paviracator in Chief and Liberals in the Senate and Congress and replace them with those who will create jobs, improve our economy, Balance the Budget, reduce our debt and tell the truth.
I apologize in advance to those who might be offended? Keep the Faith Mike
gene law on March 22, 2012 4:16 PM
Mike glad to see someone who can see the truth, know what you get when you mate a donkey with an elephant? Its called FAILURE.
Carl on March 22, 2012 5:47 PM
Well Mike, as you and others may have noted over the 1.5 years that the blog has been pretty dynamic, I closely monitor comments, including rhetoric, syntax, sentence formulations, etc. So I have a question re one of yours in this posting: I'm intrigued by the question mark in your statement "I apologize in advance to those that might be offended?" Is the question that (1) perhaps some might be offended or (2) that you might be apologetic or (3) that you not quite sure which, if either or both, is the case?
"Cookie" on March 22, 2012 10:36 PM
Well Glenwood Park Brother of mine, an election is coming and frankly I'm working my ass off. Carl--count this as a question!
As of today, did the Keystone Pipeline get a new name or has Colonel Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken again become KFC thus clouding the deep frying aspect????? Dorothy doesn't think she and her little dog are in Kansas anymore but she does recognize a witch when she sees one.
Carl on March 23, 2012 9:24 AM
And I'll bet that you don't mean just in the mirror, do you? [Yep, another question.] (:-}
Say, it just occurred to me. Remembering a string of blog comments that some of my male classmates made last year, it seems that some of them were part of the "Keystone Pipeline."
"Cookie" on March 23, 2012 9:34 AM
Carl: The 5th floor has no mirrors! They frighten the children. Now for the question: Can you have a pipeline if its going somewhere but not coming from ANYWHERE?
Carl on March 23, 2012 9:40 AM
Cookie darlin', I must leave that most excellent question to the scholars & philosophers on our blog. My stock in trade is cheap humor. [But, of course, you knew that already.]
Mike Murphy on March 23, 2012 10:09 AM
Carl - The answer to your questions is Yes's.
Drill for the faith Mike
Carl on March 23, 2012 10:59 AM
Ode to PHS60 Expressionism
Ofttimes I get bitchy & whiney
And add a blog "nugget" quite tiny
in humor or smarts
or science or arts
But that keeps my "upper side shiny."
Then Murphy wades into the wave,
Adds sharpness, as formed on a lathe,
In advocacy
of fuel by his plea,
That we oughta "drill for the faith."
Such classmate expressions are dear
To my warped, inquisitive ear.
So keep it up y’’all
I’’m havin’’ a ball
(Tho’’ my verse is known to strike fear).
But that much each one of you knows,
As this latest limerick shows.
So smile with me friend
As I say again,
Take care & stay well. Adios.
Mike Murphy on March 23, 2012 12:13 PM
There once was a man from Nantucket or was it Nagatuck?
Good news - Supremes 9-0 for Idaho couple and against EPA wetlands black boots. Next is 5-4 to shut down Ocare? Lets have hope and faith that Supremes (majority) has some sense of the Constitution!!
Carl - Many have questioned my Syntax, Idiom and Speling, butt I are punctual? Keep the Faith Mike
gene law on March 23, 2012 3:48 PM
Ah the poise the written word makes no noise, but as we all can see the written word does make glee, mirth and joy are at our finger tips, to write the word and not use our lips. Or was there such a lady of Spain that would never complain. Or was there ever a whale from hell that everyone knew so well, many a seaman became his feast, all too often they had seen the beast. Or was it all a figment of our imagination, and have we forgotten our station, we could ride this bus all day, and let all our cares fade away, or we could stop here and have a glass of cheer. Keep it all a going who you cheer up you have no way of knowing. njoy bn. your bro, geno
Mike Murphy on March 24, 2012 9:28 AM
Two Years Later
Health Care
Still A
BFD
When I first saw this on a Tee shirt on the news, I thought this is being used by the Tea Party to protest Obama Care! But nooo it is being sold by the Obama Campaign (not a PAC) for $35.
Big Government spokspersons Joe Biden and Bill Mahre will lead us down the path to enlightened vulgar entitlement?? BFD. Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on March 24, 2012 11:39 AM
Murph, from your comments on these political issues, is it possible that you're finding it difficult, in this hope & change era, to "keep the faith"?
Mike Murphy on March 24, 2012 12:21 PM
Carl - I always have hope, but you can keep the "Change"?
I humbly appologize, I misquoted the T-Shirt the Oboma Campaign is selling. It reads:
Health
Reform
Still A
BFD LOL
Good News - Judge just overturned and admonished EPA for their oversteeping ruling on WVs largest surface mine permit. My neighbors job is secure and I can afford the electricity to charge my OM Volt?
Faith Hope and Charity - Thats the way to live sucessfully - sounds like a ditty ie BFD Keep the Faith Mike
Fredrick Lucas on March 27, 2012 4:52 PM
The Final Four basketball games will be held Saturday. Kentucky vs Louisville and Ohio State{go Bucks} will play Kansas. The winners will play on Monday.
I think that Kentucky will play Kansas for the final match and Kentucky will win. This is for men's basketball.
Our lady fans can predict a championship for women.
Carol Martin while you have been supporting Ron Paul, something has happened in South Carolina.Prior to the formation of the United States, the King of England asked surveyors to determine the boundry between North and South Carolina. The boundry remained unchanged until this year. Surveyors used GPS tracking devices to correct boundry problems. After the survey, 98 home owners found themselves in North Carolina. They will have to pay higher property and gasoline taxes. They will have to get new drivers licences. Their children will have to relocate to schools in North Carolina and won't be able to buy fire works. These problems are in Spartansburg and Mecklenberg Counties. Carol are you interested? One poor man, a graduate of Clemson said that he will never be a fan of the Tar Heels.
Delores on March 27, 2012 8:51 PM
Note to Glenwood Park Buddy--Mike:
As I watch the "Supremes" hear the case:
"You can always count on Americans to do the right thing--after they've tried everything else."
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile--hoping he will eat him last."
Winston Churchill
Mike Murphy on March 28, 2012 4:33 PM
Cookie, I hope the supremes do the right thing.
Good luck in your crusade to better (constrict) the government.
This hole Obamacare mess was perpetrated by the Libs to give welfare (free healthcare) to 30 million people and the had the audasity to say it was going to save money.
When over half of the folks depend on the taxes of the other half - all is lost!
Vote all of them out - Cap the amount of taxes at 15% GDP and balance the budget plus everyone should be taxed even if it is 1%. Plus close all the loop holes so that GE has to pay its fair share, Drill baby drill, restore manufacturing abolish the EPA and Drastically reform the Energy dept with a long term policy in our countries interest. Low cost abundant energy that makes us competive in manufacturing and can be sold overseas at good profit margins. Make everyone rich and prosperous based on their contributions ie performance!
enough for now? Keep the faith Mike
gene law on March 28, 2012 4:52 PM
MURPH FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!
"Cookie" on March 28, 2012 7:03 PM
Please! Would someone tell Delores the blitz is over and Winston Churchill is dead.
Carl on March 29, 2012 11:09 AM
Yesterday, the world lost one of the absolute GIANTS of American music when Earl Scruggs died at age 88. Earl virtually re-invented banjo playing and, in so doing, contributed more than anyone else to the creation of bluegrass music. RIP.
Fred Lucas on March 31, 2012 11:04 AM
Hi Carl, I certainly agree with you about the late Earl Scruggs. He was an innovator. I really enjoyed his work with Lester Flatt and the Foggy Mountain Boys. The Foggy Mountain Breakdown and the Dueling Banjos are two of my favorite pieces from that group.
For those who don't know, the banjo was invented in Africa . Scruggs got his start with Bill Monroe who paid him $50 per week to perform. After three years with Monroe he went with the Foggy Mountain Boys and Lester Flatt. He was 88 when he died this week.
Carl on March 31, 2012 1:29 PM
Fred, you wouldn't happen to know if Earl's family was related to the Mogadishu Scruggs's, would you?
Fred Lucas on March 31, 2012 4:00 PM
Carl, Sorry I don't have any information about Earl Scruggs' relatives.
Mike Murphy on April 1, 2012 6:04 PM
"No Show" Jones is in the Hospital. Keep the faith Mike
Jim George on April 3, 2012 6:51 AM
Terry Gross replayed a terrific interview with Earl Scruggs (who I'm pretty sure was not from the Somalian Scruggs). Those old week long tours from Nashville all the way to Miami, FL, and then back, and later, with Lester Flatt, from Nashville to NC/GA and back through Huntington, then over to KY and back to Nashville, EVERY week. There was not a whole lot of money in it back then. Great guy, very down to earth. Worked hard.
Diana and I got to see Ralph Stanley and his group here in Austin several years ago at UT. Great show. I went up to him and mentioned that I lived in Paintsville, KY and Galax, VA before moving to Princeton. He knew exactly where each town was. Hearing that bluegrass just goes right to my heart.
What was the name of that bluegrass/country band that used to play on Channel Six every Saturday back in the fifties? Someone and the White Mountain Boys? Anyone help me out on that?
Jim George on April 3, 2012 6:52 AM
That's Terry Gross on Fresh Air, on NPR
Carl on April 3, 2012 3:26 PM
What's NPR?
Carl on April 3, 2012 3:51 PM
It's primary election day here in MD. I just came back from the polls. Oddest thing: there was a tall woman very much resembling Cookie working as a greeter. She was decked out in black, quasi-military garb, carrying a billy club and wearing a glare. Sure didn't seem like the light-hearted, fun-loving gal that I remember. She didn't say much either. . . . Uh, I guess it wasn't Cookie after all.
Mike Murphy on April 3, 2012 4:00 PM
Cookie -Give them Hell Keep the Faith Mike
"Cookie" on April 3, 2012 11:55 PM
Nope! Cookie wasn't in upscale Bethesda! She was in her F150 down in Calvert County busy feeding chips, dip, and cheap wine to a rowdy bunch of celebrants just in from the precints. Last count I heard our guy Tony O'Donnell, Maryland House Minority Leader, was taking 78% of the vote in his primary bid to unseat Pelosi's lapdog, U.S. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer. Our work is cut out for us but if you don't try you can't complain. Its going to be a busy few months and I'm already tired. Its also going to be an interesting race to keep an eye on at the national level
aloma jones-ashworth on April 4, 2012 11:07 AM
hi fellow class mates judt a note to say hi dream about a class reunion last night oh dont check spelling last wednesday broke both bones in my wrist working with cows so i am out of things for 10 wks know prays are wonderful so please add me to your list anyway love all of you take care
Carl on April 4, 2012 11:27 AM
Aloma, I'm mighty sorry to hear of your injury. You seem to type well for one with a broken wrist.
I'm hopeful of having the latest news re a mini-reunion. PHS60 had its monthly dinner meeting last night. Hopefully some updated news will be forthcoming.
Aloma, my emails to you get bounced back. Would you email me (carl.thomason@verizon.net) so that I can ensure that I have a correct email addr for you. Thanks. Take care; get well.
gene law on April 4, 2012 2:35 PM
hello fellow bloggers, and readers who don't blog, attended Ryan's last night for monthly dine-in get to gether, missed ya Pete, cause you weren't there, none of my business where you were, we had a good time, I made several trips to the food bar, gained 2 lbs. that I certainly don't need, enjoyed the company very much though, 17, counting myself attended, but why wouldn't I count myself, after all I was there, 16 if you don't count me, but why wouldn't I be counted, well sometimes you don't count yourself, or do you any way now you got me thinking whether or not I should count myself, cookie should I or shouldn't I, that is the question, I know you always thought the question was to be or not to be, Aloma if you will tape wrists up, pretend its decorative bracelets, go about your business as usual you will soon forget they are broken, If this works let me know I may have made a major medical breakthrough, don't mean to make fun of you misfortune, hope you feel better, well I forgot what it was I was gonna say, happy trails geno, er that is happy trails to you, then geno, that's more clear, heavens you can't get more clear it is either clear or not clear, I knew that from 3rd grade, what I am not sure bout is, is it either or ither, see there is another question, I must close before I get more questions than even what's his name can answer, how to sign off let me count the ways, no that's how do I love thee, oh well catch me if you can, I mean catch ya later, have nice day, now that's good sign off, I like that, in fact that's good enough to quit on, Brenda please note I did not say at, those of us who ARE IN THE KNOW would never put at at the end of any thing, would we ? Ah I love leaving with a question, this time I'm outta here
Carl on April 4, 2012 6:28 PM
Sounds to me like Geno made 1-2 too many trips to the chocolate offerings on the dessert bar. I'm glad he enjoyed himself tho'.
Fred Lucas on April 4, 2012 9:17 PM
Hello, Recently,I spoke with Mike Currence , son of Stubby Currence the former sports editor of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. He was in Bluefield last week because his mother died. She was 92 years old.He has found a realtor to sell the home but was told that it will take her on average seven months to sell the home.
He is recovering from pneumonia. He graduated from Bluefield High School in 1961
Aloma I read about your wrist break. I want to wish you a complete recovery.
Pete Stephenson on April 5, 2012 12:12 PM
William E. Here,Geno sounds like more than chocolate to me.Maybe running to auto between breaks.Sorry we couldn,t make the meeting the other night.Judy been having real tummy hurts.she feels somewhat better today though.Rain and chilly here in the Roanoke valley today.Grass about 6" and growing fast.Might have to rent some goats before Easter arrives.Hope all you lady have your bonnets bought by now.I guess I,ll just wear my truckers cap that says take me home country roads.I do hope all has a good weekend with good health and close family members with you.Nuff said,keep the bright side up,faith,hope,and love. J.K. thanks for sharing the pic of Ms.Di.with us she looks like she is making progress.Tell her hi for me.
Mike Murphy on April 5, 2012 12:24 PM
Fred - I remember Stubby Currence - He used to play Golf at now Elks Club. He did not take a Caddie, perhaps for the exercise or reporters did not make much then. I remember he had a brown leather bag and was a fair golfer. Always a Gentleman. Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on April 5, 2012 3:27 PM
HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAYS TO
Becki Smith Canterberry - April 7
Carol Wyrick Martin - April 12
Darla Winfrey Pitzer - April 15
Brenda Martin Sword - April 25
Michael Farley - April 29
gene law on April 5, 2012 3:44 PM
Pete, good to hear from you, missed you and Judy at the dinner, sorry to hear Judy's not feeling good, you know black licorice is good medicine for the belly, just a small amount well chewed will coat the stomach, same as it coats your tongue, I have used this for years, works good for me, my wife tried it, it did not do anything for her, she is on stomach medicine prescribed by doc. very expensive, seems to work though, I heard about licorice many years ago from chinese doctor, he declared it was much better than any prescription, although many doctors do not share his beliefs, he did say too much will give rise to blood pressure, I only know when I get belly ache, I use some licorice, black only, and belly feels better, and believe me I have big belly, and when my belly hurts it is no small thing, any way I told my doctor about this and he laughed and said well it's a good excuse for eating candy, I told him all I liked being a doctor was going to school, he didn't think that was funny either, ah for a sense of humor, seventh sense and the most important. an old man and his grandson were putting in new fence posts one day and they sat in the shade of some trees and watched a crow picking through cow manure piles in the pasture, the crow was working every cowpie over pretty good, looked like he had swollen to 2 times his normal size, and when he tried to fly he couldn't get off the ground he would flap his wings and hop hop hop but couldn't take off, he spied the old man's shovel leaned up against a stump, waddled over to it climbed up the handle to the top and jumped off, kersplat he hit the ground and burst wide open, the old man told his grandson, "let that be a lesson, don't ever fly off the handle when you're full of sh-t" happy trails
Carl on April 5, 2012 4:35 PM
Geno, I really liked that joke, but excuse me now, I have to go find some black licorice.
gene law on April 6, 2012 4:16 PM
To all the people who have a birthday in April, in fact to all who have one this year HAAPPPY HAAAPPY BIRTHDAYYY BAB__BY HAPPPYY HAPPPYY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUU, well you've got to read that melodically. happy days anyway geno
Becky Novarro on April 6, 2012 7:05 PM
Hey Geno, Best laughed I've had in many days...Thanks. Before I send this, please be advised that I put the code in three times so who knows what I've even sent. Happy Easter
gene law on April 7, 2012 4:24 PM
hey Becky good to hear from you I was wondering where,what, and how you were doing, hows come you don't blog any more, seems like fewer and fewer these days, I went back a while back and reread some of the old blogs, believe it or not, it was fun, seems like these days all my cheers and laughs and ol' memories are stored in the blog, my neice told me one time in 1960 as the world kept on turning, I stepped off, I am thinking she was right, oh well I like it when my ol' memories come alive and carry me back home again. I wish we still lived in the golden age, as I look around it seems like these are bleak times, I've noticed there are few people who take time to hear a good joke or read a good joke and laugh about it, some times I lie in bed remembering such things and break out in laughter, hmm maybe I need counseling, oh well I just remembered about a fellow lying in bed, his wife sitting in a chair beside the bed, he turned to her and said "I'm dying and before I go I want to confess that I haven't been true to you". she replied " I know, that's why I poisioned you", happy trails and blog again,enjoyed geno
Becky Novarro on April 7, 2012 5:01 PM
Well Geno, I loved this joke also. I find the older I get the less I can remember and jokes aren't funny if you don't know the punchline.
I agree with you about the lack of comments. Have you read Jimmy's book?? I read it twice and no I wasn't offended by what was written about Marnie. Jimmy had told me years ago that I was going to be a little "trashy" but I didn't think it was that bad. I am surprised that more people haven't commented on the book. To my knowledge Jimmy has been the only one in our class who has been published and kudos to him for that.
My granddaughter refused to bring her pet rabbits down for Easter after I told her I could make Hare Soup. I hope you have a great weekend and that last night's cold didn't hurt anyone's plants or trees. Good talking to you, also.
gene law on April 8, 2012 5:41 PM
heavens!! I just reread my blog, I can't believe no one caught how I spelled niece, everybody knows i before e except after c, oh well when we get older some times our fingers outrun our thoughts, and other times our thoughts outrun our fingers, then at other times our thoughts just run out, uh oh I forgot what this was about, oh well hello everyone, Becky surely you wouldn't cook your grand daughter's rabbit, would you? I just fed my grand daughter's cat some popcorn covered in hot sauce, he loved it, shoulda seen him running his tongue in and out, then begin licking his fur, looked more like he was trying to clean his tongue off than licking his fur, don't take much to amuse old folks, like the 2 old ladies sitting in a restuarant one asked the other why she had a suppository in her ear she said what, the other repeated the question a little louder, she replied uh oh, I think I know where my hearing aid is. happy trails to you
Mike Murphy on April 9, 2012 12:08 PM
One good thing about growing old - you can hide your own Easter Eggs.
Geno - Neither Financier Seized Either Species of Weird Leisure? For all the good a suposotory does you might as well stick it up your ---?
Happy Easter Keep the faith Mike
gene law on April 9, 2012 1:57 PM
Mike though abb. well said, how ya doin these days? Remember Robert Smith? We were talking bout you and your brother the other day, talking bout the old days, but beats talking bout the weather. Take care and only ride the happy trails. geno
gene law on April 9, 2012 1:59 PM
By the way I don't hide eggs any more, no trouble hiding, can't find em. geno
Pete Stephenson on April 9, 2012 4:35 PM Mike Murphy on April 10, 2012 12:01 PM Darla Winfrey Pitzer on April 10, 2012 2:19 PM gene law on April 10, 2012 4:44 PM gene law on April 10, 2012 4:49 PM Fred Lucas on April 10, 2012 9:07 PM Mike Murphy on April 11, 2012 5:04 PM Delores on April 11, 2012 5:32 PM Darla Winfrey Pitzer on April 11, 2012 6:29 PM gene law on April 12, 2012 8:46 AM Mike Murphy on April 12, 2012 12:45 PM
William E. here.Geno,I know how hard it is to hide something like Easter eggs and can't find them.A true story about one of the older members of our hunt club.His name is Cleaford Reynolds and he is 82 now I believe.A couple hunting seasons ago,Cleaf lost his hearing aids.I think he said they run in the neighborhood od 4500 bucks.So he ordered him another pair.Last spring during the early turkey season we were cleaning out all old stuff from previous year and low and behold in the butter dish in frig we found the hearing aids from previous year.Kinda reminds me of the old lady in grocery store in checkout line.Lady behind her asked why she had supository in her ear.And old lady said now I know where my hearing aid is.Nuff said,Keep the bright side up.Faith
Geno- Remember I hide my own Easter eggs. Do not specifically recal Robert Smith, my brother Mason and I used to deer hunt with Smith Brothers from Bowling addition, They were 10-15 yrs older than me. Give me some more info to ID.
Thanks
Hope you and family are well happy and prosperous.
Hey did you see that Muslim Brotherhood is being invited to White House?? Keep the Faith Mike
Gene, I know a Robert Smith that lived in the Green Valley/Ceres area. If it is him, he now lives below Athens. I think he worked on the RR, not sure.
Goodun Pete, Mike & Darla Robert and brother Pete lived up Ceres hollow, Pete was killed in car wreck Robert and father & mother moved to Camp Creek Rd, just this side (PCTN.) of Sun Valley school Robert worked several contractors, equipment operator, finally worked for Dept. of highways, until retirement, short fellow full of fun and jokes all the time sold farm eq. for a while, got pretty nice farm now. I think he might have worked for Fred Bolton some, knowed your brother pretty well. well folks I'm outta here, stay outta the fast lane
about that comment about Muslim brotherhood, did you know the U>S> government sent one billion in foreign aid to the muslim brotherhood in Egypt, well they sent it to Egypt, but it's the brotherhood who is running Egypt. Sad but true, I'm glad we can afford it.??????????
For those who are interested,'the Princeton High School Madrigal Singers under the direction of Allen Kade are featured in the Daily Telegraph online edition today. They did a very good job. Their words were crisp and understandable. They were on pitch.The song was in Latin.
This brought back fond memories when I sang with Frances Moody and the choir.
Geno - I am still not able to remember Robert Smith - Do Remember a Jigger Smith who went to Glenwood thru 6th and lived at Green Valley. After 6th he went to Bluefield. Keep the faith Mike
I remember Jigger Smith well. We attended Greenview Methodist Church in Green Valley together when we were kids growing up. He is still around the area and has a bunch of Scottish Terriers. I knew both his parents.
I still run into Jigger every now and then. He is still the same.
Well, next time I see Bob, I'll ask if he knows you perhaps he was your brothers acquaintance, any way if my thermometer is right it is 23 this morning, my apple blossoms are wilted, we had what is known as a freeze, that's deeper than a mere frost. Well all you folks that are interested in politics, our illustrious congress and pres. is not going to make a move on renewing the tax cuts, so in 2013 we are going to experience a humongous tax increase regardless of who is elected. For these cuts to stay they have to be enacted on. So we can look forward to giving congress buckets of cash to throw away, I have been around a long time never seen times like this, almost prom time, get around some teens and get their take on a prom, I was amazed the ones I talked with do not care for dancing at all, most do not care about "the big night". I wonder if it isn't the music, maybe they don't have any thing to dance to, hmm come to think of it you don't hear any of those close belly rubbing tunes any more. We had the best music, best cars, best money of any era, that's why we have the best memories. geno
I remember that Jigger's family would go to Florida each year and Jigger would show and tell with Moss, Coral etc.
I remember Jigger as being a kind, considerate and well behaved young man, unlike many of us! Keep the faith Mike
Carl on April 13, 2012 1:55 PM
from Billie Rae]
Dear Friends and family,
At sunrise, on Easter morning April 8 2012, Richard Knight Harris passed away peacefully at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida.
He is survived by his wife Billie Harris, of 39 Years, of West Melbourne Fl.
His sons Richard Harris Jr.of Germantown Md. and Erik Harris of Fairfax, Va., and daughters, Valerie Yosack of Germantown, Md.,and Patricia Rodriguez of Fairfax Va. and three handsome, beautiful and talented, and smart grandchildren, Brian, Magen, and Emily.
Richard was retired from Racal Recorders where he enjoyed around 20 successful years as a sales Manager. The friendships made there lasted though the years and we appreciated their messages of concern and comfort, before during and after his years of illness.
His family, while scattered about, did keep in touch, and visited as well and shared his many interest of computers, photography, genealogy, coin, and stamp collecting.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Palm Bay FL. He did the church bulletin for approximately 10 years, and over the years served as a Sunday school teacher, executive secretary to the Bishop, membership clerk.
His friendships in Palm Bay after twenty five years were many and varied, from his "old cronies" at The Waffle House where his Logo Waffle House clock still hangs, to the neighbors in and around the Palm Bay area.
In the last three years since we've lived in Compass Point he made so many friends so quickly he felt he had known them forever. During his illness they visited him and treated him with respect and dignity. The men were especially considerate and helpful to take him to the "Men's Wednesday Breakfast Club" outings as long as possible.
He was a thoughtful, intelligent man, who shared his life, time and worldly means unselfishly with his friends, family and the Lord.
We will all miss him greatly and feel we are happier for having him in our lives.
As his wife, feel I was lucky to have known such a loving, kind, witty, and honest man. Our children, feel the same and we all have many good memories of our lives together.
Dick will be greatly missed by us all.
Sincerely, Billie Rae Harris
For more info Please visit: www.affuneral.com
If you know of anyone without email, please pass this information along....thank you
Michael Farley on April 16, 2012 7:34 PM
Dear Billie, Sorry to hear of your loss. Mine and Barb's thoughts and Prayers are with you. We know you will miss him greatly. We also know you will draw upon your own strength and the strength from our Lord and Savior.
We love you and God Bless, Mike & Barbara
Jim George on April 17, 2012 7:11 AM
Let Diana and I echo Mike Farley's kind words. Our hearts break for you and your entire family. It's so very hard to see your soul mate lose his health after so many good years. Hopefully time will heal some of the loss. We are so glad you have friends and family to help. Jimmy.
Fred Lucas on April 17, 2012 8:28 PM
For Billy Rae and Family,
I would like to offer my condolences on the death of your husband. I'm sure that he was a good man. The memory of what he did for you, your family and church will live on and will influence what you do.
There is a song that I like at these times. The hymn Abide With Me is a hymn that brings peace and calm to me.
You and all of us have the Morman Tabernacle Choir that can bring these beautiful songs.
Mike Murphy on April 19, 2012 9:54 AM
Dick Clark Passed.
Always enjoyed American Bandstand!! Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on April 19, 2012 12:34 PM
The end of an era -- and a great one.
Murph, I think this now puts you in the running for America's Oldest Teenager.
Mike Murphy on April 20, 2012 10:00 AM
If nominated I will not run.
If elected I will not serve.
The mind acts like a kid but the body won't cooperate?
Life gets much more precious when there is less of it to lose - Heard it in a Bonnie Rate song!
Carl- you are still my EHero?
Any news on the mini reunion?? Keep the faith Mike
Carl on April 20, 2012 11:44 AM
Nothing official on the mini-reunion, to my knowledge. The grapevine suggests that it will be at Pat Smith's schoolhouse -- near Glenwood Park -- sometime in the Fall, probably Sep. or Oct. As soon as I hear something definite, I'll send out the news.
Fred Lucas on April 21, 2012 8:47 PM
Pat Summitt,longtime women's basketball coach with more than 1000 victories has early onset dementia, Alzheimers type. She is 59 years old.
She will continue to work with the program as long as she is able. Her role will be diminished.
Go Lady Vols and thanks Pat Summitt for many wonderful years of baskeball.
Fred Lucas on April 22, 2012 5:29 PM
Pat Summitt has been the coach of the women's basketball team at the University of Tennessee. I learned from a man who used to work for Habitat for Humanity.that she would ask members of her basketball teams to volunteer to work for Habitat for Humanity. They were highly motivated and did quality work.
gene law on April 23, 2012 2:21 PM
Wow!!! snowed in Green Valley this morning, seems funny watching it snow while rubbing aloe vera on my sunburn from 85 degree weather the other day, one of life's many mysteries, the weather, can't change it, got to make our mind up to enjoy, no matter which way the wind blows. Any way been missing you folks blogging, mainly cause you folks been missing blogging, Cookie, you still drinking wine and eatin chocolate behind the garbage bin, Brenda haven't heard from you since Christmas, Pete, you still around, Tom you there, I got a mystery for all of you, if you can guess how many quarters I have right now in my hand I'll give you both of them. I'm missing you hope to catch you later geno
Pete Stephenson on April 23, 2012 7:09 PM
Freddie, thanks for the update on Pat Summitt the ladies basketball coach at UT,what an icon she has become there in Knoxville.I knew something was wrong with her but had no idea what her problem was.Geno,we are expecting some snow tonight here in the Roanoke Valley.Wanted to go trout fishing this week but I think I will pass.Getting a little on the wuzz side.You are right the blog has been a little quite lately.I talked to Tommy Goings this morn for about an hour.Always love to talk to him he is so upbeat all the time.I guess he and Dora are going to tie the knot next month.I am happy for the both of them.Every body needs somebody,I guess.I think Dillon is hybernating again or working on the snow thrower.where are you Thomas?Cookie must be in straight jacket on 5th floor.Homecoming queen you about ready to head north along with Linda @ Rob.snow birds ar beginning to flap their wings I suppose.As for Judy and I we are hunkered down here,waiting for spring to return.Everyone keep the bright side up.Faith,hope and love.Peace brothers and sisters of the BIG 60.
Delores on April 23, 2012 7:50 PM
Cookie is keeping a very low profile. She claims two men in white jumpsuits with binoculars and an over-sized butterfly net are stalking her.
Thomas Dillon on April 24, 2012 10:21 AM
Dillon here -- Pete, only had to fire-up the snow blower one time this year. What Kay and I have been wrestling with for the past couple of weeks is when to cover our plants when there is a frost and or freeze warning -- at least 3 late evenings we have gone out and draped plants with sheets, newspapers, and upside down containers.
Carl, remember the term "Bud Break" that I picked up last year in California? My grapes had bud break because of this crazy weather and the new growth got caught and burned and shriveled up -- doubt that we will have any fruit this year.
Have not heard anything back from Mike Herring. Talk with Geehole regularly -- yes, he and Dora are going to do the nuptial thing. St. Clair is alive and well spending part of each week in Princeton and the other part in Va.
Carl, I keep thinking of our (you) generating more participation on the blog via something like a "Kevin Bacon" game , but more like a trivial pursuit game involving a little known fact about a classmate (s). For example questions such as "What four male members of the class of 1960 were involved in an infamous drag race with a state trooper?" -- too easy.
How about -- "What male member of the class of 1960 won several dance contests with a technique that involved his standing relatively in place and his female dance partner revolving around him in a circular fashion?"
Later.
Michael Farley on April 24, 2012 11:56 AM
Farley here ..... OR, who portrayed Mike Tyson in a bush infested yard in the town of Athens,WV. with 50 fraternity brothers looking on. By the way, this person is still alive and well.
Carl on April 24, 2012 12:06 PM
Tom, I'm sorry to hear of your shriveled vine, but you may be on the verge of a new saying, something like, "well, that's the way the bud breaks."
As for your trivia questions, I can't thank you enough for supposing that I could remember the names of 4 classmates who experienced anything "infamous" back in the day. (Thank goodness I have my mailing roster and yearbook for reference.)
Just 50-some hours before it's official:
Andrew Luck to your state; RG III to DC!!!
gene law on April 24, 2012 4:06 PM
They live, they live, good to hear from yall. happy trails now, Brenda, Becky, gonna chime in? Ginger, how bout a holler. geno
Linda phlegar Mills on April 24, 2012 4:49 PM
Bob and I plan to be in Princeton, Sept thru November (The Hokie Season) Hope the reunion is during that time and hope to see everyone at the monthly get togethers at Ryans. This has been a crazy weather Spring. Snow there in Princeton and 70's here in Altamonte. Hello to all.
Thomas Dillon on April 25, 2012 2:00 PM
Dillon here -- Anyone wish to venture a guess regarding our male dance winner? Several of us guys, including yours truly, thought his dance move was rather "dorky", but the judges who were most often teachers or parent chaperons seemed to like it. I will give all another day or so.
Farley, I have already admitted to getting my butt kicked, but good by Carl Penington in Athens that night in front of all his frat bothers, but at least, I didn't bite his ear off (or I don't remember tasting his blood, only my own).
And Carl, thanks for the concern for my vegetation. The names of the infamous four are "in the book", i.e., J.K's novel -- only the names were changed to protect the guilty, but the trooper's name was Troupo.
Fred Lucas on April 26, 2012 9:25 PM
After Trupo was run off of the highway,Joe Eskew got a ticket for wierd driving. He had a '48 Chevrolet and was driving in front of Mercer School on Mercer Street. He would drive foreward for about 100 feet. Then he would drive backward anout 100 feet. Foreward then backward until the Princeton Police stopped him and gave him a ticket. He had to pay a fine of $16.50. The next morninghe collected a dollar from sixteen of us and paid the fine. Dillon and George you weren't the only wierd drivers while you were at PHS. Fred Lucas
Carl on April 26, 2012 9:45 PM
Fred, the way I heard the story was that Joe collected a dollar ONLY from you. Am I misinformed?
Thomas Dillon on April 27, 2012 8:14 AM
Fred, Joe Askew was one of the other drivers in the drag race -- Askew, Farley, & George were driving, I was a passenger in J.K.'s car -- I guess Joe double-dipped.
Carl, here is a another term we learned the other night. A new massage therapist in our bible study class was sharing some of the tenets of her profession -- One should never "double touch" i.e, the therapist should never allow another part of his/her body to touch/lean against the client while they are kneading the muscles with their hands/elbows/feet/etc.
I will probably announce the name of the male dancer this evening -- we knew him by a nickname.
Carl on April 27, 2012 10:11 AM
Tom, I rarely quote scripture, but your Bible Study class story led me to Timothy 5:22: "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure." And I might add to that, "No double touching."
Fred Lucas on April 27, 2012 2:22 PM
Thanks for the information about Joe Eskew Tom. I didn't know that you were a passenger in the car. Carl I gave Joe a dollar. Tom' I can only imagine how frightened you were after Trupo stopped the cars.
Thomas Dillon on April 27, 2012 5:28 PM
Fred, I was very scared, even more so, after Troupo yanked J.K. out of the car and took him to the back and literally slapped him around. I was too frightened to turn around, but could hear the blows being landed. Farley had pulled off the road earlier so didn't get caught. I think Joe may have needed your dollar to help with his dry cleaning bill as there was a significant stain on the front of his khaki pants when we were being "booked" at the police station.
Jim George on May 5, 2012 4:36 PM
Come on guys. That was FICTION.
Carl on April 27, 2012 2:54 PM
Happy upcoming Birthdays to
Carl on April 27, 2012 6:14 PM
HEAVENS!!! You're all how old?
Young Chicken Dillon on April 28, 2012 7:22 AM
I always thought that I was younger than the majority of my classmates. Also forgot that I had dated older women.
Thomas Dillon on April 28, 2012 7:50 AM
Becoming a little schizo here -- had to cover the plants again Thursday night because of a freeze warning and then had to mow Friday for the 4th time this "Spring".
OK, no one evidently was interested in playing the trivia game about classmates, but as promised since it is prom weekend in Lebanon. I remember Calvin Roland as being a pretty good fast dancer. Bean had this one move wherein he rigidly stationed himself like a Maypole and his dance partner circled around him at an arm's distance. Again. some of us guys thought the move was not cool, but the judges (teachers, parents) liked it. When you one thinks about it, Bean's dance step was akin to a jitterbug and or Charleston step of earlier years.
Here is a another game we can play -- Take a well-known movie and cast it with members of the PHS class of 1960. For example, "The Breakfast Club" had 5 main characters and the teacher. We know who "The Kook" would be (no contest) as she holds the status "Resident Emeritus" today. There would be several possibilities for "The Jock", but I don't know anyone in our class who was pushed by his Dad that much to excel in sports (Rod Thorn would be the choice in another class). There would be several possibilities for "The Brain" and several possibilities for "The Bad Boy" (don't think we had any true "Criminal"). I am stumped by "The Princess" -- Several female classmates deserved Saturday detention for multiple peccadilloes, but the true princesses did not.
I may need to unretire or increase my meds! Help!
Delores on April 28, 2012 11:33 AM
I know who his dance partner was. They received a silver dollar from the judges for their efforts.
Thomas Dillon on April 29, 2012 5:09 PM
Kookie, I now remember the silver dollar award. Wasn't Calvin's dance partner a couple of years younger than we?
Do PHS bloggers take the weekend off?
Delores on April 29, 2012 6:21 PM
No and No. Who is "Kookie?"
Thomas Dillon on April 30, 2012 2:44 PM
D, I was trying to be funny again. Kookie is the stage name for your alter ego, Cookie. She was my only choice for the role of "The Kook" in the remake of the film, "The Breakfast Club". (See earlier entry).
Perhaps, I should remain the sagacious white-haired and white-bearded sage that I am and leave the comedy to some of the rest of you. Geno?? Aloma?? Brenda?? And yes, Cookie?
And we do, seemingly, take the weekends off from blogging. Someone, please help me.
Carl on May 1, 2012 11:35 AM
Dillon, in reviewing the birthday remarks, I note that you don't seem to have revealed your birthday. Wanna end the mystery?
Thomas Dillon on May 1, 2012 12:57 PM
I am almost out of ink, since I have been the only one blogging for days.
Cookie on May 1, 2012 1:25 PM
I ain't bloggin' 'cause I don't know "no" big words. But I did get a 4-H badge one time out yonder on Brush Creek for that cottage cheese/pear salad I made on Jackie Oblinger's TV show.
Becky Novarro on May 1, 2012 6:14 PM
Well Cookie, I don't see you as a Kook -- maybe now but in school??? Okay Sage, who are the others in your breakfast club??? Since Jimmy has aired his opinion you shouldn't be afraid!! Oh, and please either include a definition of your vocabulary or tell me how to find the dictionary on this site. Thanks.
"Kookie" on May 2, 2012 12:56 AM
Greetings from the 5th floor. Delores came to visit today and God help her. She must still be in high school because she continues to try and do the right thing. I think she is coming around however as she shared a story with me that gave me hope for her recovery. I worry I'll have her in the bed beside me. It seems a younger girlfriend had her panties in a knot because someone misunderstood her remarks. Delores said to her, "Well bless your heart honey. When you are younger you do try to please but when you get my age (70), frankly my dear, you won't give a sh*%. I must be rubbing off on her. Yawl keep bloggin now you hear. It is a great diversion.
"Kookie" on May 2, 2012 1:08 AM
P.S. Homecoming Queenie: di-ver-sion -- That means the following: In military strategy a maneuver that draws the attention of the enemy away from the planned point of attack. (The American Heritage Dictionary--High School Edition)
Did that help you!
Thomas Dillon on May 2, 2012 7:00 AM
I am up early this morning because I was awakened or awoken by another vivid (very clear and intense) dream about PHS classmates. Some of you may remember the Star Trek movie , "The Wrath of Khan". Have you heard of the "Wrath of Cookie (Kookie)?"
In my nightmare, Miss Cookie decided to take me up my challenge to cast any popular movie with members of the PHS Class of 1960. She informed me that I had been assigned (formally given and/or granted) a leading role by her in a movie she had chosen -- I would be able to retain (keep) my white hair and beard, my extreme wisdom (knowledge), could see and hear, but could not talk. Most devastating, I would not be able to blogg ever again because I would not have any hands or feet, but would have this all-consuming desire to bounce up and down.
Miss Cookie cast me as Wilson, the volleyball in the movie "The Cast Away".
The clear message to me and to you, my friends -- "Don't mess with Miss Cookie or Miss Kookie -- she will destroy you". Bounce, bounce, and bounce. Believe me, I have gotten the message.
Thomas Dillon on May 2, 2012 7:05 AM
Carl, I think my birthday was June 31st, 1944 -- all the records in the county courthouse were destroyed in a fire. I don't think my Mom would have prevaricated (to lie, not tell the truth) about this.
"Kookie" on May 2, 2012 11:33 AM
Dear Wilson:
Does this mean you are now officially (an adverb) an "air head"?
Carl on May 2, 2012 1:19 PM
Tom, what a remarkable coincidence, I too have always relied on my mother's honesty re my birthdate. And I'm not entirely sure, but I think it might have been Terry St. Clair who set fire to the courthouse. (: }
Carl on May 2, 2012 1:18 PM
Interesting info from Kaye Williams:
Just wanted to tell you an interesting fact. Jimmy's Resturant on Mercer St. in downtown Princeton will be celebrating over 90 years in business this weekend! It has been in the Mosrie family all that time. And as long as I can remember, there have been at least one "Jimmy" there. Most of us went there either after school or at lunch at least some of the time. They had the little individual juke boxes on each table and for about a nickel, you could play your favorite 45. They will be having bands all afternoon saturday in the little park across the street from Jimmy's. I don't know if there is a business still here that has been around that long--maybe Wheby's lunch but not sure. Anyone know? I know Virginia Hardware has been here a long time but don't think that long. Douglas Sporting goods had 75 years but closed last year.
Carl on May 2, 2012 1:56 PM
Just received this in an email:
Mercer School 100th Year Celebration (1912-2012)
All Former Mercerites Welcomed!
Open House/Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 P.M.
Tour the School . . . . . . . Old Yearbooks
Mercer Timeline (Displays of old pictures and events on display.)
CDs of pictures and history of the school.
Old Yearbooks on display!
Pepperoni Cheese Rolls and other refreshments!
Antique Car Show
Music from the decades!
1:00 Program in the Auditorium
Mercer School Choir . . . . . . . Mercer School Band
(Former band members are invited to contact Julia Kade if you would like to play with the band.)
All former Mercer Students, Faculty, and school personnel will be recognized.
Come place your STAR on the Mercer 100 Year Timeline.
Search for the Oldest Mercerite!
The oldest Mercerite will be receiving special recognition.
gene law on May 2, 2012 4:51 PM
Well we (some of us, not all of us) that is a few of us, which is more than one but less than ten, attended this month's dinner meeting at Ryan's, there were 9 (nine) folks (people) there, this is tough, do we have to explain everything we write (type), now uh oh (oops) I have forgotten (lost the thought) what I was saying (typing) after a long pause (rest period) I collected (got back) my thoughts (what it was I was gonna say) uh oh (oops) forgot again, oh yeah (remembered) we had a good time, missed you folks (had a longing to see you again) that weren't there (absent) also means (not present) don' confuse present with gift but present in body (actually there) but uh oh I forgot again things come and go right now they are going so I might as well too ( double o means also) learnt that some where, might have been school, can't remember (forgot) happy trails, geno
Thomas Dillon on May 2, 2012 7:20 PM
Geno, who is requiring that we define all our terms? Hint --look below.
What is wrong with palaver that is pretentious and often superfluous nomenclature?
Carl, we look to you for a spell check and dictionary to be added to the Blog icons.
Carl on May 3, 2012 12:51 PM
Tom, my spell check system is a dictionary.
Becky Novarro on May 2, 2012 6:50 PM
Remember that 30 days hath Sept., April, JUNE and November!!
Thomas Dillon on May 2, 2012 7:12 PM
Carl, evidently my Mom did prevaricate (lie). Do you think that I am actually 3 years younger than most of you, or was my birth year also invalid (not correct)?
'Kookie" on May 2, 2012 8:35 PM
What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary?
Thesaurus
Carl on May 3, 2012 12:57 PM
Tom, I would much rather you suspect me of weak ciphering skills than to think that a Pctn.-raised gentleman would question the veracity of Ma Dillon.
Thomas Dillon on May 3, 2012 3:00 PM
Carl, your ciphering skills are significant. I cannot believe you identified the Unsub -- the destroyer of records. Geno, you may have been replaced as Columbo of our class.
Mike Herring and I were both (truly) born in Radford, Virginia. Our parents all worked in the munitions factory there until my Dad went overseas.
Terry. St. Clair has been a resident of that area for years and continues to live there part time now. Why?He is the most likely culprit who set the Montgomery County courthouse on fire and destroyed the evidence of my true birth date.
Carl on May 3, 2012 3:21 PM
It seems that Terry has a history of setting buildings on fire. [We won't need Columbo to solve this one.] Just ask him. He likes to tell the story.
Becky Novarro on May 3, 2012 10:58 AM
Thanks for all the explanations/definitions Doctor! Everyone knows I only went to college to get a husband.
AND, 1944 minus 1942 = 2.
Still no ID of the Breakfast Club!??
gene law on May 3, 2012 2:02 PM
Wow words too big, dillon, can't compute, becky, math is too much, can't calculate, somebody tell me about the good ol' days, make my old memories come alive, hmm I might have heard that in a song somewhere, when I wrote somewhere, I thought of over the rainbow, when I wrote rainbow I thought of rainbow stew and free bubble up, some how I gonna have to shift gears, by the way what was we talkin' bout? musta forgot again, oh well have a happy whatever,
Airhead Dillon on May 3, 2012 3:30 PM
I really never had a cast picked out for "The Breakfast Club" and don't have one now. I just wanted someone to play with me. Cookie translated to Kookie only because of the similarity of spelling and had nothing to do with the behavior of our dear D while she was in high school. I can't come up with good matches for any of the other characters either.
Homecoming Queenie -- I like that. Geno and I are committed to learning you something whatever it takes. You were the only pupil who caught the 31 days in June and 1944 minus 1942 equals 2, not 3 -- perhaps there is hope for you. The rest of the class didn't want to hurt my feelings by pointing those errors out. It was a test and you passed.
"Kookie" on May 3, 2012 4:10 PM
Ask Queenie if she can really lay claim to catching the error. I am busy memorizing The American Heritage Dictionary, High School Edition. I was doing well until page 104 when I stumbled over the word "banish." It just threw me deep into thought. Now that's a word that could move one to action.
Mike Murphy on May 3, 2012 8:36 PM
Carl is definately- Itchyban, Wayhid, Uno, Ein on numbers.
He developed the Management Information System and Student Progress System for the Job Corps program. At the time there were 110+ centers and 40,000+ students in the US and Protectorates. In addition Carl was a good writer and speaker. I tried to steal him from his employer twice but had to hire a minority instead!
I still think he deserves a Dukedom or Earldom ie Duke of Earl! Sincerly thanks for the great web site! Keep the faith Mike
Delores on May 3, 2012 8:58 PM
Agreed Murph. Carl was always an eloquent (page 424, High School Edition) speaker. When we were in the 9th grade at PJHS I took second place to him during the in-school eliminations to represent the school in the county speech competitions. I was surely miffed at him but finally forgave him when I saw his handywork here. Congratulations to you both for brilliant and successful careers.
'Kookie" on May 3, 2012 9:00 PM
Dear that would be "handiwork."
Airhead Wheat-Dillon on May 4, 2012 6:25 AM
I think Carl should be promoted to King Carl (I just had this craving for fried chicken) rather than just having the status of Earl.
Kookie, speaking of royalty -- I gave Queenie the benefit of doubt for having caught my math errors --it was surely her college-purchased husband. I was trying to be nice and one has to be a little sorry for the poor girl -- she must winter in of all places, Naples Florida, and then suffer thought the summer in those West Virginia hills --it was 85 here yesterday.
Accolades to you for getting through the first letter of the alphabet in your memorization project.
I am out of air, again.
gene law on May 4, 2012 8:23 AM
WOW WHAT A BUNCH, ORANGE YOU GLAD WE GOT A BLOG. You folks are alright I'm glad to know you. Keep on bloggin, sometimes you're above the things in my noggin, but I get the drift, my wife thinks i am getting senile sitting in front of this computer and chuckling, oh well just so long as she don't try to get me committed. KING CARL does have a ring to it doncha think. happy days. geno
Becky Novarro on May 4, 2012 1:12 PM
Uncle!!! Auntie, too.
Geeze Cousin, who knew??
Thomas Dillon on May 4, 2012 7:24 PM
Catch all of you on Monday as the weekend is upon us and we don't touch the blog keys during that period.
Watch out for the Moon!!!
gene law on May 5, 2012 9:34 AM
Why, is it falling, I watched the moon last night, I am always fascinated by the moon, it finally disappeared behind the clouds, then it bagn to sprinkle rain, maybe ol' Hank Williams knew what he was singing about when he sang "that ol moon just went behind a cloud to hide his face and cry" Oh well cloudy and rainy in green valley, but there is joy in ol' geno this morning, the birds were singing the squirrels were out gathering, and the woods were alive with spring, the rain will wash some of the pollen off the leaves, more will come out, my allergies will flourish, God is near and it is a cause for joy. Rejoice and be glad for this is the day that the Lord has made....happy trails good folks... geno
Thomas Dillon on May 5, 2012 1:26 PM
Geno, the moon is going to be closer to the earth tonight than any other time this year (I think that is the time frame). As a result, it is supposed to be brighter, and appear to be larger. No rain here today, but cloudy, so don't know if I will be able to howl at the moon tonight. I may, regardless of whether it is visible or not. Hope your cloudy skies clear up.
Mike Murphy on May 5, 2012 2:51 PM
Here’s to more Moonshine (:-) Keep the Faith Mike
Jim George on May 5, 2012 4:45 PM
Dillon, just re-reading the blog. Glad that Queenie did the math. You might have been a child prodigy, but probably not two year's worth of prodigiousness. (Carl, find that in your fancy dictionary). Maybe your mom sniffed a bit too much of the chemicals there at the ammo plant in Radford.
Is there some way we can get a spell-check feature on this thing Mr. Thomason?
Carl on May 7, 2012 11:24 AM
As several have ably -- and accurately -- pointed out, the blog spell checker is a dictionary. Personally, I find that misspellings can add to the texture and richness of the blog, and would not want one's expressiveness stifled by a need to be perfectly accurate.
As Andrew Jackson so eloquently -- and accurately, to my way of thinking -- stated, "It's a damn poor mind that can think of but one way to spell a word."
Thomas Dillon on May 7, 2012 4:46 PM
Hey Guys, there is a spell check (free) function if you download the Google toolbar -- it will check your blog entry.
We should have paid more attention to learning how to spell. I remember actually studying spelling words (7th or 8th) grade and never scoring 100% when tested. Mokey Crawford never studied but always did extremely well.
But why do we need spell check when we have our ladies to type our papers for us?
Brenda, hope all is well. We miss you.
Geno, take advantage of the current moon beams -- I think I heard that it will be in the year 2026 before this happens again. Some of you will be nearing the ripe old age of 86 years.
JK George on May 8, 2012 4:35 PM
I'm not going to crosscheck good old Andrew Jackson on this, but somehow me thinks that Carl might just have put words in his mouth.
Jim George on May 5, 2012 4:48 PM
Hey folks, I'm crashing into the present with this stuff they call the Social Media. Hmm. There now is a blog. If you are brave and wanna read some rookie musings about the novel, check it out:
http://reunion.authorsxpress.com/
gene law on May 7, 2012 3:49 PM
Hey Tom thanks, I thought that big ol' moon looked bigger than usual, now I know why, I won't remember it but I know for now, skies have cleared in Green Valley, right now sun is shining bright and rain drops are falling, reminds me of March, although I'm sure it is May, or may be not, any way don't keep all that knowledge to yourself pass it around, never know who it will bless, happy trails.
"Kookie" on May 7, 2012 5:23 PM
Greetings from the 5th Floor!
Dear Moonbeam Wilson: Last week I got a new room-mate and she arrived with a goldfish in a bowl. "Hey Einstein, what's with the goldfish" I asked. She replied that it was her 3rd husband--Darrell. "Really!" Well I asked, "Does he have another brother Darrell for me?" I knew immediately I was in for a ride. She proceeded to explain that her psychologist, a renounded and respected doctor told her that Darrell was also a doctor and that marriage to him would greatly improve her mental stability. She explained that her previous forays into matrimony had not gone well. It seems husband #1 was a young college-purchased fellow that she could never keep at home. So, she next found an old non-college-purchased fellow that she could never keep awake. Thus friends--Darrell. I pondered this interesting life story for awhile and finally said. "Well, bless your heart! I can only tell you one thing. If Darrell keeps swimming around and around and around asking whats for supper and when you are going to have his conference speech typed one of us is going to flush his over-stuffed ass down the toilet."
Wilson Dillon on May 7, 2012 5:52 PM
Vice President Biden would surely approve of this as he is supportive of any two of anything being together and deserving of full rights and privileges.
Perhaps our Medicare benefits will be expanded now for any scaly conditions that were previously not covered.
It must have been a purely platonic relationship for Darrel and his spouse as she couldn't get into the fish bowl and he could not stay outside for very long.
"kookie" on May 7, 2012 9:56 PM
Greetings from the 5th floor!
Dear Moonbeam Wilson:
Actually she did get into the fishbowl a few times and finally gave up....she couldn't wake him up. Periodically he would just go something like "Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!" Then, he would ask if his speech was typed.
Moonshine on May 8, 2012 9:50 AM
What's this all-important speech that Darrell is having typed? You would think that he is going to be the key note speaker at the opening session of the United Kingdom of Animalia Society this summer. Is he going to talk about "Love among the Chordata"?
Would our biology teacher be proud of us? Oh for Google and computers when we were in school.
"Kookie" on May 8, 2012 12:11 PM
Dear Moonbeam Wilson
Darrell is the keynote speaker at the annual convention of the
American Psychological Association. The topic is, "Does your psychologist need therapy too?"
Fondly "Kookie"
Carl on May 8, 2012 11:34 AM
Frances Moody will turn 90 on May 15.
(She is the caregiver for her sister Betty, who is ill.)
Frances was a wonderful teacher, choir director & composer of the PHS alma mater.
Should you care to send a card:
Frances Moody
221 College Avenue
Princeton, WV 24740
gene law on May 8, 2012 2:25 PM
Goldfish brings back fond memories for me I had a golfish once took him out of his bowl, petted him, kept taking him out of his bowl longer and longer every day, taught him to breathe regular air, then I taught him to walk on his tail fin, followed me every where I went, alas one day we were walking over a wooden bridge and he fell through a space between the boards, I jumped in the water to save him, but he drowned, forgot how to swim I guess. happy trails.
Dr. Thomas Dillon on May 8, 2012 7:55 PM
Dr. D. here
I ask that you sit down and perhaps even drink up to 2 ounces of a strong spirit before you read the rest of this message.
My strong professional position is that your goldfish did not accidententily fall between the cracks in the bridge
In your humbleness, you did not share that you had also taught your goldfish how to read. He became an avid consumer of the written word and novels such as
Geno, my friend, your goldfish had to leave because he knew that regardless of how hard he tried and how patient you were, he could never be what you wanted him to be. As he and you grew older, he knew what the future held. He was fearful that he would break a fin trying to learn to fetch or catch a Frisbee in his mouth while he was in the air. Or that he wouldn
Enough, I have my therapy session in 15 minutes.
Darrell's Widow on May 8, 2012 9:20 PM
Dear Dr. Moonbeam Wilson of the "Family Cracticidae":
There is no way Moonbeam penned this piece! It does not smack of his normal superior intellect nor of his never-ending quest for enlightenment of the masses. Moonbeam, why don't you just Let Them Eat Cake? (Do we have another imposter?)
Post script: "There is nothing more exhilarating than to be shot at without result." Winston Churchill
Michael Farley on May 8, 2012 6:07 PM
Farley here...... SOMEONE CARES
A while back I bumped into an old friend. We were discussing our children when he said, "Our kids grow up and we grow old. Growing up is fun, but growing old sure isn't."
His remark gnawed at me. I began to feel sorry for myself, and to snap out of it, I decided to dive into some work. I started with the basement where among the dusty college textbooks now-forgotten best sellers was a Boy Scout Handbook from 40 years ago. On the cover, three boys sat around a campfire under the stars. I remembered camping out with my own troop; I could smell the wood smoke, feel the bite of the night air-too many years ago.
Thumbing through the book, I discovered a wealth of interesting things. Many of them I still remembered, but others were brand-new. Wouldn't first aid be a good thing to learn, even now? And what about knot-making? When I was a kid, those complicated patterns had seemed silly, but now they facinated me. Sure, I wasn't a youngster anymore, but for just that reason I could enjoy these things in a way no child ever could.
Since then I've learned to tie a rolling hitch and to navigate by the stars. And I've learned that while growing up is fun, so is growing old. ---Philip Zaleski
Carl on May 8, 2012 9:13 PM
Thanks Mike for the beautiful thought. It reminded me that, as Robert Browning wrote, "The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made."
gene law on May 9, 2012 3:36 PM
Dr. Dillon, now why didn't think of that? I now feel as I have grown intellectually, thanks for your input, all these years what I thought was a tragic accident was really a magnificent escape, maybe the great escape, well who'd thought it? anyway happy trails, btw who's the widow
Carl on May 9, 2012 5:20 PM
A follow-up from Kaye Williams re Jimmy's Restaurant:
I had read that Jimmy's Resturant was now in business in Princeton more than 90 years and a celebration was held last Saturday. They had bands performing across the street all day and food in the store. I went in Jimmy's for the first time in maybe 45 years. I had eaten there a lot in Jr. High and some in high school. It was like going back in time!!! Nothing had changed. The little individual juke boxes are still on the tables, and you can play three songs for .25, the big mural is on the wall, soda fountains are still there, and one of the little refrigerators still has the same "Fairmont Milk" sign on it that I know was there in the 60's. And there is a phone booth still behind the counter. It was neat to see it all. Nothing was any different than all those years ago.
michael farley on May 9, 2012 6:15 PM
Farley here..... Another place that goes back in time that hasn't changed is Sam Modad's beer joint down on Mercer St. I was walking by last summer and stuck my head in the door and everything was exactly the same as it was in the late 50's. Counter with stools. 3 or 4 wooden booths against the wall. I use to stop in for a cold one every once in a while along with some of my HS buddies in the ole 48 Merc. I never new them to sale any food except some pickled eggs or some hot sasuages. WOW!!!! Seems like 100 yrs. ago.
michael farley on May 9, 2012 6:15 PM
Farley here..... Another place that goes back in time that hasn't changed is Sam Modad's beer joint down on Mercer St. I was walking by last summer and stuck my head in the door and everything was exactly the same as it was in the late 50's. Counter with stools. 3 or 4 wooden booths against the wall. I use to stop in for a cold one every once in a while along with some of my HS buddies in the ole 48 Merc. I never new them to sale any food except some pickled eggs or some hot sasuages. WOW!!!! Seems like 100 yrs. ago.
Michael Farley on May 9, 2012 6:20 PM
Farley here..... Sorry for the double story. You don't have to read it twice. AND I DON'T EVEN STUTTER!!!
Widows Anonomyous on May 10, 2012 12:19 AM
Geno, Darrell's widow is the woman who married the late, great goldfish with the PHD. Joe Biden said it was a good thing.
Dr. Moonbeam Wilson on May 10, 2012 8:41 AM
Thanks for the clarification. I don't think we knew that Dr. Darrell had passed. Our sincere condolences.
Ms. Kookie knew the family. Speaking of families, mine is of the subfamily "Bovinae" -- we are famous for our tough hides.
Ms. Dr. Darrell's Widow -- I am truly Dr. Moonbeam Wilson and made the analysis on Geno's lost. Perhaps I was not up to par as I was wrestling with my own psychological dilemma. My ship-wrecked mate and fellow cast away keeps talking about getting off of this island and returning to the mainland and his wife. After all this time I don't have a heart (only a rubber bladder and several layers of hide) to share with him my fear that she has already moved on and is with another. Do you tell someone you deeply care about something that will hurt them so much?
Mike Murphy on May 10, 2012 10:26 AM
Lugar Gone!
Protest vote iv WV - 41% of Dems Voted for an incarcerated (jailed in Texas) as opossed to Obama!
Carol - what is this world coming to? Keep the faith Mike
Carl on May 10, 2012 10:42 AM
I was a bit surprised that it wasn't a good deal more than 41%. I'm guessing that Murphy didn't vote nearly as many times as I expected. Shows how little I know about politics -- and Murph.
Mike Murphy on May 10, 2012 1:20 PM
Carl - another 25,000 demos or independants did not vote at all for the Presidental slot? I didn't get a chance to contribute.
Vote early and often?
Thomas Dillon on May 11, 2012 5:38 PM
Happy Mother's Day to all of you lovely Ladies who were so blessed by God.
The weekend is upon us, so will see you again on Monday.
Carol Martin on May 11, 2012 10:55 PM
Carol here...It has been months. Carl my background is no longer blue. Your diagnosis must have been correct since RP moved up to second place in the republican race and is now nipping at Romney's ankles. Our state delegate meeting is May 19 to select the "at large" delegates to the national convention. I am getting tired of these meetings. I won't bore you, but we are having problems with the "good ole boys" in Columbia.
A big thank-you to you folks in Indiana for sending RINO Lugar packing. We get our turn in 2014. Look out Lindsey, you are next!
Tom, how is Kay's shoulder problem? Neil tried months of therapy and will have surgery on May 18. For someone who normally plays tennis three times a week to not play for five months has been an adjustment.
Does anyone ever see Jeff Shumaker, Pat and Irwin?
Pete Stephenson on May 12, 2012 8:42 AM
Carol,the latest i have on Irwin is not so good.My sister Patsy that is married to Irwin's brother Toby,told us last evening that Irwin has now lost her sight.She is still being fed with feeding tube.Also whatever she has,Patsy says she can't hold her head up and it stays towards her right shoulder now.She has some neurological brain problem of sorts.I don't have the name of the disease.She definately needs all our prayers now.I would like to say HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all you mothers out there.I hope you all have a good one.Since everyone is aparently taking the weekends off now you probably wan't get this message until Monday.Anyway hope all has a good day tomorrow.Judy and I will be on our way to Columbia SC to see her Dr. there.Still not having the best of luck with her surgery from last Oct.Look on the bright side everone and have a good weekend.Faith,Hope,and Love.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 12, 2012 1:44 PM
Carol...I see Jeff every week. He is doing good. Haven't seen Pat for awhile. I saw Gene Thursday evening and understand that Barbara is not doing well at all.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 12, 2012 1:46 PM
P.S. That is Gene Six and Barbara Hill.
Carl on May 12, 2012 12:45 PM
Demonstrating that weekends need not be user-free on our Blog, and reacting to Geno's (and perhaps others) fondness for "memory" entries, I was thinking again about our high school days where friends, piled into a car, would chip in to buy enough gas for the evening's cruising. Sometimes a dollar's worth would do; $2 meant you'd be home a bit later that night. And, of course, there was no self-serve, so you'd tell the guy, when he asked "Fill 'er up?" "No, just gimme $2 worth of regular." So it occurred to me that self-service can be a bleassing. It saves me the embarrassment of telling a gas station attendant, "No, just give me $40 worth." I'm sometimes nearly ashamed of how frugal I've become.
Pete Stephenson on May 12, 2012 6:00 PM
Pete here.Carl,strange you mentioned the cruzing coins.One evening there were 5 of us guys in my dads green goose olds,I stuck my hand out for gas money.Rounded up a whapping 67 cents.I believe we got close to 5 gal,cruzed all evening.didn't have enough left for a hot dog.When i first started in the trucking business a friend from Michigan and i were west bound on I 80 in Wyoming.I told him we would stop at the Laramie Wyoming truck stop for fuel.At the truck stop the fuel was 16 cents per.we went on past the truck stop to a smaller place and bought fuel for 13 cents Per.that was 1970 or there abouts.Darn things sure have changed.Would 40 bucks fill up your vehicle?not mine for sure.Faith,Hope,and Love.Keep the bright side up.
gene law on May 12, 2012 6:56 PM
AHH, remember the good ol' days, tell me are the good times over for good???? for all you mother's HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!! for all HAPPY TRAILS
Carl on May 12, 2012 7:10 PM
Geno, thanks to you we've been reminded that the good old days/times aren't over. You've shown us that we can find great pleasure in new fallen snow -- a drive or a frolic; an anniversay dinner with our "special one." Pete, I believe, reminded us of the joy to be found with youngsters making snow angels or having a snowball fight. You've mentioned other times when "smelling the roses" was special -- as it always is, and always has been, at any age. To have been born into this world, in this country, at the special time that produced our generation, is to have been blessed beyond measure. And we may still find joy ahead.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all who qualify.
HAPPY TOMORROW DAY to all others!
Take care; stay well; and keep the shiny side up.
gene law on May 13, 2012 3:36 PM
Thanks Carl, as always you can put icing on a bland cake and make it grand. Glad I can call you friend, happy trails.
Fred Lucas on May 13, 2012 6:05 PM
This message is directed to Mike Farley. You recently raised the question how does one handle aging. Mike several years ago, I had a talk with Roger Hickman. I was in Princeton and was working out at the hospital fitness center . I work out at least six days per week for an hour and one half. I walk, ride a stationary bike, swim laps for forty five minutes and work with free weights and resistence machines. At my physical exam , the physician found nothing abnormal. Roger encouraged me to continue.
I watch my diet eating three servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day. I usually eat fish and chicken.
Yesterday, I was in Carrolton Kentucky attending a Scottish Festival. I enjoyed the bagpipe bands, dancers, and shepherds pie. Since some of my ancestors were scottish, I have a shirt that says " Real Men Wear Kilts". Take care Mike.
Michael Farley on May 14, 2012 9:55 PM
WOW!!! That is great Fred. I have a lot of friends that are on the same wave link. They also are on a work-out schedule at the gym. They all seem to be fairly healthy. My wife and I try to visit the gym when we are not working at Disney. If you have ever been to the Animal Kingdom Park at Disney World, you probably have visited the Festival of the Lion King theater. We usher guest in and out of that show all day long. That gives us a good work out and we have fun at the same time. We are seasonal employees and work around 200 to 300 hours each year. We have been doing this since we retired from Rockwell Collins 10 years ago. Disney is a happy place and it keeps us young at heart. Keep Believing, Mike
Jim George on May 16, 2012 7:29 AM
Ditto to what Mike Farley says, Fred. Keep up the exercise. You do a better job than I do here. For the most part, other than LOTS of yard work, for me it's jogging. Austin has lots of running/jogging trails and I try to run around the lake here once (or preferably) twice a week. Usually I run the three mile loop. Congrats on taking care of yourself.
Mike Murphy on May 17, 2012 12:16 PM
Cookie & Carl - Saw where the Maryland Legis raised your income taxes. I remember when I lived there - state tax, county tax, and a special soda tax for Montgomery County plus a City tax for Rockville ( fortunatly I was outside city limits). If you decide to move to lower/no income tax state, you must sell your property in Maryland or Va. to keep from paying in MD & VA. Fortunately (or not) WV has an absentee landlord law and I declared my residence in TX to avoid state taxes, when overseas but the Feds soaked me. I never understood Military overseas having to pay taxes!?
Any news on Mini Reunion? Keep the faith Mike
Delores on May 17, 2012 10:54 PM
Yelp Mike! Good Ole O'Malley and his cronies in Annapolis just raised the income tax and more importantly moved the teacher's pension from the State Retirement Board down to the counties for funding. I am contacting the Retired Teachers Association tomorrow to determine if they plan litigation, etc. My retirement contract was with the State not Prince George's County where I worked. I live in Calvert County. I guess eventually I will receive an IOU the first of each month. Its like a giant Ponzy scheme. My property taxes go up so I can fund my pension...then they can send me a check. According to Fox this morning, Maryland is now the 4th most taxed state in the country. Beautiful place to live but....I am encouraged however. There are now 14 Red counties in the State and for the first time in history Calvert and St. Mary's Counties have more registered conservatives than liberals. O'Malley has his sights set on bigger things in 2016. Its called 1600! Vote for this guy and its a vote for insanity. He does play a mean guitar however. And, he looks in the mirror a great deal!
Delores on May 20, 2012 1:16 PM
I read with great interest Jimmy George's "Reunion" blog entry this morning regarding Diana's journey toward recovery. What an amazing story and what an equally amazing woman. My heartfelt best go out to each of them in the days and months ahead. A half century love story is truly a blessing. Congratulations on #50.
Jim George on May 20, 2012 6:47 PM
Thanks, Cookie. Very much appreciated. Jimmy.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 21, 2012 4:34 PM
Just saw where Bill Stewart, former WVU football coach, passed away today of an apparant heart attack while playing golf.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 21, 2012 4:37 PM
apparent...sorry for the typo.
Fred Lucas on May 21, 2012 5:48 PM
I would like to add to Darla's thoughts about coach Bill Stewart. He died of an apparent heart attack while playing golf at the Stonewall Jackson Golf Course. He died of an apparent heart attack. The EMT people were unable to revive him. He was 59. He is survived by his wife Karen and son Blaine.
He was hired as an assistant by Don Nehlen. He became head coach after Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan. He compiled a record of 27-12. Fourteen of his players are in the NFL.
He and his teams made regular visits to Childrens Hospital. He was a good man respected by all who knew him.
Mike Murphy on May 22, 2012 12:26 PM
Sorry to hear about Coach Stewart.
Aretta and I celebrated our 30th Aniversity at the Stonewall Resort 6 wks past. It is a beautiful place, with many attractions. Look for deals on WV travel magazine WWW. A bit pricey but worth it. Keep the faith Mike
Fred Lucas on May 22, 2012 5:05 PM
The family of Coach Bill Stewart requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Bill Stewart Memorial Community Fund c/o Greater Morgantown Community Trust P.O. Box 409 Morgantown WV 26507.
A private funeral mass will be held for family and friends.
Concerning the living, I read the report about Diana George. I'm pleased with the progress she is making. I spoke with the speech therapist at the Mercy Hospital where I exercise and she is also pleased.
Carl on May 26, 2012 11:13 AM
Hatfields and McCoys:
For 3 nights starting this Mon. (May 28) at 9 pm, the History Channel will run its new miniseries on the Hatfield & McCoy feud. Episodes 2 & 3 at 9 pm, Tues. & Wed.
Here's a link to the "preview" -- actually there are 3. It leads off with a short preview of another show, so be patient.
http://www.history.com/shows/hatfields-and-mccoys/videos/playlists/web-exclusives#hatfields-and-mccoys-saga
Looks like a rousing presentation of a famous piece of WV history.
Michael Farley on May 26, 2012 11:15 AM
Farley here.... As we venture into this Memorial Day weekend == " Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave" Keep Believing, Mike
Carl on May 26, 2012 11:25 AM
Nice sentiment Mike. (Francis Scott Key could hardly have said it better.) Take care; stay well; laugh often.
Mike Murphy on May 26, 2012 11:49 AM
Remembrance & Praise be unto our Veterans esp 1960 Grads. If I recall correctly John Smith was killed in Veitnam. To he and others thanks for our freedom. Keep the faith Mike
Carl on May 26, 2012 4:34 PM
Murph, I think you're right about John Smith -- RIP. Like many other Vietnam servicemen, he left us much too soon.
I don't know who all served in the military, but can ID the following:
Doug Damewood (Army: served in Vietnam), Tracy French (Army: served in Vietnam), Pete Stephenson (AF), Scotty Reid (AF), Raymond Kidwell (Army), Wayne Alvis (Marines), Cecil Blevins (Air Force), Carlton Evans (Air Force), Douglas Johnston (Navy), Joe McKenzie (Air Force), Arnold Palmer (Air Force), Kenny Ellis (Air Force), Fitzhugh Mills (Air Force), Carl Thomason (Army) & Edward Tomchin (WV Nat'l. Guard). My apologies for omitting others who served without my knowing.
Fred Lucas on May 26, 2012 3:26 PM
I would like to remember the veterans of all of the wars in which our nation has been involved. Many of the veterans who come to the gym wear hats describing the units in which they have served. Many are World War 2 and Korean War veterans. I thank each one for their service. When we would go to the Memorial Building, I remembered the veterans who served.
Carl thanks for the information about the Hatfields and McCoys. If you go to Pikeville Kentucky, you can see the Hatfield McCoy Historical District.Several years ago, I met a woman named Jenny McCoy whose ancestor was Randall McCoy. She told me that the Hatfields who published a book about the feud didn't get the story straight. I laughed.
Dr.J Hatfield who taught American History at Concord was a descendant of Devil Hatfield.
Pete Stephenson on May 26, 2012 8:04 PM
Thanks carl and Mike for pointing out the veterans from class of 60.John Smith was one of the nicest men I ever met.He and I were matched up a lot in Football practice.I did not know he was a casulty of Viet Nam.Just a little side note,It was early February with about a foot of snow on the ground.Kenny Ellis,Fitzhugh Mills,Bob Monahan and myself were scheduled to fly out of mercer co.airport.To no avail we did not fly out of there.Instead Kenny Ellis's dad was a WVA State trooper.He rode us from Princeton to Charleston in his trooper cruiser.We made it to the recrutement center where we spent the night,and flew to San Antonio the next day.We looked liked 4 gangsters being hauled off to the State pen.what fun.Haven't seen any of the boys since.Miss Fitz.also,may he and John rest in peace.Have a good memorial day. To all of you that served no matter what capacity.God Bless you all.
"Cookie" on May 26, 2012 10:09 PM
Dear Pete: I remember the snow of February 1961 VERY well. Some things are life changing events. That was one that defined mine.
Thomas Dillon on May 27, 2012 6:09 AM
Good morning. Dillon here. Up at 4:30 AM, not to go to the race as it is to be the hottest race day in history. Overnight shooting in Indy with fans still drunk from last night's partying. Estimates are that many fans will need medical attention this afternoon -- 14,000 gallons of beer will be sold today.
I did not have the privilege of serving our country in the armed services. Thank you to all who served and particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Pete, I remember Big John well and loved it when quarterback Herring called a play that meant I would carry the ball to the side where you, Geehole, and John were opening a hole.
Don't know how many of you know this, but I wanted to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. In our senior year, I took an excruciating long bus trip from Princeton to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio for 2 days of physical and mental testing. Admission to any one of the academies is based upon a nomination from a Federal Senator or House of Representative Member and passing the exams. I was number 14 of 15 on one list -- my parents didn't have any pull with anyone.
Food for thought -- If I had gone to the Academy, I would have graduated in 1964 and then gone on to training to become a navigator or fighter pilot.
This would have meant my flying during the height of the Viet Nam conflict ----??????
Thomas Dillon on May 27, 2012 8:46 AM
Fourteen arrests already this morning, mostly for DWI's. One man who was in a fender bender blew 4 times the legal limit on the breath analysis.
gene law on May 27, 2012 1:54 PM
wow real stories from real people, thanks to all who served, thanks for your thoughts, Cookie, please share that life changing snow storm, would like to hear it, how bout you other folks, I love to hear your stories, 2 bridges on 460 the Ray B. Cheatwood, good friend of mine (4th cousin), Juston Thacker bridge (great nephew) have earned a place of recognition. There is an untold wealth of information that could be shared in this community by all the folks that have passed through this way, I relish every thought, and delight in hearing about each part everyone played on the stage of life in Princeton, hope you have a blessed and peaceful Memorial Day. happy trails to all.
Carl on May 27, 2012 4:35 PM
Well Geno, it all started in a simple one-room cabin in the woods, miles from the nearest school, and during an era when the Second Ice Age was the common fear. And having newspaper-lined shoes -- when I had shoes at all -- the harsh winters were . . .
(As they say, be careful what you wish for.)
Seriously tho', I completely share Gene's sentiments. I relish the stories from those thrilling days of yesteryear. Cookie has set the bar high, but I know that others can make equally valued contributions. So how 'bout it?
Now then, all together:
(to the tune of "Make Someone Happy")
Make Geno happy,
Make just our Geno happy;
Make Geno's the one heart you sing to.
His smile will cheer you,
His face will burn bright when he hears you
And then we'll all be happy too.
Pete Stephenson on May 27, 2012 5:37 PM
It sure does my heart good to hear about all the happiness going around.I know if we can make Geno happy we are doing our part.I can't imagine how hot it is going to be for the fans at the race but what about the drivers.Thomas have you any knowledge of any indy car drivers passing out from heat exaustion in the race?I have a question for anybody in our class.Do any of you have your grade school year book?Say year 54-55.I can't believe I found mine yesterday rummaging thru some of my mothers ole pictures and things.Mike Farley you even signed it.Great picture of Mr Neal,Dougs father, was my principal.Great by gone memories.Believe it or not I was on the basketball team.lost my way some how.Geno I know you should be in there but couldn't pick you out.Have a good weekend all.Keep the bright side up.Faith,Hope,Love,
carl on May 27, 2012 5:56 PM
Pete, your reference to an 8th-grade yearbook must mean that you were at Mercer then. At Knob, I don't recall our having a yearbook. Don't know about Thorn, Glenwood, and the elementary school for Pctn's Black students.
What can anyone tell me about the Black/African-American elementary school in Pctn. prior to 1956. I was completely ignorant of its very existence during those years.
Pete Stephenson on May 27, 2012 8:29 PM
Pete here.Carl sorry to have forgot to put the school name in the previous message.It was a year book 54-55,from Thorn school.Really interesting to go back and see what a lot of your mates were then.I went to Mercer a couple years prior to that time.The email was very nice and I feel the same for you and a lot of classmates.Keep the shiny side up.FAith,Hope,and Love.
Becky Novarro on May 28, 2012 9:00 AM
Good to hear up stories on here. We all have witnessed so much saddness in our lives.
Jim and I have returned to Almost Heaven. Had my hot dogs before we went to a concert at Pipestem Saturday night. Watched ducks protect their babies from something black with a long tail--Jerry finally identified it as a Weazle! My first view! Dear me, I have lived a sheltered life. Today, Memorial Day, we, Sheila & Jerry Tennant and Jim and I, are going to Bramwell for their parade and celebration. We've done that for years and love the patriotism of this area.
God bless all our Veterans and current service people.
Glad to be here! Aren't we all! Happy Memorial Day.
"Cookie" on May 28, 2012 11:21 AM
Welcome back to "Heaven" Queenie. Have a hot dog on me.
To all my classmates who have served and protected me--this Memorial Day I say a sincere thank you.
For those who watch Chris Hayes, the bespectaled commentator on MSNBC, he stated yesterday that he was "Uncomfortable" calling Fallen Military "Heroes." When I look at a wounded warrior I just have difficulty putting my arms around that statement. So to Chris here is a "Cookie Shout-Out." "Thats why they are heroes and you Chris are a nerd."
If you belong to an organization or can do so independently, I urge you to adopt one of our wounded. My local Garden Club is doing so this fall. Today they are bringing several bus loads, along with their families, down from DC for a day of charter fishing on the Bay. Each year when they do this the citizens line the roads welcoming them to lovely Calvert County.
So to all from the Class of 60 who have served I again say thank you and to Daddy--thank you for your 3 years in the South Pacific. My sister brought him to DC for the opening of the WWII Memorial. He spent the entire day there wearing his USS Wasp hat and literally dozens of young and old alike came up to him wanting to know about the war. If you are ever in Washington it is probably the most beautiful and well-designed memorial in the city. It is worth the visit.
Wayne Jones on May 28, 2012 2:35 PM
Hello from Princeton!!
Little Buddy Radio sponsored a trip for Veterans to Washington for Memorial Day. Little Buddy Radio is operated by the Denver Foundation or Dreama Denver widow of Bob Denver of Gilligans Island or Dobie Gillis fame. All revenues generated by the radio station is rolled back into the community charitable organizations. How Mercer County has been blessed with their presents.
gene law on May 28, 2012 3:47 PM
well Carl I remember those newspaper lined shoes, I remember the little ol' cabin far from the nearest school, I never figured out how come it was uphill going and coming home too, I do remember this little ol' girl who wore a red hood every day and I remember the wolf who chased her home every day, Pete I didn't know we had annual books back then, that's probably why I wasn't in it my memory has been erased, when you folks go to Pipestem, when you get to the horse barn where they rent the horses, face it from the road, to the left is where the Foley's lived, and if you take all that in all the way to where the lifts are that was all planted in corn, the Law's and the Foley's, and the Craddocks owned just about all of that area, at one time that was a huge farm. some folks called it a rock garden, others called it home. Lot of history in that part of the country. Revenoors and moonshiners had a big shootout there. Bygone days, but memories still alive, remember that ol' song, "sing me back home to where I belong, make my old memories come alive". well before I get to carried away, happy trails
Pete Stephenson on May 28, 2012 8:33 PM
Pete here.Geno,never think that you are to old to talk on the blog.You add a lot of character to the sight.I believe all our mates will agree with me.Think as tho you were a teenager again.It was rewarding to hear about the farm and moonshiners in the area of the stem.down under the tram if you notice is where a real live still aperated.There was an old man named Burl Collins that lived down pine grove road from Lerona Post office.I lived 1 mile past where Burl lived there at the saw mill.He was in his 80's when I lived down on my 9 acres.Happen to know thru conversations with him from time to time that he used to make moon in that very cave.My place was 2 miles down from Ambrose Harris place,Wish i still had my place there.It was definately Wild and Wonderful'Keep the shiny side up,Faith Hope,and love.
Mike Murphy on May 29, 2012 9:58 AM
An Old kindly gentleman named Moe Hunt made moon shine up Powder House Holler near Glenwood in the early 50s. He had a small farm with a chicken house which once belonged to my Uncle Woodrow. I later learned that the chicken manure aided in the fermentation, a common practice, also a small amount of kerosene would give green shine a kick.
My brother bought a pig from Moe and I woundered why it was so fat, my brother said it was fed sour mash.
Moe was beloved because most of the folks in powder house holler were poor and he supplied a lot of the little kids clothes for school and fed several families.
Sadly Moe got caught and was convicted and while awaiting sentencing, decided to take his life. He had an old green 48 Chevrolet that was usually full of kids and parents he would take to the store. Ironically it had a built in suicide knob in the steering wheel. The bridge just downstream brush creek, 200 yards from the mouth of powder house hollow, led to my home and the then Pepsi plant formerly the Street car barn, was the location of the first attempt of Moe to kill himself. He tried to kill himself by running into the creek, but the car hung on the bank and brush. Jim Bridges the Boiler tender for the Pepsi Plant found him there on his way to work and pulled him out, and according to Jim he went on his way like it was an accident.
Later that day they found Moe dead at the same location. But this time it was different, there was a huge Oak Tree near the bridge and he center puched it with enough spped this time to do the job.
I distinctly remember some of the little kids (not his) that he had helped, coming to school the next day crying.
Moe was a hero in my book! Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on May 29, 2012 9:58 AM
an old memory
background: Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 60 years on the British throne. While she became queen in 1952, her coronation was in 1953. In addition to its regular noteworthiness, it was the first televised coronation. Which leads to my memory:
In 1953, very few Pctn. homes had TVs. Teachers at Mercer School arranged for students to watch the June 2, 1953 coronation in homes with TVs. I recall the excitement of viewing the event with 6-10 classmates at Edward Tomchin's. [Confession: my 5th grade excitement had far more to do with [a] getting out of school and [b] seeing a TV other than in a store window --betcha everyone remembers those -- than with the coronation.]
Thanks again to the generous Mr. & Mrs. Tomchin for inviting us into their homes. 'Twas a wondrous day.
JIm George on May 30, 2012 8:08 AM
The special on Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee celebration was excellent. OK, it was a love-fest tribute, but Diana's two sons have rescued the Monarchy, and everyone does acknowledge that Elizabeth is sincere and hard working.
Like Carl, I recall watching the Coronation of QE in 1953. At the time, we were living in Galax, that well known center of civilization in southwestern Virginia. TV sets were rare, and the teachers at school recommended it highly. We were certertainly not affluent, but somehow Dad had bought a television set and ours was the only one in the neighborhood, So I watched the coronation at home, along with many neighbor kids and mothers.
Last night, I switched back and forth between the Jubilee tribute and the NBA game between the Spurs and the OKC Thunder. It's amazing to watch the Spurs play since they actually play at a team. There are some amazing athletes in the NBA, but very few TEAMS. I had planned to multiplex between the NBA game and the Hatfields and McCoy miniseries, but never made it to H&C nr. 2.
gene law on May 29, 2012 6:11 PM
well Pete good to hear from ya, I didn't know you lived on Pine Grove road, straight across from Ambrose's house sitting on a knoll was my grandma's house. Bagged many a deer off of Foley's place on down the road from Ambrose's, how close were you to Cox's farm, should of been close. Next time we see one another we'll hash out Pine Grove road, lot of good stories about that place, 3 killings that I know of, 2 of which were moonshine related, I had a lot of kinfolk lived there, growed up walking that ol' rd. all the way down to Bluestone where we fished, boy that brings memories out of the cobwebs, this blog is a treasure chest of memories, well I'm all wound up now, better go happy trails to all
Pete Stephenson on May 30, 2012 11:07 AM
If you haven't watched any of the Hatfields and Mccoys you are missing out on a true TV classic.If you have missed any of the first two segments History Channel is having encore runs,I watched the first and second segments last evening.Yes Geno I do know J.C. Cox his wife Judy,Sons Robin,Tim.and daughter Kim.Nice family.His farm was down on the left from mine.I have also with Ambrose hiked down the mountain to bluestone to fish.If you knew where Jimmy Abshire and family lived my property was the next on the right.Good memories from there.Dr.Bill hawley lived across from me.Just to the right was Professior Carl Bailey.A lot of you Concord people might have had him for biology.After Carl retired from Concord he started to get dementia.He would always whistle evertime he walked.He had a habit of coming to my house and about half way there he would forget what he was coming for.The whistle would get fairly close and a few seconds or minutes later I would hear the whistle fading.Good neighbors in that area.Miss being there now.Keep the shiny side up,Faith,Hope,@ Love.
Fred Lucas on May 30, 2012 5:21 PM
For those interested in folk music from Western North Carolina, a popular guitar legend died this week in Winston Salem NC. That person would be Doc Watson who practiced the flat picking guitar technique. He was 89 years old. He was without sight since age one. He was born near Deepwater North Carolina.
For those who are not familiar with his work, several of his songs are featured on youtube. My favorite is the Tennessee Stud.
Jimmy George on May 31, 2012 7:42 AM
There was an excellent overview of Doc Watson's life at the end of the PBS Newshour last night, including a rare video of him playing with Earl Scruggs in a "sit down" informal session.
Thomas Dillon on May 31, 2012 6:23 AM
Hey all -- Google the name "Mark 'Mack' Wolford". He was a snake-handling pastor from Bluefield West Virginia. Guess what? He was playing with his rattlesnake that he had owned for some time and it -----bit him. Matoaka is mentioned in the article as being where is home church was.
I never thought those guys from Bluefield were that smart! Sorry Carol and all of you locals who have frequented Jabo Williams.
I remember going to a family reunion up in those them hills. Someone asked one of our cousins to pray over the food. He got up on the back of a pick up truck and was still praying an hour later. I'm sure some of you had experiences with Holy Rollers. What about snake handlers? We killed a rattlesnake at church camp in Romney(sp.?) WV., put small pieces on sticks, and cooked them over a fire -- yes, tasted like chicken.
Mike Murphy on May 31, 2012 10:02 AM
Watched last episode of Hatfields and McCoys last eve. Was like what I had read of feud but enhanced somewhat for show.
I went to school with Kirk Hatfield. He was a good baseball & basketball player. His Dad, Ted was a good baseball player and coached us in little league. Kirk went to PHS but I think moved before graduation.
Cecil Hatfield the Voc Director for Mingo county and a very good friend, related that there was still some anomisty among the clans. Keep the faith Mike
gene law on May 31, 2012 4:06 PM
also watched the H&M, enjoyed but the morality of it all shows what harboring bitterness does to one's soul, pity of it all is so many died without learning. They left out the part when Devil Anse was baptized, the preacher was reported as saying "I baptized the devil himself" saw a reunion on the history channel some years back of the families of the Hatfields and Mccoys, they each had stories of the fued, it was very interesting, some still had reservations about the others, family traditions, don't you know. Pete I know just about where you lived on Pine Grove, you are right about the neighbors, good bunch of folks live there, always have been. I worked with Ambrose for several years, good man, brother-in-law to my 2nd cousin Arly Foley, good to hear from someone who has met those folks. About handling snakes, I don't understand that, I stepped on one of those no-shoulders last year scared the bejiggers out of me I usually try to watch for them but I didn't see that one till he moved under my tennis shoe, truth is I felt him before I seen him, son-in-law said is it poisionous, I replied it might as well be it wouldn't have alarmed me any more, ain't but 2 kinds of snakes that bother me, that's dead ones and live ones, I can't imagine any one playing with a snake. Did you know the Temple of Pergamus, mentioned in 2nd chapter of Revelation (seat of Satan) the folks who worshipped there would go for healing, the priests would release snakes, and it was believed if the snakes crawled over you, then you would be healed, if they did not, then you would die. So snake handling goes back to the 1st century I guess. well any way have nice day and happy trails.
Fred Lucas on June 1, 2012 9:18 PM
Hello Tom Dillon and others.
I read about the snake handling minister that you described. If you and others go to youtube and put in the church at Jolo WV, you can watch what they do with snakes during their services.
Sadly, there was an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer about a pastor in Morgantown WV who handled snakes. He was bitten by a rattlesnake and died. This happened this week.
Fred Lucas on June 1, 2012 9:40 PM
To Tom Dillon and others.
The snake handling pastor was bitten by a timber rattler at an outdoor service at the Panther State Forest. He was 44 years old. .
He had been associated with the church at Jolo. Most states in the Appalachian reigon have banned the practice of snake handling at religious services. The practice is still legal in West Virginia
Carl on June 4, 2012 5:46 PM
Wowzer! Our blog has taken off to new heights. We just got a posting by the Seattle International Airport.
What's that? It's from Sarah? . . . Oh. Well, never mind.
sarah evans allen on June 5, 2012 9:41 AM
OF COURSE !! That explains why I keep getting requests for ETAs!!
Carl - frequently enlightening, always entertaining!! Have never been "dissed" more competently ! SEA
Carl on June 5, 2012 9:47 AM
Sarah, no disrespect intended; just another lame attempt at humor. It's just the way my mind works (when it does).
sarah evans allen on June 5, 2012 8:59 PM
Carl, No lame humor here. Your witty pun "taken off . . ." was perfect! Funny, clever, appreciated and enjoyed! Miss Shumate would be proud. SEA
Moonbeam Dillon on June 5, 2012 11:13 AM
Dillon here -- don't know if anyone wants to play another game of mine -- there was almost unanimous participation on behalf of the PHS Class of 1960 in casting class members in popular movies.
That game, however, has seemingly run its course. Thanks, I had a great deal of fun with that one!
This new "game"involves carefully sharing some of the content of passwords of any nature that we use -- computer, bank, other accounts, etc., that are somewhat unique in using names that we would all be familiar with -- for example, I have current passwords that variously contain the names Tom, Kay, Katie, Geehole (several variations), Jim George, Troupo, and year of graduation.
And KN8JPV to you too.
Jim George on June 5, 2012 7:37 PM
Dillon, that last one means you (and (I) are hopeless nerd weirdos. I love ya, man. JK
Carl on June 6, 2012 10:48 AM
One of my trusty correspondents informs me that last night's PHS60 dinner meeting was a big success with 19 people attending:
Becky & Jim Novarro
Billie Rae Harris
Darla & Johnny Pitzer
Doug Neal
Ed & Evie Tomchin
Gene & Sandy Law
Jerry Wizon
Mike Murphy & his brother
Myron & Patty (no last name needed)
Terry St. Clair & Kaye Williams
Tracy French
Trish Whittaker
Thanks y'all for keeping the home fires burning.
Moonbeam Dillon on June 6, 2012 7:28 PM
Carl, I am beginning to think that I need to send all of my proposed blog comments to you before submission. No one wants to play my games other than Kookie when she is off her meds, or Geno when he is on something. The blog closes down after one of my entries. My humor is much less than yours and I want someone to play with me.
Understand that we may have a date in October for a mini, so will see you soon.
Carl on June 6, 2012 9:56 PM
Tom, if you recall, I've had my own ill-fated attempts at initiating blog "contests" and they all failed. I'm not suggesting that our blogsters classmates aren't game players, but that you & I just haven't found the "hook" to get them engaged. Low self-esteem case that I am, I can't stand the ongoing rejection, so I gave it up. But I applaud your tenacity. You may be just one idea away from a runaway engagement. Good luck.
"Kookie" on June 6, 2012 10:56 PM
OK MOONBEAM! I'm off my meds, the goldfish has been flushed and I murdered my roomie so I'LL PLAY. The game is called, "Something You Might See at A Class Reunion." The game goes like this: The first item posted must start with an "A." The second person posting must start their entry with a "B." The third person must start their entry with a "C." GOT IT??? If thats too hard for you call me.
So, before they force-feed me my meds and I calm down, I'll make the first entry.
"Something You Might See at A Class Reunion."
A - Arse (subject to interpretation)
Moonbeam Dillon on June 7, 2012 7:43 AM
OK -- What might you see at a reunion with the letter "B".
A Becky, a Brenda, a Bob (if he gets the invitation in time), a Bullshi_ _ er, a Bluefield-graduate-sleeping partner, a beer, a blue baseball cap, a blue shirt --
Only one? Things and not people?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 7, 2012 8:43 AM
I thought I would take an easy one.
C - Classmate
Tracy French on June 7, 2012 11:03 AM
It took me three hours to catch up reading the blog but I did catch up! It was good to see some new faces at the class dinner this past Tuesday. If you haven't been to one of the dinners you are missing some good fellowship.
As information, I recall that John Smith was killed in an automobile accident in Germany and was not a casualty of Viet Nam.
Have a good one! Tracy
Thomas Dillon on June 7, 2012 11:59 AM
Dillon here -- Tracy, I agree regarding the info on Big John -- I remember hearing that it was a jeep accident in Germany, perhaps the vehicle having turned over on him.
Pete Stephenson on June 7, 2012 12:07 PM
I will be like Darla and tale an easy one. what about a Doctor.Dillon or Allen, take your pick. Tracy i believe you are right on John Smith, I recall Dad telling me that John had been killed in germany. I really was planning on coming up for the get together but I have K.C. here now and Judy was sick again so I had to take over for her.It was good to see that there was a good crowd at the meeting. I will be at the July one if everything goes ok. What about that PHS baseball team. Gooo Tigers.(You made this one alumni Proud)keep the shiny side up. Faith hope love.
"kookie" on June 7, 2012 1:08 PM
"Something You Might See at a Class Reunion"
E - Edema
Jim George on June 7, 2012 1:37 PM
Kookie is in full bloom. Puff those chests out folks.
F. Hmmm. let's see. Familiar, Faces, Flirting, First (Loves). Sometimes those rekindle at reunions. More power to ya.
Becky Novarro on June 7, 2012 1:54 PM
G is for Girtles...spelled wrong?? How about Giggles! Gin? Grumpy Old Men!
Moonbeam Dillon on June 7, 2012 4:13 PM
Kookie, I think you have a winner. Do you think you should market your game and then go for an IPO? Perhaps you could ride the coattails of Facebook. The correct spelling is girdle, Yankee Girl.
OK, who has ideas for the letter "H"?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 7, 2012 4:25 PM
I'm thinking maybe...
H - Handsome mature men!!!
gene law on June 7, 2012 4:25 PM
I'll take the H, hicks or hickies, how bout halos, or maybe hobits, hingles, hides or is that hydes, oh well h is tough, heard enough hell nos in my time.
Thomas Dillon on June 7, 2012 5:25 PM
Geno, pray tell -- What is a hingle?
"Kookie" on June 7, 2012 6:05 PM
"Something You Might See at a Class Reunion"
I - Infidelity
(Only if you can keep um' awake!)
Carl on June 7, 2012 7:12 PM
For another "I" (just piggy-backing on here since Cookie's multiple entries have provided me) INSIGHT: Cookie, your choices of Arse, Edema & Infidelity conger up an image of one who may not have the rosiest of outlooks 24/7. If I'm right -- admittedly a rarity -- that's Insight.
Carl on June 7, 2012 7:15 PM
Uh ... me again. I need help. Can anyone tell when what follows "I"?
Delores on June 7, 2012 8:22 PM
Dearest Carl:
I have never been happier! You should have seen me when I was REALLY pissed. Kids are grown, grandchildren are too big to babysit, house is paid off, car paid off, can sleep all day if I want, dog died, going to Europe, nice retirement and I've been shopping today. With that said, I got the memo that Mary Poppins was make believe - and Scott Walker won!
Now is that rosy or what?
Yea who makes the game makes the rules!
Carl on June 7, 2012 9:06 PM
Delores, my heart soars like the eagle.
I pray that you can bring Cookie into a happier place. And you're off to Europe? You go girl. Now be sure to get back for the Oct. 6 mini-reunion -- the both of yous. (We may need your hot dog chili.)
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 7, 2012 9:17 PM
J - Jitterbug
"Kookie" on June 8, 2012 12:10 AM
"Something you Might See at A Class Reunion."
Enough of Mary Poppins!
1/2 the class probably has them!
K - Kidney.................Stones
Moonbeam Dillon on June 8, 2012 7:53 AM
J is for a Jeorge, J.K. that is.
OK, I know that it is George so the "J" is still available.
Darla, Geno, Myron,Doug, anyone, if there are any preliminary details on the mini reunion, please share. Kay's and my social calendar is so full that we have to block out dates months ahead and we need to give Lambert as much notice as possible. Ho, ho.
What do you expect from someone who was struck by a moonbeam and had to have emergency cataract surgery from having watched Venus cross the face of the Sun the other day with eyes that were sans cover?
Kookie, your words don't cross-walk with your state of mind. Glad, you are so happy.
Moonbeam Dillon on June 8, 2012 7:56 AM
I now see that we are up to "I". Sorry.
Moonbeam Dillon on June 8, 2012 7:59 AM
What comes after "K"? Guess I shouldn't have taken my eye ointment by mouth.
Carl on June 8, 2012 11:22 AM
Mini-reunion for PHS60:
It's 99% certain that our mini-reunion will take place on Sat., Oct. 6. As soon as I can confirm location and other details, I'll post full info.
Sooo, mark Oct. 6 on your calendars and plan to be there.
gene law on June 8, 2012 3:35 PM
well we have covered half? of the alpha now to digress I thought everybody knew what hingles were, so moonbeam a hingle is a doubtful frown of unsurety, a hesitating half smile of not sure where your right foot is where it is supposed to be, and you try to bluff your way through as though you know what you are doing, as my grandma used to say don't dilly dally and don't hingle stay the course. are we up to the k's or is it the l's now i'm hingling, cause I've forgotten, by the way what were we talkin bout?
gene law on June 8, 2012 3:42 PM
L we are up to the L I got that one L is for lots of good folks who I am privileged to know, L is for love, love all of you good folks, L is for laughter, which I see people do when they see what I have become, L is also for longing which I do< I long to see you folks again, L is also for looking I will be looking forward to seeing aLL of you, L I'll catch ya Later.
"Kookie" on June 8, 2012 4:07 PM
"Something You Might See at a Class Reunion"
M - Meritorious
Are you happy now Webmaster! Brother Law softened my heart and I came alive with love for my fellow humankind. I can't guarantee how long it will last. Love can get you in a lot of trouble.
Carl, Ashamedly on June 8, 2012 4:29 PM
N: nose hair (:<# }
Moonbeam Also Ashamedly on June 8, 2012 5:03 PM
Geno, you must have your own dictionary -- still can't find hingle or hingles.
Please forgive, but "O" -- obesity, including yours truly, but I have several weeks before October to get in shape for 2-a-days which come up in August.
"kookie" on June 8, 2012 5:18 PM
"Something You Might See at a Class Reunion:
P - Psychodrama
Carl on June 8, 2012 5:33 PM
Wish I had Geno's dictionary and lookup skills.
I always thought Cookie's "P" word started with an "S."
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 8, 2012 5:39 PM
Q...that is easy!
Q - Quality
Mike Murphy on June 8, 2012 9:06 PM
Thanks Darla for the big font for us old blind geezers.
Keep the Faith . . . . . Mike
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 9, 2012 7:53 AM
You’re welcome. It was good seeing you Tuesday night. Hope you come in more often.
gene law on June 9, 2012 10:29 AM
Well Tom, I mean moonbum, er moonbeam, actually hingle is a pigment of my immigration, er that is a figment of my imagination, actually it should be a word with that definition, there are those of us that are like square pegs, when we get around quality folks such as you folks, we don't know where our right foot is supposed to be, except we do know its not supposed to be in our mouth, so hingle would describe our ineptness of social skills, which leads to an invertant personna, had there been a scholar with this kind of personality he might of invented the word hingle, he did not so I had to. Just remember when you meet someone like me show a little kindness and just say "he has the hingles", oh well just shows to go, er just goes to show a person with a hingle is not all bad, not all good either but not all bad, now I forgot what I was talking bout again, is the next letter U? I got that "understanding" that's what you can expect to see at a reunion with nice folks, might see "uppity"if you meet one with no "understanding" I forgot where I am, maybe I am not here, well like the man said in an insane asylum "why are we all here" someone else said because "we are not all there" happy trails, by the way remember the word "lustrum" old folks I knew used it all the time, meant 5 yrs. Haven't found that in any dictionary in years. oh well changing times, what brought that up? talking to someone the other day and used it, they thought I was crazy, sometimes I wonder if they ain't right, right about what, now what am I talking bout, I don't know, I also don't knw where the yellow went, remember that? I don't either.
gene law on June 9, 2012 10:43 AM
Good heavens, I must be delusional the next letter is R, well any way, isn't it R, I think I might have forgotten the alphabet, anyway, Murph it was good to see you, I believe that was the first time I met your brother, hope to see you more often, bring your brother back, we had a good get together, is the game still afoot, I'm lost on the blog again, something about this place, I get on here and in my mind"s eye I see a sea of faces walking the halls of PHS, I see 55 chevys, I hear Elvis singing in the background my leg begins to shake wit an uncontrollable bounce, jitterbug fever comes upon my brow, and I think I am losing it, come to think of it I don't think I ever had it, better go. geno
Carl on June 9, 2012 12:29 PM
Things that you might see at a PHS60 mini-reunion:
"R" -- Reasons a'plenty to be thankful for people who helped make you who you became.
"Kookie" on June 9, 2012 2:28 PM
S - Southerners
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 9, 2012 4:45 PM
I would like to add...
R - Respect
Carl on June 9, 2012 6:51 PM
Darla, I'll bring my boombox and Aretha's Greatest Hits CD.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 9, 2012 7:38 PM
Sounds good and maybe Gene will jitterbug.
"Kookie" on June 10, 2012 9:40 AM
T - The Twist
Carl on June 10, 2012 10:40 AM
Dang! Looks like I'll have to bring Chubby's Greatest Hits too.
Fred Lucas on June 10, 2012 11:07 AM
U is for understanding. Each of us is unique. We come to reunions with different values and experiences. Together we have fun. U can also stand for Cecil Underwood who was a governor of West Virginia.U in German stands for unter halter an entertainer. Carl you and Darla are interested in entertainers. I'm interested in the German word for entertainer.
Carl on June 10, 2012 11:16 AM
Fred, I'd also be interested in the German word for beer if I had any idea what it is.
Mike Murphy on June 10, 2012 12:43 PM
Fred, I second your Underwood call. I am sitting at my desk looking at a picture of him, with a caption "Better Government Not Bigger Government". He was the youngest and oldest Governor of WV.
Democrat party met this weekend and resolved that if you can't support all Democrat candidates including Obama you should exit. I guess they are saying to Manchin and Tomblin, Vaminous?
Keep the faith . . . . . Mike
JK George on June 10, 2012 4:21 PM
Karl, er Carl, it's Bier. Sounds exactly the same. Goes down well.
Actually, English is a derivative of German. It's interesting how many words are similar. Then again, lotsa words are crazy different. Viva der Unterschied. Ugh, that sounds not as cool as Viva la difference.
Carl on June 10, 2012 4:43 PM
This foreign language stuff is too tough for me. I always thought that a bier was a kind of funeral pyre. Seems I couldn't have been wronger. Whew! All this parsing leaves me parched. I think I'll go have a beer.
Carl on June 10, 2012 6:05 PM
I know that I'm on thin ice here, but "Viva der Unterschied" looks to me like it could be a German trucker's idiom meaning "Keep the underside down." Whattaya think here Pete. You drove in Deutschland. Might I be right?
Texas Trucker George on June 11, 2012 9:33 AM
Hmm. Is that a German form of the opposite of "keep the shiny side up?"
Carol Martin on June 10, 2012 5:11 PM
Yesterday, I ran (mostly walked ) in my first 5K race and came in second in the 60's division. The race honored Captain David Hortman. I had known David since he was an infant, he and our son, Greg, were close in age and Greg came home to run in the race. David graduated from West Point, became an Army Ranger and helicopter pilot. Last August he lost his life in a training exercise in Georgia and was was buried in Arlington. This will be an annual event honoring David. Next year I get to move up to the 70's category, if my knee will allow me to walk....
Neil and I were in West Va the weekend of June 1 as my great niece graduated from PHS. Needless to say, we did not attend the graduation ceremony. We just went for the food and family reconnection. We had a strange experience-- Neil is having difficulty sleeping since his surgery and starts out in a recliner and then usually ends up in bed. He fell asleep in the den around 10:00 p.m. and around 1:00 a.m. came in the bedroom and I woke up and asked "where are the lights coming from?" He looked out the window and said "Someone is in my car!" I looked out too and the car was lit up like a Christmas tree. The headlights were on and the interior lights were on. By the time Neil found his remote key, everything was normal. We never heard a sound, not even a door closing. The next morning we checked the car and nothing was disturbed. (There is a cemetary on the hill -- maybe the ghosts were restless).
Thomas, a couple of BHS class of 1960 guys met us in W.Va. and we all went to dinner with some younger relatives of theirs who still live there. Fortunately, no one brought their rattlesnakes. Speaking of rattlesnakes, when we lived in TX, one of the main events of the year was the rattlesnake roundup (every March). We went once. There was a huge glass pit and the floor was covered with rattlesnakes. Some brave (stupid) men walked around (with high boots) and kicked at the snakes which were still lethargic from their winter slumber. Of course, there were snakes on the grills ready to be eaten.... What more can I say?
Cookie, I celebrate with you on Scott Walker's victory. Who ever thought Wisconsin would lead the fight for liberty?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 11, 2012 10:56 AM
Back to the game...
V - Very happy people.
gene law on June 11, 2012 11:50 AM
V also vivacious, in my case vacant
seattle international airport on June 11, 2012 4:17 PM
W - weirdos, wackos, and wise_ _ _ _ s. Our most fun classmates to be with !
Carl on June 11, 2012 4:43 PM
Sarah, it's ok to spell out wiseacres.
Thomas Dillon on June 11, 2012 4:20 PM
Carol, did you catch my example in Kookie's game with the letter B that was a reference to you?
When I was in school at Tallahassee, we used to go up into southern Georgia (around Thomasville) for their annual rattlesnake roundup. The hunters, farmers, etc., would not catch the snakes when they initially came upon them during the previous year, but would remember their location for the day of the roundup. Can you imagine a bunch of multi-bier drinking red-necks catching and bringing in rattlesnakes on a Saturday afternoon?
Back to the game. I am going to jump ahead --
X -- is for X-Princetonians, green with envy that we ever left God's country and only get back there every once in awhile. You locals are blessed. Do you even know what a traffic jam means?
Fred Lucas on June 11, 2012 6:20 PM
Carl, Beer in German is bier which is masculine and is ein bier in English ein is a bier is beer. A popular brand is Spaten which is brewed in Munchen or Munich as we would say.
A woman's bra in German is a bustenhalter which is masculine.
Carl, I study German because I need to learn something new.
On October 6, 2012 Concord will have its Homecoming and will play Glenville State at 2:oo pm. Virginia Tech plays at North Carolina.
What time will festivities begin at the Reunion?
gene law on June 11, 2012 8:46 PM
W is for whoa!!!!! W is a good letter for PHS 60 WONDERFUL ; WISE ; WORKERS of imagination, WILLING to reach out to others , WORTHWHILE to get to know, WORTHY of recognition for their accomplishments, you folks are all this, got any more W's?
Carl on June 11, 2012 10:21 PM
Fred, interesting that you'd mention Spaten. Spaten Optimator, their dark beer, is one of my favorites, but I've long wondered why they call it Optimator. Help!
gene law on June 11, 2012 8:51 PM
Carl is traffic jam that black stuff you get on your car when you drive?
Pete Stephenson on June 11, 2012 9:32 PM
Sarah, so you don’t have to use Seattle international airport as your name here on the blog, I do believe Seattle airports name is SEA-Tac.correct me some one If I am wrong.been in Seattle more times than i can remember.Beautiful city if you like rain about three forths of the time.Keep the shiny side up.Faith Hope,Love.
Fred Lucas on June 12, 2012 7:31 AM
Hi Carl , Regarding Spaten beer and the word optimator, I can only guess that it comes from optimum which is the same as the English word. Perhaps J.K might have something more definitive.
JK George on June 12, 2012 8:00 AM
Sorry Fred, can't help.
Mike Murphy on June 12, 2012 9:58 AM
I remember my Dad drinking Bock beer. He could only get it certain times of the year. I think it was when the Beir Meisters cleaned the tanks. It was a very dark beer. My favorite dark beer is Blackened VoDoo from New Orleans. Best Pilsner was in France along with fabolous food, even the Pizza was better.
Germany's Brats and Brochen with dark hot mustard, was great, but Guloush soup was my favorite, although it probably originated in Hungary, where Goose Liver was fab.
I thought Ein was the number 1 in German?
Fred - what does Aus Farthe mean - saw it on road signs in Germany.
Keep the Faith . . . . . Mike
Pete Stephenson on June 12, 2012 10:34 AM
Mike, Carl-When I was stationed in Bitburg Germany the main beer at that time in our area was Bitburger Pils. They had a local brewery there in the town. Bitburgeron for about had a huge fountain in front of the brewery. Come October fest they would clean the water from said fountain and run Bier through to the fountain. Needless to say a lot of drunks there and a lot of suds. This went on for about a month. Nice little town about 20 clicks from Luxembourg city, Luxembourg.
Fred Lucas on June 12, 2012 4:44 PM
Hi Mike, Ein does mean one but I have used it as a or one beer. Aus Fart means exit. I saw those signs on the highway. Fart comes from the verb fahren which means to go. Aus means out.
J.K. I asked a native of Germany about the word on Spaten beer. she didn't know either.
Carl on June 12, 2012 5:50 PM
Fred, I'm beginning to think that this calls for a federal research grant. Can I count you in?
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 13, 2012 12:40 PM
X - eXtra special people in the Class of 1960.
Thomas Dillon on June 13, 2012 2:30 PM
Y -- young thinking and acting classmates and significant others even if our bodies have begun to protest. Although I have seen many of you fairly recently, what often comes to my mind's eye is a picture of how we looked in high school. Growing up together in Princeton established and embedded this mental picture which cannot be erased with a few hours, every five years.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 13, 2012 5:16 PM
Z - Zaniness
Carl on June 13, 2012 5:37 PM
Are you talkin' to me? Are you talkin' to ME?
Carl on June 13, 2012 10:02 PM
mini-Reunion OFFICIAL
So here's the scoop.
We're scheduled and moving forward:
2012 PHS60 mini-Reunion
Saturday, October 6
Pat Smith's schoolhouse home
Dan Hale Reservoir Rd., off Rt. 20, New Hope Rd.
See BREAKING NEWS tab above for full details
"Kookie" on June 14, 2012 8:59 PM
Ok--I just returned from 4 days at Rehobeth Beach and it appears we have successfully completed the alphabet.
I have a new game for you Dr. Moonbeam and it goes something like this...so pay attention Wilson!
Something you might have seen on Mercer Street between the Court House and Bill's Drive-Inn in 1960.
Now..pay attention Moonbeam, this might tax your intellect.
1. You will utilize the alphabet. I think that means you will begin with the letter "A" and end with "Z".
2. For example, if you are posting the letter Q = Queen riding on a convertible in a parade.
Did you got it Wilson?????
Please don't tell me these are not complete sentences. Remember, I rode the bus and all bus kids are intellectually challenged. We are paddling as fast as we can. As long as it begins with a "big" letter and ends in a period it is a sentence.
Go at it boys and girls.
Pete Stephenson on June 14, 2012 11:09 PM
Ok Kookster her we go. I saw Curley Eskew riding his auto on Mercer street last night. its also good to know we have a day set aside for our mini get together. Hope to see everyone there. just returned from Hotlanta after taking K.C. home. Had him for well over 2 weeks. Will rest up and go back the 25th for another 2 week stay here in the valley. Remember to keep the shiny side up. Faith, Hope, Love.
Dr. Wilson Wheat-Dillon on June 15, 2012 8:32 AM
Kookie, my constant bouncing has scrambled my brains -- was Bill's on the east side of town or up the Bluefield Road past the entrance to the park and swimming pool? The answer limits the observational possibilities (latter direction) or gives us more (former).
Did Pete start the game? Was auto an A ? I think the heat got to him
If so, B is for Billiards Parlor. For you who have shown an interest in the German language -- that is eine pool hall.
"Kookie" on June 15, 2012 9:42 AM
Good Morning Wilson:
Bill's Drive Inn was going toward East Princeton before you got to the bridge. I believe it was on the corner of Mercer and 5th Street...across from Tomchin Furniture.
"Something you would have seen on Mercer Street between the Court House and Bill's Drive-Inn in 1960"
A - Adonis parking meter jocks in front of the pool hall.
(note: your post cannot be more than 10 words in length....why? I made up the rules.)
Dr. Wilson Dillon on June 15, 2012 11:22 AM
OK --
How about ?
B -- Beat Bluefield flyers -- car windshields and posted on Carol's back.
Carl on June 15, 2012 9:58 PM
"B" . . . "B": lemme see . . . uh, I got it. I GOT it!!!
Bill's Drive-In. (Sometimes I just amaze myself.)
"Kookie" on June 15, 2012 10:43 PM
Brilliant Carl--just brilliant.
C - Cars and Cavorting babes in rock n' roll shoes.
Wilson Dillon on June 16, 2012 7:03 AM
C for -- Christmas lights strung diagonally across Mercer St. through December.
Pete Stephenson on June 16, 2012 12:00 PM
for 'D' what about to old Douglas sporting goods store. Beside Tomchin Furniture.
"Kookie" on June 16, 2012 1:46 PM
E = East....West.....East....West....
East....West..............................
(Cruisin' Mercer Street..)
Thomas Dillon on June 17, 2012 8:09 AM
Happy Father's Day to all you Dudes!
To all, male and female, -- whether your Dad was the greatest guy in the world or severely broken like Jimmy's and mine and several others I know, you have to see the movie "Courageous" (it is out on DVD and Blue Ray). Farley, Herring, Tracy, it is very faith inspiring. J.K., the picture depicts what fathers can be and should be with a strong Christian base regardless of what their fathers were like.
The influence of a father, good or evil, absent or present, is a paramount building block to who we are today and who our children and grandchildren will become. Must see FAMILY flick!!!
Michael Farley on June 17, 2012 10:40 AM
Farley here........ Thanks Tom!! WOW!! You are correct about the movie "Courageous". It was soooooooo inspiring. I was one of the "BLESSED" ones when the Lord was passing out Fathers. Mine was one of the best. Everyone in Princeton loved Roy Farley. Wonderful family man. If it wasn't for my earthly Father, I doubt that I would be a Christ Follower today.
Keep believing!! Mike
Delores on June 17, 2012 11:26 AM
Happy Father's Day Daddy!
Thank you
for teaching me about patriotism,
for flying the American flag in our backyard for 40 years,
for fighting in the South Pacific to protect our freedom,
for providing our family a home (not a house) in a bucolic setting when you were making less than $5000 a year,
for never taking a sick day in 37 years service with AEP,
for teaching me that one rule will be sufficient when raising children--"Don't get in trouble or I'm going to kick your ass"-- that covered it all. You knew by instinct what "trouble" meant.
for passing along your sense of humor,
for teaching us there was a time for hard work and a time to play,
for always giving me a place to 'come home to,"
for teaching me the importance of family,
but most of all,
For loving my mother unconditionally!
Thomas Dillon on June 17, 2012 2:25 PM
Beautiful! What an outstanding affirmation of Love due to the significant positive influence of a great Dad.
Delores, you were very blessed to have such a father. Farly, ditto, I have great memories of Roy.
Jim George on June 17, 2012 3:10 PM
Dittos to Dillon's comments. Delores, very nice tribute. You can write, kiddo. JK
Delores on June 17, 2012 3:52 PM
Thank you guys for your very kind remarks. My dad was a real character and a "man's man." He could do anything. If only he was here today so I could thank him. With that said, he is watching and he knows.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 17, 2012 5:00 PM
I was blessed to have a good Daddy and Mother. Daddy worked and Mother stayed home with us girls. They taught us by their example. I never heard them argue. We had a very peaceful childhood. Daddy passed away 2 years ago at age 92. I lost Mother in 1999. I did tell them often how thankful I was to have them as parents.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 17, 2012 5:15 PM
P.S. My parents did not drink or curse and Daddy stopped smoking when he was 35 years old.
Pete Stephenson on June 17, 2012 5:21 PM
Cookie you said it the best girl. Darla you said what so many kids today don't do. That is to thank your parents for all they have done for you. I to had a stay at home mom and a very dedicated and hard working father. He could be a real character at times but all in all he was ok in my book. Tom, JK, I know how hard at times you had but forgive your fathers and I know you will be at ease in your hearts. I'm not only having a fathers day but today is Judy’s and mine 38 anniversary. I wonder sometimes how she put up with me these 38 years. I guess I was just to big to throw back. I hope all you fathers out there in Tiger land have a blessed day. Faith, Hope and Love my friends. Keep the shiny side up.
gene law on June 17, 2012 8:44 PM
Good stories, I remember Roy Farley very well he was a hero in my book, all those stories brings back memories of my own, I am ashamed of all the troubles and stresses I put my father through, my parents were good and taught me right from wrong, but toward the wrong I kept on turning I am glad my parents lived long enough to see me straighten up and become a Christian, all the arguments and fights we had were my fault, I'm glad I had a chance to apologize to both of them. Anyway here's to a good Father's day to all, happy trails
Dr. Wilson Dillon on June 18, 2012 9:01 AM
Back to the game --
F -- Fords of all kinds cruising the streets.
"Kookie" on June 18, 2012 9:52 AM
G - Growling engines, souped-up cars, pegged pants, ducktails and testosterone.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 18, 2012 5:25 PM
H - Hundreds of people watching a parade or shopping.
Becky Novarro on June 19, 2012 7:57 AM
I--Idiots standing in front of the pool room.
Carl on June 19, 2012 8:57 AM
Becky darlin', why are you calling me an idiot?
"Kookie" on June 19, 2012 9:31 AM
WOO HOO QUEENIE! THE GIRL ROCKS!
"Kookie" on June 19, 2012 9:34 AM
J - Jammed traffic - Saturday Night (fever/feverettes.)
Carl on June 19, 2012 11:40 AM
Another birthday!
I neglected to include in my earlier birthday reminder that tomorrow, June 20, the state of West "By God" Virginia will celebrate its 149th birthday.
Moonbeam Dillon on June 19, 2012 12:55 PM
K- Kinky hair -- DA's, flattops, flips, bouffants, beehives, and Beatle cut.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 19, 2012 5:16 PM
L - LaVon Theater and my sister, Peggy, working the ticket booth.
"Kookie" on June 19, 2012 5:26 PM
M - Memorial Building rockin' Saturday night! "Tooty Fruity."
Carl on June 20, 2012 11:19 AM
Here's a nice 4-minute video for those who'd like to add to their celebration of West Virginia Day -- today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOhy7eDONFI
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 20, 2012 4:29 PM
I have a correction. My sister worked at the LaVon in 1957 and 1958. I had not read the game correctly. Sorry, I will blame age for this.
Jim George on June 20, 2012 5:57 PM
Don't worry. I'm trying to come up with an "N." Nercer County Bank. No, that won't do.
How about Nerds?
Back then, we didn't do computer games and start Facebook and rich. We built Heathkits and messed around with ham radio.
Hurrah for NERDS
Jim George on June 20, 2012 6:11 PM
Oops. These words were supposed to be things or places we saw between the court house and Bill's drive in. I'm sort of out of the rules unless a Nerd could be seen on the street. I'll have to defer to Cookie, the head honcho on this little brain twister, so accept of throw out "nerd."
JK George on June 20, 2012 6:09 PM
OK, now that I have outed myself as a high school nerd, some additional news.
The Princeton Public Library graciously has offered to host a "Meet the Author" event at the library on October 5th, Friday afternoon, the day before the class Mini-Reunion on October 6th out at Pat Smith's place. So please join me at the library at 3 p.m. to meet and greet, and cuss and discuss the novel, "Reunion." I'll be happy to sign books, even offer some for sale if you missed getting your own copy.
Becky Novarro on June 20, 2012 6:56 PM
N...Nerds but I don't think we used that word and Nelson's...great window shopping.
Becky Novarro on June 20, 2012 6:56 PM
N...Nerds but I don't think we used that word and Nelson's...great window shopping.
Becky Novarro on June 20, 2012 6:56 PM
N...Nerds but I don't think we used that word and Nelson's...great window shopping.
"Kookie" on June 20, 2012 8:48 PM
Queenie's turntable must be having problems, her needle got stuck.
LOL
O - Overheated radiators and teenage boys.
Becky Novarro on June 21, 2012 4:35 PM
Happy Birthday Dr. Thomas, Wilson, Moonbeam, Tommy Dillon. May you have many more.
Oh, you're older than I am. la, la, la, la, la.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 21, 2012 6:46 PM
Happy Birthday Tom...have a great day!!!
Fred Lucas on June 22, 2012 4:25 PM
To TomDillon and others celebrating birthdays this month,
Herzlichen Gluckwunsch zum Geburtstag. In English, Happy Birthday. May you have many more. The Germans put more into the birthday wish than the
Thomas Dillon on June 22, 2012 7:36 PM
Thanks all for the birthday greetings. Back to the game and what a 70-year-old plus one day brain offers.
P- Prancing peacocks and purple platypuses playing pool and pinochle.
My synapse is stuck in an alliteration mode. What did you expect?
More simply--
P - Princetonians
"Kookie" on June 22, 2012 8:26 PM
Q - Queen in a downpour at homecoming coronation???
"Kookie" on June 22, 2012 8:30 PM
Q again - Queen's portrait in the window at the photography shop.
Dr. Wilson Dillon on June 23, 2012 5:23 PM
She was a cutie, but it helped that her Mom worked for the photographer. Oops, I think that was a secret.
R -- Raucous, reviling rascals riding red roadsters.
Hey all. Wake up. If our mini is on a Saturday, we had better get used to being up on the weekend.
J.K., will try and be at the library on 10/3 to heckle you.
JK George on June 22, 2012 10:09 PM
Happy birthday, Doc.
Jim George on June 23, 2012 6:27 PM
Not sure I've been heckled by a PhD before. But Doc Tom, you need to reschedule to Oct 5, or you will be all alone. JK
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 23, 2012 8:00 PM
S - Susie Q
Thomas Dillon on June 24, 2012 6:22 AM
J.K., I wanted to get there early enough to get a good,front-row seat. If I fall asleep, you can Bob Bishop me with a tennis ball.
Fred Lucas on June 24, 2012 10:54 AM
T IS FOR TREASURE. iN GERMAN THE WORD IS SCHATZ. OUR FRIENDS , FAMILY AND CLASSMATES ARE OUR TREASURE.
AT THE REUNION, WE WILL TREASURE OUR CLASSMATES.
Carl on June 24, 2012 3:03 PM
And Fred, as the old saying goes, "Keep the schatzy side up!"
Jim George on June 25, 2012 10:47 AM
U for Universal love of the mountains. I suppose they can be seen from parts of Mercer Street.
"kookie" on June 25, 2012 11:06 AM
V - Victory parade down Mercer Street (over Beaver).
Moonbeam Dillon on June 25, 2012 8:35 PM
Too easy --
W -- West Virginians, West Virginia Hillbillies, West Virginia Rednecks (were we Rednecks?).
What is the female counterpart for hillbilly?
Jimmy George on June 25, 2012 8:59 PM
W for WLOH. Does anyone remember?
Fred Lucas on June 26, 2012 5:29 PM
W is for wonderful. The German word is wunderbar. Pat Smith and her crew prepare some wonderful meals
Carl on June 27, 2012 12:45 PM
"Things you might see on Mercer St. in 1960": hmmm, "x" is a tough one, but here goes.
X-rated gestures from those idiots outside the pool room when ( insert name ) passed by.
"Kookie" on June 27, 2012 1:03 PM
X-rated gestures - Most anything in a matching sweater and skirt set from Barbakow’s and pointed-toed, uncomfortable high heeled shoes from Nelsons.
Moonbeam Dillon on June 27, 2012 2:24 PM
X – X's and 0's being surreptitiously (I had to do it) exchanged in parked and moving cars, on the street, and in movie theaters.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 27, 2012 6:08 PM
Y - Young love...can I use the same thing Moonbeam just used if I word it different?
Moonbeam Dillon on June 27, 2012 7:40 PM
Darla, you definitely got it. I was going to use the more common word "clandestine", but thought one of us might have a female relative with that name. Isn't there a song, "Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling, Clandestine"?
Fred Lucas on June 27, 2012 6:32 PM
For me x stands for xylophone a marvelous musical instrument. The German word is the same except they drop the final e.
While everyone is having fun in the sun, I received a summons from Hamilton County. I have to serve on jury duty from July 16 to July 30. This will be my third trip .
Carl, Cincinnati is hosting the world choir games in July, I will see a children's choir from Israel so far.
Carl on June 27, 2012 7:12 PM
Lock 'em up juror Fred.
Make a classmate happy. Lock 'em up!
Thomas Dillon on June 27, 2012 7:52 PM
Kookie, where do we go with another game?
Fred, not sure that we saw many xylophones on Mercer Street, but X was a difficult lead.
Hey, who actually ever lived on Mercer Street? I did when I went to Knob. Also know that Mack Parks and Lois Burdette did.
Carl, did you live in an apartment up across from the Baptist Church or was that Jack Honaker?
Thomas Dillon on June 27, 2012 7:56 PM
Add Adell Modad to the list of those classmates who lived on Mercer Street.
Delores on June 27, 2012 8:35 PM
Also add Karen Karnes & Brenda McDonel
Carl on June 27, 2012 10:44 PM
Yep, I lived at 2 locations on Mercer St.: 939 across from the Post Office, and 1125 across from nothing much. Spent many an evening watching the goings on along those stretches of Mercer St. Truth to tell, don't recall ever seeing anything that started with an "x"
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 28, 2012 8:14 AM
Z - Zero empty run down stores and apartments and drug dealers.
Jim George on June 28, 2012 8:42 AM
Unfortunately, ain't that the truth.
"kOOKIE" on June 28, 2012 11:02 AM
NO TIME TO BLOG TODAY. I'm off to get my free healthcare. I'm starting with a facelift and then I'm going to instruct them to move south to fix the rest of me. There is a reunion coming.
Moonbeam Dillon on June 28, 2012 12:39 PM
Kookie, I am going to get fixed up from the opposite direction -- bottom to top as I am covering up my face and head.
Kay and I are going to be Noah and Ms. Noah at our church's preschool vacation bible school next month, ergo, I stopped trimming my beard about 6 weeks ago and am letting my hair grow out. May continue to be sans razor and scissors for the reunion. If you see someone pull up at the library for J.K.'s book signing in an horse-drawn Amish rig, don't panic. Wish I could get used to these suspenders -- they don't work well with shorts.
"Kookie" on June 28, 2012 4:50 PM
Dear Moonbeam Wilson: I had a question about those suspenders but was afraid the Blog Police would ban my future posts. By the way Noah, I have a bone to pick with you....was it necessary to include snakes, racoons and deer in that 2 x 2 parade you had. They have taken over my property.
Moonbeam Wilson on June 29, 2012 6:19 AM
It wasn't my choice -- we had very liberal, non-discrimination and immigration policies in effect.
"Kookie": on June 29, 2012 12:10 PM
Well, that explains it! I always thought "common sense was genetically altered at Woodstock" but I guess it happened just before it started raining. Thanks for the insight Wilson.
Fred Lucas on June 28, 2012 5:26 PM
Z stands for Zeitung which in German means newspaper. I could always get a copy of the New York Times at Spangler Drug store. Z also stands for zany. Tom Dillon you and Cookie have my vote for number 1. Z also stands for zip code. Princeton has code 24740. When I put on my pants, I find a zipper.
cmt on June 28, 2012 5:39 PM
zzzz
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on June 28, 2012 6:24 PM
Carl, that is good!!!
Carl on June 28, 2012 7:10 PM
Damn, I was outed in a matter of minutes. Can't get much by that Darla.
"Kookie" on June 28, 2012 7:55 PM
OMG! If we are going to listen to Freddie talk about his zipper then the Blog Police bedamned!
I'll just ask Moonbeam Wilson my question. Do you have long or short suspenders and are they the heavy-duty type designed for big loads?
Dr. Moonbeam Wilson on June 29, 2012 6:29 AM
Mr. Noah here -- ,Mrs. Noah says that she is the only one to noah that information.
Check with Terry St.Clair for info regarding suspenders. He is an expert in that area and probably has as many pairs as most men have neck ties.
JK George on June 29, 2012 11:37 AM
So Mrs. Know (err Noah) "noahs all." Very clever, Doc . You might have advanced to the final pun-off round with Madame Cookie and Carl T.
Linda Phlegar Mills on June 28, 2012 9:08 PM
Did anyone notice that Trish Gary Whittaker's son passed away suddenly last week. We need to keep her in our prayers.
I lived on Mercer Street for 5 or 6 months in 1957 while we were having our home on West Main St Built. It was an apartment next to then Kroger's. Linda
Carl on August 13, 2012 3:34 PM
Folks, an apparent gremlin rendered our old Blog ephemeral (after a mere 2.5 years). So we're blessed with this 2nd chance. Let's approach it with renewed vigor.
"Say it loud, and say it proud!"
Carl on August 13, 2012 3:37 PM
The Myevent.com gurus are searching for a way to re-capture the comments that disappeared from our Blog. In the meantime, carry on. (Sorry for the unpredictable.)
Anonymous #1 on August 13, 2012 5:45 PM
Some comments should probably remained buried forever.
I have new life now as you won't remember what I wrote before.
Kookie on August 13, 2012 7:32 PM
Amen to lost blogs. Now I can cut back on the Valium and pretend I really have a brain.
Carl on August 13, 2012 7:37 PM
If that means that you'll have extra Valium, you know my address.
Kookie on August 13, 2012 9:27 PM
Well now Webmaster, when I lived in ole Montgomery County, those upscale people didn't subscribe to the generic brands nor did they lay on the kitchen floor and turn on the spout of the box wine...and just let her rip. You have to live in Calvert to learn those skills. Otherwise, come on down to the Land of Pleasant Living on the Bay. We can visit WalMart while you are here.
Carl on August 13, 2012 10:10 PM
Guess I'm MontCo's token diversity hire then. [I may well be the only southern Appalachian redneck here since Murphy left.] My heart swells.
Raymond (Wayne) Jones on August 14, 2012 11:42 AM
Watch yourself Carl, if you go to Calvert County they have SMIB's there and a lot of them.
Carl on August 14, 2012 12:15 PM
Wayne, now that Mr. Google has educated me as to what a SMIB is, I'm sure you're right. (I gotta get me one of them texting/slang dictionaries.)
Jimmy G on August 14, 2012 1:56 PM
Damn. Now I'll never know who "deeter" is. Was gonna nominate her for a Pulitzer.
Kookie on August 14, 2012 5:47 PM
Not to worry about the SMIBs if you come to Calvert County....so long as you stay on this side of the Thomas Johnson Bridge that is. Thanks to Lord Calvert the old guard is still pretty "uppity."
Carl on August 15, 2012 10:40 AM
IMPORTANT REMINDER!!!
The PHS60 2012 mini-reunion is fast approaching. We currently have
23 confirmed [i.e., 12 classmates plus guests] and 8 "possibles" [4 classmates plus guests]. We'd like lots more. Details are:
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012
noon 'til ???
at Pat Smith's schoolhouse home
on Dan Hale Reservoir Rd.
just off Rt 20, New Hope Rd.
Admission and "picnic" fare are FREE
.
Hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, salad, snacks, water and soft drinks.
Bring your lawn chairs & BYOB
*** The event is free, but we need a head count to plan things & ensure sufficient food. Please call one of the following with
[1] name, [2] phone number & [3] number in your party AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE
Darla Winfrey Pitzer, 304 - 425-0533
Doug Neal, 304 - 425-0279
Carl Thomason 301 - 652-4466
or email carl.thomason@verizon.net
Wayne Jones on August 15, 2012 12:27 PM
I would like to extend my appreciation to Pat Smith for this generous offering. Thank you Pat and everyone else involved in bringing this Mini Reunion about. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend. Due to Medical problems I can only walk with the use of a cane and it must be on very flat level surfaces so I think that it would be best to try to stay out of the way. Thanks again and I hope that everyone has a great time.
Anonymous #1 on August 16, 2012 4:03 PM
It's like being in some high schools all over again. I write on the blog about being back and have been totally ignored. Reminds me of my Wallflower days at the dances at the armory.
Or was I the "Shy Guy" who was afraid to ask a girl to dance?
Either/or, you can ask me in 2015 as I plan to be at the next regular reunion. Or will we be at the mini?
Does anyone care?
Carl on August 16, 2012 4:26 PM
"Anonymous #1," my efforts are always directed toward maximizing reunion attendance [i.e., the more "inclusion" the better], which is somewhat harder with the "Anonymous" one(s). I'm absolutely confident that you'll be made welcome.
I, for one, actually care very much. And I'm certain that many others do too. Every reunion gets better as time becomes more precious.
So come on out on Oct. 6. It's the easiest way possible to "test the water." The cost is zero, and anyone can leave at any time. [I know that I'm planning to.] Plus, we're all at that "harmless" age now.
Give us a chance. I don't think that you'll be disappointed. [You might even be wondrously surprised . . . and even uplifted.]
Tom Dillon on August 16, 2012 5:57 PM
Dillon here -- remember our back and forth several months ago regarding American football versus soccer -- I was more or less saying that soccer was a sport for sissies. Well, our 16-year-old grandson got a concussion at practice Tuesday evening. His sports medicine physician told Luke that there would be no TV, no computer, and no texting for at least a week until he can score high enough on the follow-up screening tests. He can't even go to the games -- school only, as long as he feels OK. Can you imagine a 16-year-old who has a steady girlfriend and no texting?
I thought being "anonymous" meant hidden, private, not desirous of recognition, being ignored -- what do you want #1?
gene law on August 17, 2012 3:28 PM
Anon!!! The reason you are ignored no one knows you.
Carl on August 17, 2012 3:33 PM
Now Geno, you may only be half right. Heck, everyone
knows you and me and yet oftentimes when we post a comment we're ignored. What explains that?
gene law on August 17, 2012 3:33 PM
By the way, pardon my ignorance, but what is SMIBS. I never know what any one is talking about, but I am curious about this, also BYOB I figured that one out "bring your old bag" right. Here"s one for y'all, sylg
gene law on August 17, 2012 3:36 PM
Hey Carl I'm always half right, comes with being a half wit.
Carl on August 17, 2012 3:37 PM
I'm not entirely sure, but I'll take a shot at it:
sylg means "Say you like geno." OK, I like you.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 17, 2012 3:59 PM
Gene, I don't see your and Sandra's name on the list of classmates coming to the mini-reunion...why not?
Moonbeam Wilson on August 17, 2012 6:25 PM
How about -- "Support Your Local Goofball"?
How many half wits does it take to make a whole (or is it hole) wit? How is (are) wits measured?
7 weeks my friends and counting.
Carl on August 18, 2012 10:58 AM
Tom, if you persist in calling us goofballs, "goofballs," you may find fewer "friends" at the mini that you expect. (:< }
Tom Dillon on August 18, 2012 2:18 PM
I R 1 2 -- and will put my goofs up against any one's -- gold medal competitor.
Jim George on August 18, 2012 2:53 PM
Who is Deeter?
Come forth, you shy poetic genius.
Is it you, Mr. Carl T?
gene law on August 18, 2012 3:43 PM
Well that was better than I could imagine, slyg means see you later, geno, now what does smib mean that was the question, Dillon you ain't never been a goof ball, Is that a security list, do I need to sign a petition? is there a requirement, what equipment do I need, can anybody out there pitch horseshoes, play mumblypeg, stand on one foot and whistle Dixie, will we be searched, can the invitation be withdrawn, will rap music be played, are guitars and banjos allowed, will there be wild and lewd behavior, will the punch be spiked, so many questions, are there any answers? Just wondering geno.
Carl on August 18, 2012 6:18 PM
Geno, according to Mr. Google -- er, uh, Prof. Google -- SMIBs are Southern Maryland In-Breds," thus Wayne's reference to Calvert County. [I only learned that in response to Wayne's introduction.] I had never heard of such 'til Cookie started making mention of her living in that area, and Wayne then fired his shot over her bow, so to speak.
Kookie on August 18, 2012 8:47 PM
Correction: Its not Calvert that lays claim to the SMIBs--its some of the other counties here in the Land of Pleasant Living. Nuf said!! My favorite past-time is siting down on the pier--watching the newly arrived sail by on their boats and drown everytime it rains because they can't get their noses out of the air. I must admit however that SMIB could apply from time to time. Most family geneology goes back to the landing of the Arc & Dove and you better be careful who you talk about because they are probably related. Its a beautiful place to live if you don't mind crooked politicians and out of control Democratic tax and spend policies. The latest thing is I can't sell my home unless I put in a new septic system that will "flush" out the nitrogen destroying the Bay--$15,000 and up. I'm just gonna built an outhouse and get me a brand new Sears Catalog. I don't plan on making it a two-hole since all the men I know are either dead or asking "whats for supper honey." No matter its beauty, it will never be as good as my old mountain home! I'll sign off now--you guys have me all ticked off again and its time for my valium. Before its over this blog is going to drive me to drink and force me hang out down at the "Crooked Eye."
gene law on August 19, 2012 11:01 AM
Thanks bro Carl, I don't know why but that smib has been driving me up the wall, who woulda thought that, you know how they talk about inbreeds in wv. I tell you bout took a bad whipping over that, ol' boy I've known for years from Huff Creek in Mcdowell co. fellow truck driver was in the shop talking about his beloved co. and I asked him "Perdie is it true, when a man divorces his wife in Mcdowell, they are still brother and sister." you'd thought I pulled a gun on him, he went ballistic. thought he was gonna kill me, been friends for years, shows how shallow some folks are. Oh well I guess here it would be WVIBS huh? Hard to believe this is August, cool here in Green Valley, you know the last day of DOG DAYS was cool, seen a lot of summers, can't remember one when it was cool anytime in DOG DAYS, anybody noticed the plague of fires in America, seems to be no end to 'em, some folks have lost everything, some lost their lives, that truly is everything. well gotta go. SYLG
Wayne Jones on August 19, 2012 2:57 PM
I had never heard of SMIB until I worked in Prince George County(like they had a lot of room to talk) and they referred to them a lot. Then they paved the roads south of Waldorf and SMIB's came out of the woodwork looking for work. They hired a lot of them where I worked and some were pretty nice even tho their family tree only had one branch. I was surprised that Carl was able to find it. I knew that Cookie would have to be familiar with it.
"Cookie" on August 20, 2012 12:02 AM
Wow Wayne! I was wondering how you knew about the SMIBs. I also worked in Prince George's County--30 years with the school system-6 at Eleanor Roosevelt H.S. in Greenbelt and 24 in the Division of Instruction out of Upper Marlboro. I know the county like the back of my hand since at one time or another I was in and out of all 200 schools. If you live on the penisula and can't return to those beautiful mountains, Calvert is the place to be. Get in touch with me at brownhill1@msn.com. I would love to share war stories. We may know a whole bunch of the same people--some who are SMIBs and don't know it, some who are SMIBs and proud of it and some now departed because they were on those boats sailing by the Solomons Island Boardwalk. Who can tell me the difference between power boat people and sailboat people?
Brenda Persin on August 20, 2012 10:58 AM
Today is the big 70 for me! I woke up this morning ( I guess that alone was a miracle)--my hair dye was on the pillow, I had no teeth, I was 30 pounds heavier and I couldn't hear a thing. Why didn't some of you older folks warn me!!
Carl on August 20, 2012 12:33 PM
Well BIRTHDAY GREETINGS Brenda. Even if the start of your day was less than joyous, may it move quickly to that end. And I would have warned you, but being so much younger, I lack the experience for it. [I'll now wait my 5+ weeks to join you.]
Becky Novarro on August 20, 2012 12:56 PM
Happy Birthday Brenda. You're older than I am.....lalalalal I hope you have a wonderful day.
Carl on August 20, 2012 1:16 PM
Yeah, relish those 3 days cuz, and Happy Birthday to you too.
Cookie on August 20, 2012 2:33 PM
Happy Birthday to the Queen of Tazewell County & to our own Queenie as well. Appears I am the baby of the Golden Girls. (Yes, I'm Dorothy.)
Tazewell Queen: Be grateful it didn't happen until your 70 birthday. On November 20, 2000 I went to bed at 11:00 p.m. a real babe. At exactly 4:00 a.m. I awoke with gray hair, couldn't see, couldn't make it to the bathroom, indigestion, A-Fib, couldn't hear squat, and the rest I'll leave to the imagionation. I don't know what happened between 11 and 4 but whatever it was I'm sorry I missed it because it must have been REALLLLLLY something.
gene law on August 20, 2012 4:37 PM
Methinks you girls exaggerate!!!! I cannot imagine, nor will I believe that it is thus so with any of you. geno
Carl on August 20, 2012 8:09 PM
Cookie, let's examine the evidence. Nov. 20, 2000 was a mere 13 days after George "Dubya" Bush was sorta elected but was facing the Florida re-count/litigation battle. It seems safe to assume that, following the 8-yr. Bill Clinton presidency, you were on tenterhooks re the outcome of the 2000 vote. [I don't dare imagine where your chads were hanging.] With weeks of litigation, posturing, PR campaigning, etc. still to follow, and the outcome very much in doubt, I suspect that the night of Nov. 20 might have been a traumatic event -- perhaps made moreso by box wine -- accounting for your unwelcomed "conversion."
On the other hand, maybe age simply caught up with you.
Kookie on August 20, 2012 9:20 PM
My dearest Web Master: To clarify, it wasn't until 2008 that I started with the box wine. Prior to that date I was considered a very comfortable widow--drank only the good stuff and dined in style in the few fancy, dancy venues around Annapolis. Thats before my house dropped $250K in value and my oil bill rose by 100%. Now darlin' thats only the beginning. But I digress--It was been 11 and 4 that another catastrophic event occurred. The Chads did start to hang and at the rate they are going....well. I've fired my best shot for today. Hope your ship survived the impact.
Brenda Persin on August 21, 2012 10:24 PM
Pat Thomas Brewster, class of 61, passed away yesterday. She was a beautiful lady and will be greatly missed. She remained a friend of mine through the years.
The arrangements will probably be in the Bluefield paper tomorrow.
link to obit:
http://bdtonline.com/obituaries/x946185930/Patricia-Thomas-Brewster
Delores Hill Brown on August 21, 2012 10:29 PM
I just learned tonight of the passing of Pete Stephenson's wife Judy. Her Obit and the arrangements are on the Memorial Funeral Home website in Princeton.
Carl on August 22, 2012 1:06 PM
Here's the link to Judy's obituary:
http://hosting-24688.tributes.com/show/judy-roxanna-stephenson-94312716
Carl on August 24, 2012 4:57 PM
Appropriately, the blog has remained quiet -- perhaps even reverential -- in recent days. What a mournful week it is.
mike Murphy on August 24, 2012 7:23 PM
Amen
Delores on August 24, 2012 9:21 PM
It has been a very difficult time for many of our classmates this summer and particularly so in the past few weeks. Please know each of you are in our thoughts, our prayers and in our hearts.
Pete Stephenson on August 26, 2012 10:20 AM
Pete here,Too all of my fellow classmates,It is very humbling to have a group of friends like you that step up to the plate for me under the circumstances that I just went through.How fortunate for me after all these long years past,that I have people liike you in my life.Judy was my best friend for 40 years,My wife,lover,confidante,mother to our son Geoffrey,also the mother to my outher two children Daniel and michelle.MaMa to K.C. the likht of her eyes.Also to our 4 grandaughters and 1 great grandaughter.I would personally thank for their unwavering support(If I miss someone I am terribly sorry)Gene-Sandy.Pat,Becky,Big mike,Ron coleman.Darla-Tommy.Myron-PattyKay Marino williams,And a very special for their close support tom Goings.Terry StClair,and Tracy french.Also a thanks goes out to Tom Dillon,Bob lambert for their messages of sorrow related to me thru Tom Goings.Thanks also Cookie for your support also.If I have overlooked anyone please forgive me.As a Christian,I know that my Judy is in a better place free of pain and suffering,God bless the class of 1960.
gene law on August 27, 2012 2:30 PM
AMEN!!!! geno
Fred Lucas on August 27, 2012 6:37 PM
Pete, I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and your family on the death of your wife Judy. I am certain that she brought you many hours of joy and your children many hours of happiness as she raised them to be responsible and caring people.
She will continue to live in your memories and influence your actions toward each other and others.
Carl on August 28, 2012 12:09 PM
mini-Reunion UPDATE
Good folks, preparations for the Sat., Oct. 6 mini-reunion are progressing nicely.
Look who's scheduled to be there:
Belcher, Buddy & Rachel
Dillon, Tom & Kay
Fields, Barbara & Harry
Fields, Gene & LaVerne
George, Jim & Diana
Goings, Tom & Dora
Law, Gene & Sandra
Lucas, Fred
Murphy, Mike & Aretta
Neal, Doug
Novarro, Becky & Jim
Pitzer, Darla & Johnny
Shumaker, Jeff & Betty
St. Clair, Terry & Kaye Marino Williams
Stephenson, Pete
Thomason, Carl & Joan Zaro
Tomchin, Ed & Evie
Wizon, Jerry & Irene
With more names to be added in coming weeks, it should be a success. Be part of it.
*** click "BREAKING NEWS!" tab above for full details. ***
For those not yet registered, please contact Darla, Doug or me. [TNs on "BREAKING NEWS!" page above.] It's important that we get a good head count.
Alert your classmates who aren't registered. Come join us.
Carl on August 28, 2012 8:34 PM
Oops! I didn't add Pat Smith's name to the list. Since she's providing the reunion facility, I'm pretty sure that she'll be there too.
Carl on August 28, 2012 8:50 PM
And 2 more for the mini:
Cookie and her sister, Paulette Hill Litteral
Carl on August 29, 2012 12:53 PM
And then it occurred to me (duh!). If you're reading this, haven't registered, and plan to attend the Oct. 6 mini-reunion, you could simply email me at carl.thomason@verizon.net
Linda phlegar Mills on August 29, 2012 7:45 PM
Have good news to share. Bob came home from Hospital last night with new kidney. Everything going well so far. Keep the good thoughts going for him please. Sorry we won't be able to attend the reunion due to his recovery. L
Delores on August 29, 2012 8:02 PM
What glorious news Linda. My best to the both of you as he gains his strength and I am certain will progress each day.
Carl on August 29, 2012 10:07 PM
wonderfully uplifting news Linda. Please give Bob our best wishes and know that we'll celebrate you at the mini-reunion.
gene law on August 30, 2012 4:14 PM
That is good news Linda and here's to a speedy recovery, and no set backs or complications, keep us posted. geno
Pete Stephenson on August 30, 2012 9:53 PM
Pete here,Linda what great news about Rob.I have you both in my prayer list.Taking care of someone is as hard on the caregiver as the patient.I am slowly getting the cobwebs out of my head.It will take some time but with friends like you folks that call and keep me on my toes I will get by.I will if Gods will see all of you in Oct.Talked to Stclair for over an hour this evening.He has been a real rock for me.Take care one and all.Jk,haven.t heard any new reports on Diana,Up date please.
JK George on August 31, 2012 1:32 AM
Lots of serious medical stuff on the blog, plus some sad passings.
Pete, my best to you.
Diana is stable. Her stroke was in November, so it has been ten months now. She is walking well, but with a bit of a limp. But for her to be independent in that area is super important. Her right arm/hand has not come all the way back, and she is not able to use it to any degree. It is not likely to get much better. At this point, no additional rehab/therapy on either the leg or the arm/hand is planned.
Her speech is extremely difficult, and just frustrates her to death. She works hard on speech therapy twice a week at St. David's Rehab Hospital here in town, and her therapist is optimistic that she eventually will regain enough recovery to be able to make herself known. She can say simple words, but must concentrate extremely hard. Her stroke location resulted in both difficulty in getting the correct word "teed up" in her brain, and also once she knows the word, the ability to deliver it vocally. I had no idea that human speech is such a compllicated matter. She does well on some sounds and struggles on others. But she works very hard and has a five year sort of window to improve. Hey, the glass is half full. We focus on the many things she can do, rather than be PO'd about the things that are not there, at present.
Health is such a precious blessing. Never take it for granted, and do not postpone the important things in life. We just can't be wait for the important things. Do them now with the people who are important to you.
Fred Lucas on August 31, 2012 7:33 AM
Hi Carl,
Are we going to have a corn hole competition or a horseshoe competition at the picnic? If we have a badmitton competition, we can't throw the game like the teams did in the Olympics.
Mike Murphy, this is a nonpartisan event.
Pete stephenson on August 31, 2012 8:02 AM
Pete here. JK I know the struggles you both are going through.I will just take time for Diana to get along better.Tell her how much we love her and how much I have enjoyed her friendship since grade school.Praying for both of you my friend.Hey Murphy,sounds like Lucas through out a challenge to you.I might add another rock behind me and that is Tom Goings,what a caring person he is.Always called him little bro.I know I have missed some of the previous messages,so can anyone update me on Fran Rice?Keep the shiny side up,remember faith,hope and love.
mike murphy on August 31, 2012 1:34 PM
Hey Pete
Good to have you back!
I propose that you and I take on the non-partisans in beer pong. Of course we will have to get a trophy for everyone, esp the nonps???
Seriously - look forward to seeing you at the mini.
Keep the faith Mike
Carl on August 31, 2012 4:57 PM
WOW!!! How many gatherings of 70-year-olds will play beer pong this year, I wonder. My ageless classmates, you keep me young.
Carl on September 2, 2012 12:39 PM
One more name for the mini-reunion.
I have it from a highly reliable source that Tracy French will be there.
gene law on September 2, 2012 4:30 PM
QUESTION FOR TOM DILLON???? WHERE ARE YOU??
Carl on September 2, 2012 4:37 PM
Why're you asking me?
Thomas Dillon on September 2, 2012 6:02 PM
I's here. Been trying to think of a rebuttal to those comments regarding our playing non-contact sports at the mini-reunion.
Why not tackle football sans pads? The following aides, however, would be allowed -- bifocals, trifocals, contacts, pre-cataract eyes, post-cataract eyes, laser surgery eyes, hearing aides, dentures, hair implants, breast implants, buttock implants, artificial knees, artificial shoulders, artificial hips, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc., etc., etc..
I am now worn out from all of the above and must rest and oil some of my personal aides as we are finally getting some rain with the aftermath of Issac.
Who can lift a horse shoe, much less throw it? How heavy are the corn hole bags? Beer pong appears to be the game of choice.
Kookie on September 2, 2012 7:29 PM
Moonbeam: You left out "muddin" and bobbing for pig's feet. Ok, I'll admit I watched the promo for Honey Boo Boo. Now boys and girls, there's a few minutes you can't recapture.
Moonbeam on September 3, 2012 1:56 PM
Should we try and book her to provide our entertainment at the mini?
Kookie on September 3, 2012 2:26 PM
Well Moonbeam--Boo Boo could be rather entertaining. You gotta have a few smarts to be that funny but she has to leave the rest of the tribe back in Georgia. Momma could trip over one of our walkers and leave an ole Tigers in a pile of grease.
I think we have another 15 minutes of fame out there in TV land.
Carl on September 2, 2012 11:22 PM
Breaking News! Billie Rae Hall Harris plans to attend the mini-reunion.
Carl on September 4, 2012 10:50 AM
plus 4 more
:
Ched & Janice Yearout
Mary Lou Stroup Pincarinha & Tom
Carl on September 4, 2012 11:07 AM
mini-
reunion; updated registration list:
Belcher, Buddy & Rachel
Brown, Cookie & sister Paulette
Dillon, Tom & Kay
Fields, Barbara & Harry
Fields, Gene & LaVerne
French, Tracy
George, Jim & Diana
Goings, Tom & Dora
Harris, Billie Rae Hall
Law, Gene & Sandra
Lucas, Fred
Murphy, Mike & Aretta
Neal, Doug
Novarro, Becky & Jim
Pincarinha, Mary Lou & Tom
Pitzer, Darla & Johnny
Shumaker, Jeff & Betty
Smith, Pat
St. Clair, Terry & Kaye
Stephenson, Pete
Thomason, Carl & Joan Zaro
Tomchin, Ed & Evie
Wizon, Jerry & Irene
Yearout, Ched & Janice
Carl on September 4, 2012 5:24 PM
Hmm. I can't help wondering why I don't see names on the mini-reunion list like Brenda Persin (who I recall said on the blog that she hoped to attend) plus Myron & Patty Anderson, James McKenzie, Joe McKenzie, Curly Eskew, Carol & Jack Stafford, Ron & Tish Coleman, Dottie Morris Lambert & David, Emma & Trevor [no last name needed], and Sonja Saunders White . . . just to name some locals who regularly attend our big reunions.
And who in the Pctn. area has encouraged Ginger Goings Clower, Norm Wall, Paul Baker, Anita Wiley Bishop, Ron Skeens, Harold Phillips, David Hurt, and a number of others? Come on gang, give 'em a call. We're making it as easy as possible.
We're a user friendly program. Always entertaining, sometimes downright likeable. Never completely dull [certainly not after Curly arrives].
So let's "shake the bushes." Help me out here. Please.
Jimmy George on September 5, 2012 7:30 AM
And how about Arnold Palmer?
Brenda Persin on September 4, 2012 7:46 PM
I will do my best to attend, but I never know until the last minute if I can make it. Go ahead and sign me up to eat one hotdog (I will bring my Pinot Grigio), and then if I can't make it, it won't be a big deal.
Carl on September 4, 2012 9:49 PM
Atta girl. Thanks Brenda. Hope, very much, to see you there, as I'm sure is true of many others.
Carl on September 5, 2012 12:25 PM
"Like the size of a fish that the man claims broke his reel . . . It's growing."
More mini-reunion registrations:
Joe Holdren & wife
Myron & Patty You-know-who
Trish Gary Whittaker
Pete Stephenson on September 5, 2012 9:16 PM
The get together at Ryans last evening was a blast.I believe there was 15 or 16 there.it was good to see everyone.Those that have never attended the dinners are loosing out.Thanks to all the support all of you have given me over the past 3 weeks.Its good to see the mini growing.Like a snow ball on a down hill run,getting bigger as she goes.looking forward to seeing everyone.Keep the shiny side up and remember faith,hope and love.
Fred Lucas on September 6, 2012 5:16 PM
I hope that more people will want to come to the mini reunion. Concord will be holding an Alumni dinner on Friday October 5, 2012. You Concord grads might want to attend that event as well.
For those who are football fans, PHS lost to the Bluefield Beavers . The final score 35-15.
Tom if you don't want to play corn hole, perhaps bridge, canasta or chess might be what would interest you.
I will be in Columbus Indiana this weekend for the annual Scottish Festival. I will watch border collies round up sheep. Women will be singing and dancing. Bands will play the pipes and men will toss telephone poles.
Carl on September 6, 2012 9:04 PM
Fred, I believe the Scots call those telephone poles "cabers." [I don't know what the German word for it is, but I'll bet it has a lot more than 6 letters.]
Scottish games are enjoyable events. Hope you have a good time. See you in Oct.
Moonbeam on September 7, 2012 7:58 AM
Herr Fisch and Frau Dorothy Herring plan to attend the mini -- just heard from Mike yesterday -- don't know whether he has contacted you, Carl, Doug, Darla, Pat, etc.
Fred, in my heyday, I would have tossed telephone poles with you. How about a game of tossing pretzels? Table games give me a headache with so much concentration required.
Stephenson liked the idea of tackle football with the modifications suggested.
Carl on September 7, 2012 11:05 AM
That makes 30 classmates by my count for the mini. With spouses/guests, roughly 55. Surely we'll have even more than that. I like what I'm seeing here.
Carl on September 7, 2012 11:32 AM
Fred, do you still have that jaunty Canadian hat that you brought back from Toronto in the 50s?
Carl on September 7, 2012 11:55 AM
Good news
: just heard from Linda Phlegar Mills that Bob is "progressing nicely" from his kidney transplant. He came home 10 days ago; the first 90 day are the toughest/most confining. Wish them luck.
Delores on September 7, 2012 12:12 PM
Great news from Linda! So happy to hear things are progressing nicely.
Billie Rae Harris on September 8, 2012 6:37 AM
Hope this finds you all well and happy. For those who are having health issues and have lost love ones my thoughts and prayers have been with you.
This is my first time at blogging and just wanted to say hello and that I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and hopefuly some pretty leaves as well. Someone ask if we had any ideas about how to get more people to attend. I noticed Jim George ask if Armold Palmer was coming ? I've been re-reading "Reunion" and that got me thinking... What about asking Arnold to perform ? Or anyone else who is musical inclined ? Not the entire day,of course(we need plenty of time to talk) Just a thought. I've call a few people and hopefuly they try to make it. Fran Rice Baker is doing better but unfortunately can't come because of family plans for a grandaughter B-day that week.Look forward to catching up with you all. Billie Rae
Carl on September 8, 2012 10:25 AM
mini-reunion update; more registrations:
Aloma & Tommy Ashworth
Curly Eskew
Mike & Dorothy Herring
Stan & Brenda Hill
bringing the total number of classmates to 33
Carl on September 8, 2012 12:34 PM
Oops! My overpaid adm. asst., Deeter, omitted
Carol Wyrick Martin & Neil
"Like a rosebud blooming in the warmth of the summer sun . . . it's growing." Our "mini" list simply grows and grows.
Mike Murphy on September 8, 2012 2:11 PM
I plan to bring my badge from the last reunion so that I can remember who I am. Still hiding my own Easter eggs!!
Seriously I think it would be helpful.
Talked to Doug Couburn who said he would try to be there, also left message for Gene Clark and Doug Lee encouraging them to come. Wanted to invite others from Glenwood but found it difficult to find them.
Keep the Faith Mike
Carl on September 8, 2012 5:01 PM
Nice work Murph. You're a good ambassador for the Glenwoodies.
Fred Lucas on September 10, 2012 9:56 PM
Hi Carl, I had a good time at the Scottish Festival in Columbus Indiana. I have added to the scottish hat that I bought in the '50.s. I now have a kilt, shirt and socks to go with the hat.
Only one man out of ten was able to flip the caber. For those who don't know, the caber is in an upright position. The man lifts it and trys to throw or flip it over. The winner from the Buckeye state did it twice.The man who won the hammer toss threw it forty three feet.
They had a European car contest. Most of the cars were restored MG's from the 60's and 70's.
The border collies did a good job rounding up the sheep although their owners could have used more training.Tom have you thought of training owners of border collies?
That evening, the dinner was delightful. The dinner party is known as the ceilidh. The southern Indiana pipe and drum corps provided much of the entertainment. Several dancers did the highland fling.
The entertainment was fun. That afternoon, I had that old Scottish dish Haggis.I look forward to seeing everyone. I won't have my kilt so you'll never know what's underneath. Have a safe trip to Princeton.
Jim George on September 11, 2012 7:45 AM
Fred, sounds like you had a great time, and it was a blast. I've never been to a festival with they throw the large caber poles, etc, but have taken part in a real ceilidh, in Scotland. It was sort of like a mountain hootenany, with a band, lots of dancing, and copious amounts of serious adult beverages. That's for sure. It was one of the best times ever. The word "ceilidh" is one of those Celtic things that's impossible to sound out like it's spelled. It's pronounced like "Kale-ey" with kale said just like the vegetable.
Carl on September 11, 2012 10:39 AM
Fred, you say we'll "never know what's underneath"? I cite that old adage, "Thank God for little blessings." See you in less than 4 weeks.
Carl on September 10, 2012 10:29 PM
more a'comin':
add Brenda Martin Sword & Roger
to the mini-reunion list
Mike murphy on September 12, 2012 9:52 AM
Geno - It looks like you were right to be concerned about the Muslim Brotherhood. I guess the BHO apology tour didn't work!!
Keep the Faith
Carl on September 12, 2012 11:30 AM
Yo! Princetonians and other locals:
do any of you have contact with Carol Blevins Stafford, Emma Davis Johnston, Dottie Morris Lambert, Ron Skeens, Norman Wall, Jerry Smith, Paul Baker, Harold Phillips, Ron Coleman, Doug Damewood, and Charles Keatley -- to name a few. I remember these folks all attended one or more of our previous reunions. I'm sure there are others whom I'm overlooking. Any chance that you could persuade them to attend the mini?Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 12, 2012 1:21 PM
I talked to Carol Blevins Stafford this morning and she said they usually go out of town that week and she is not sure at this time if she can come to the mini.
gene law on September 12, 2012 5:00 PM
Just talked with Doug Damewood the other day said he hasn't made his mind up yet. I tried to make my mind up one time, too hard headed for that my mind has a mind of its own, I never know what I'm thinking, but it doesn't matter I wouldn't understand it any how, I've got so I don't mind things much any more, well there you go I forgot what I was blogging about, oh well I guess back to minding whatever it was I was minding. Was it minding or mining, y'all done got me confused again, where was I, oh I was going for coffee. color me gone.
Thomas Dillon on September 14, 2012 10:16 AM
OK C-mates, 3 weeks and counting. My family has always used the # of sleeps before a big event as a measure, ergo, 20 sleeps before many of us are in Princeton on Friday before the Mini.
I do need your advice -- How many days out from the event can I safely get my hair and nails done and still look relatively good? Yes, male peers, I still have some hair.
Any word from Farley?
Carl on September 14, 2012 2:01 PM
Boy! That Dillon sure is eager to see us. . . I guess I understand why.
gene law on September 14, 2012 3:47 PM
I ran into Abby Kassay, Gale Belcher, and Wilda Jean (White) Belcher at the supermarket today, we had a mini reunion. Dillon, be careful about doing your hair I done mine one too many times now it's done for. Had a thought today, but I forgot it, had a thought the other day, maybe that's the thought I had today, I'll have to think about it, maybe I thought I would think about it, can't think now I just got another thought, I think I'll sign off.
Thomas Dillon on September 15, 2012 8:31 AM
BTW (Can you believe I am so current?), naps do not count as sleeps. Naps can be unlimited, even several in one day.
Geno, I think I found your thought, but have already lost it or was it too provocative to share?
Had the dream about playing football at age 70 plus again last night. Bobby Wilkerson and Stephenson were also getting suited up. Either the weather this time of the year or the prospect of seeing all of you very soon trigger this dream.
Kookie on September 15, 2012 7:21 PM
Tribute to Moonbeam's Dreams
"Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life
End over end neither left nor to right
Straight through the heart of them righteous uprights
Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life."
Bobby Bare's Greatest Hit
Pete Stephenson on September 15, 2012 9:25 PM
Pete here,Hey thomas,how in the world did we make it through 2 a days at our young age?I know when i played in /europe it was much harder and those guys didn't care if they knocked the hell out of you or whatever.I still get enthused about the season starting.Don't really believe I could participite in any real hitting sport now,but stubborness would make me give it a shot.I'm really looking forward to the mini.Was elated to hear that Fish is going to make it along with quite a few others.Looking forward to seeing all of you.Just remember to take it easy on me for I am pretty fragile.Keep the shiny side up and remember,faith,hope and love.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 16, 2012 6:41 PM
Does the Princeton Rescue Squad need to be at the ready?
Kookie on September 16, 2012 9:16 PM
Don't worry Darla! You will have a doctor from Indiana in attendance.
Carl on September 16, 2012 11:22 PM
Suddenly I'm more than a trifle worried.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 17, 2012 8:07 AM
Can that doctor from Indiana set a broken bone, stitch up a cut or deliver a baby? Maybe the last one won't be a problem.
Kookie on September 17, 2012 9:29 AM
Darlin' Darla made me choke and my morning coffee is all over the computer monitor. LOL LOL LOL
Point for Darla!!!!!
gene law on September 17, 2012 9:48 AM
Hey!!!Hey!!!!Hey!!!!! If we got to get doctors, rescue squads, and all that, I'm backing out, too brittle for this, I don't bend any more, I break, if this is not for genteel folks I need to know now, you folks don't know this but I am a peace loving man, gentle in nature kind in heart, and deeply rooted in slow moving sports, such as for instance, snail races, mumbly peg, from a seated position, watching grass grow, guessing how far up a cloud is, guessing how long it will take a rooster setting on a door knob to hatch a hardware store, these are a few of my favorite things....I know, I heard some one say, "who cares" .
Dr. Moonbeam on September 17, 2012 10:56 AM
My West Virginia licence was suspended due to some alleged improprieties while I was a student at Concord College (now a university) in 1961. M. Farley and I supposedly gave the biology professor a fifth of bourbon to obtain a passing grade. Don't know who may have ratted us out.
Kookie on September 17, 2012 5:52 PM
Dear Dr. Moonbeam
Exactly what kind of medical license was suspended? You, by any chance, weren't one of those physicians who required patents to cough during examinations were you?
Dr. Moonbeam on September 18, 2012 11:37 AM
Kookie, I got one of those "piled higher and deeper" degrees that did not make me any money nor allow me to write prescriptions. Otherwise, all of us could ignore the BYOB suggestion for the Mini.
I treated a person's psyche. My patients might respond to a request to cough with a bark like a dog, or a squeal like a wombat, or a grunt like a yak.
I almost published a couple of historic papers -- "The Strange Case of Dr. Jelly and Mr. Peanut Butter", and "Yentl, a Search for Little Foot", but was preempted by earlier publications. I also had an idea about a novel that I was going to title "Reunion" -- primarily about growing up in the south in the 50's, but that was also J-Kayed.
Have Queenie, Farley,Yearout, and others become fatigued with our silliness?
Kookie on September 18, 2012 4:20 PM
Dear Dr. Moonbeam
I'll answer your question about silliness this way. I just returned from a tour of the mansions of Newport Rhode Island and, I made one purchase. No, it wasn't the 157,000 sq. ft. Vanderbilt mansion it was $14 sign for the table in my entrance foyer:
"Women who behave seldom make history."
Kookie on September 18, 2012 4:24 PM
P.S. Dr. Moonbeam
That sign is to go with my cross-stitched pillow with the famous Alice Roosevelt Longworth quote, "If you don't have anything nice to say about anyone...come sit by me."
Carl on September 18, 2012 5:23 PM
Ending a month-long gap, the following birthdays approach:
Sam Goodall - September 28
Carl Thomason - September 28
Linda Phlegar Mills - September 30
Seems that there might have been some New Year's celebration at those households to "ring" in 1942.
Thomas Dillon on September 20, 2012 7:19 PM
Silliness is one thing, but shyness? Kookie, how much did you finally pay for your sign when you include the cost of your gas to and fro?
Farley, where are you Man? Queenie? Geno? Murph? Stephenson? Herr Lucas?
Mike Murphy on September 20, 2012 7:19 PM
Carl I am older than you by a few days - so please respest your elders.
Dillon + Murphy = a paradocs?
Keep the faith Mike
Thomas Dillon on September 20, 2012 7:27 PM
Yes, definitely. And a paradox too. Who would have thunk it was even remotely possible?
Was Carl being a little provocative about the possibility of New Year'shenanigans in 1942? Kookie, sic him.
Pete Stephenson on September 20, 2012 8:18 PM
Thomas just sitting back chillin and taking all the chatter in.Our mini is fast approaching and I hope we have a good turnout and pray for good weather also.Where is Geno,Is he down with the bug or what.Good to hear that Billie Rae and Fish are coming in.Maybee more will come than we think.Hope so anyway.Keep the shiny side up,and remember peace, hope and love.
Kookie on September 20, 2012 10:41 PM
Dear Moonbeam: Cost of the trip to Newport? Thats why I purchased the sign, it was so appropriate. As for the birthdays, I also was born in 1942...nuf said! They obviously invented the sign.
Dr. Moonbeam on September 21, 2012 8:36 AM
Dear Kookie, weren't the majority of us in the PHS Class of 1960 born in 1942? What are you saying? Are we all a little discombobulated? -- Sounds like a Lambert issue.
14 Sleeps!
Pete Stephenson on September 21, 2012 7:55 PM
Thomas I'm sure glad that I'm not discombobulated.if I were I might get lost trying to get to the mini.All these big words are making me discombobulated.Hope all has a good weekend.keep the shiny side up.peace,hope,and love.
gene law on September 23, 2012 9:37 PM
Hey Hey Hey all my discombobulation is in this e-mail system,not my fault all the blame goes to Frontier, do we have any lawyers out there in blog land can I sue? haven't my rights been violated, somebody call security, do I have to pay full price for half service? does any body know? does anybody care? am I on my own? where can I go to blow off some steam? Don't tell me, be like frontier keep me in the dark, yeah Pete I am bugged when you read this get mad and read it in its right context. been on the discombobulated list for (can't remember right now) week I think, well i'm vented out now, glad you folks are all right, come to think of it I still cannot receive e-mails, if I had a hammer, how does that song go, I'd ring somebody's jaw, no I'd hammer out a warning, that don't sound right either, oh well that's what happens when you get dicombobulated in the combobulator. I think I'll retire from this and be a gladiator for the combobulated folks, I'll become a folk hero for the discombobulated, I might become known as the discombobulated discombobulator regulator dealer, from now on I will be known as DDRD, NO Make that the DDDRD, the "dreaded discombobulated discombobulator regulatory director" yeah that sounds more official, it does you good to vent I feel better just talking about it. SO, how goes it with you folks? glad to read your blogs.
Thomas Dillon on September 24, 2012 8:16 AM
11 Sleeps!
However, now I will probably not sleep well for fear of being visited at night by the DDDRD. Thanks Geno. Sounds like a Federal agency.
I once had the title of DWCNYDDSO when I made the mistake of taking a job up north-- Director, Westchester County New York Developmental Disabilities Service Office. I had to see a therapist due to my resultant discombobulation and diagnosed schizophrenia
Any forecast as to what the weather may be for the Mini? We had frost overnight.
gene law on September 24, 2012 11:15 AM
The DDDRD rides again. The weather for the mini will be there, you get there and there the weather will be we always have weather in Princeton, people don't always like the weather here, mostly those folks who don't understand weather, but whether they like it or not we still have it. We been having weather round here longer than I can remember. So moonbeam cm'on down we will have weather, well we'll have weather whether you come or not, but you can be assured we'll have weather, hope that helps you, but whether it does or don't glad to help, catch some zzzzzz's, catch ya later. THE DDDRD.
Jim George on September 24, 2012 5:03 PM
Lots of very long words in the air now. And Dillon, that title you had up in NY upped the ante on acronymic collections, if acronymic is a word. Hmm, it is ... just checked.
Today, I just got off the phone with Craig Hammond over at WHIS AM in Bluefield. Thanks to him and to the nice people at Hearthside Books on Bland Street in Bluefield, I will be interviewed on the air on WHIS on Hammond's "Radioactive" program on Monday morning, October 1st, a bit following 9:30 local time. That will be a telephone interview from here at home, several days before Diana and I fly back to Charlotte and drive up to Princeton, but the interview will be live, and hopefully it will scare up some interest for the "Book Signing and Discussion" event over at Hearthside Books Thursday afternoon (Oct. 4th) at 2 p.m. I'll be discussing the book, "Reunion," and will be hoping to get in some good publicity for good ole' PHS class of 1960 along the way.
Mr. Hammond also will be asking me about working in the high-tech industry. My last job was coordinating the Intgegrated Circuits for the Motorola Razor Phone back in 2002. Hopefully I'll be able to remember something about that dim, dark past. Lots of things have happened since then.
In addition, the wonderful people at the Princeton Public Library will be hosting a "Meet the Author" session at the Library at 3 p.m. the following day, Friday October 5th.
Bottom line, I hope to see some of the PHS Tigers at both events. Can't wait to get back and see some of that weather that Mike Murphy promises will exist. I'll bet it comes with cool mornings and lots of tree color on the hillsides.
Jim George on September 24, 2012 5:05 PM
Oops. It was Gene Law's weather. Didn't mean to assign ownership incorrectly.
gene law on September 24, 2012 6:19 PM
Blogmaster, moonbeam, fellow bloggers, loyal west virginians, lend me your eyes on the blog, I was asked by a friend if I knew how many counties were in WV, I aced that question next question was could I name them, I only got 42, without looking, just out of your memory give it an honest try, let me know, I thought I knew them all.
Carl on September 24, 2012 8:03 PM
I remember having to memorize them in WV History. No matter how much I tried, once I reached Cabell -- 6th in the alphabetical list -- I was on thin ice. I somehow got the remaining 49 after several tries/tests. I'm still not sure how. [Divine intervention, I suspect.]
Kookie on September 25, 2012 4:44 PM
Dear Dr. Moonbeam:
I know what DDDRD stands for in Calvert County but I can't repeat it in cyber-world.
Dr. Moonbeam on September 25, 2012 7:41 PM
Geno, I got the # 55 for the counties, but don't recall our having to memorize them. Mike Herring and Pat Smith were the WV. Horseshoe reps and winners from Mercer School.
Our West Virginia history teacher was Bob Bishop. Several of us also had him for home room and we were organized alphabetically -- Arney, Belcher, Blevins, Crawford, Eskew, Evans, etc. Bishop used to keep tennis balls in his desk drawer and would literally bean you in the head if you were talking out of order or did not respond to the roll call at the beginning of home room. I think I may have gotten a concussion from a direct hit, thus can only recall a few counties.
Bishop's sister-in-law taught religion in his class either weekly or monthly. Acting out when she was teaching brought the wrath of Mr. Bishop onto your buttocks big time -- Milford Cordell probably held the record for the most whacks from the fraternity-sized paddle. Bishop would actually lift one off his feet with the direction and impact of the paddle. I think Buddy Belcher provided some entertainment and Curly Eskew was not to be denied. Mokey Crawford and I may have had a session or two. Those were the good old days!
Wayne Jones on September 26, 2012 12:34 PM
Dr. Moonbeam, I see on the TV news last evening that they have put security gurard in the Princeotn Middle school because of the bullys. All they need to do is to place someone up there with one of those boards to bust a few asses and that would calm the situation down. It must be really hell to try to teach school these days without being able to punish those little monsters.
Sorry Cookie, SMIB is the only Carlvetese that I know.
Kookie on September 26, 2012 2:38 PM
Teachers fear the parents!
Parents fear the kids!
Kids fear no one!
That’s because they didn't have my father! All he had to do was take off his glasses and lay the Bluefield Daily Telegraph down!
gene law on September 26, 2012 6:38 PM
Hey, that's why we were the great class that we are, we learned class by the stripes on our ass, taught hear and obey, sadly those days are gone, and just take a good look at our nation, "where HAVE all the flowers gone"?
Kookie on September 26, 2012 9:46 PM
To Jimmy:
About your blog regarding the wonders of the LED lightbulb. (1) I can't see to read by them. (2) I will never live long enough for them to be cost effective (3) The last time I dropped one I had to call the EPA and Hazmat and my house was condemned and (4) they don't clear the shades on half my lamps.
I'm stockpiling those little "hot" puppies. My stash should get me into eternity.
Sincerely
A cranky elderly woman who is stuck in 1960 when life was fun and no one bothered you!
gene law on September 27, 2012 8:42 AM
HEAR!!!!HEAR!!!
Mike Murphy on September 27, 2012 12:32 PM
Cookie- Have you tried the Solyndra brand?
Keep the faith
Kookie on September 27, 2012 1:17 PM
Dear Fellow "Bus Rider"
Yes, I tried that brand but they were a disaster too. They were full of hot air and there was no light in the end.
Dr. Moonbeam on September 27, 2012 5:23 PM
Must cheaper and you can have your cake and eat it too.
Jimmy George on September 28, 2012 11:40 AM
Kookie et al,
The future is coming! The future is coming!
Kookie on September 28, 2012 12:31 PM
Yes I can tell! I watched the U.N. General Assembly speakers.
I'm stockpiling nuts to move into my cave.
gene law on September 28, 2012 3:17 PM
You're close enough to D.C. there's enough nuts there to last anybody a life time, and 2 years.
Dr. Moonbeam on September 28, 2012 3:57 PM
Geno, any chinquapins by next week end?
gene law on September 29, 2012 10:06 AM
Moonbeam I still have not located any chinquipins, I think they have gone the way of the Algonquin, the American chestnut, and good sound govt. Alas, once again I have come up short, I really wanted to find you some of those and deliver them to you personally at the mini, but I have given up hope I keep thinking somewhere there is a hollow, a hill or a field with some thriving bushes full of chinquipins, but I fear they are not to be found. sorry. geno, maybe that should be sorry geno.
Carl on September 30, 2012 12:14 PM
mini
-Reunion Week Arrives
Saturday's almost here, and the forecast at this point is for "Mostly Sunny" skies with a high of 68o
Here's the current list of registrants/hopefuls:
Anderson, Myron & Patty (Baker)
Ashworth, Aloma Rose & Tommy
Belcher, Buddy & Rachel
Brown, Cookie Hill & sister Paulette
Dillon, Tom & Kay
Eskew, Curly
Fields, Barbara Calfee & Harry
Fields, Gene & LaVerne
French, Tracy
George, Jim & Diana
Goings, Tom & Dora
Harris, Billie Rae Hall
Herring, Mike & Dorothy
Hill, Stan & Brenda
Holdren, Joe & wife
Law, Gene & Sandra
Lucas, Fred
Murphy, Mike & Aretta & mike's brother Freeman
Neal, Doug
Novarro, Becky Arney & Jim
Pincarinha, Mary Lou Stroup & Tom
Pitzer, Darla Winfrey & Johnny
Shumaker, Jeff & Betty
Smith, Pat
St. Clair, Terry & Kaye Marino Williams
Stephenson, Pete
Sword, Brenda Martin & Roger
Thomas, Candy Rorrer & Marshall
Thomason, Carl & Joan Zaro
Tomchin, Ed & Evie
Whittaker, Trish Gary
Wizon, Jerry & Irene
Yearout, Ched & Janice
Full details of the event appear on the "BREAKING NEWS!" tab above.
DON'T FORGET YOUR LAWN CHAIRS!!!
Mike Murphy on September 30, 2012 12:41 PM
Geno & Tom - My brother Mason said he has some chinquapins on his farm on the Athens road.
My theory is that the brush hog did away with them. Early Farmers would "grob" their land and leave the C bushes.
Look forward to seeing all at the mini. Pat, Carl and Doug thanks again for organizing!!!
Keep the Faith Mike
Mike Murphy on September 30, 2012 12:43 PM
Make that "grub"
gene law on September 30, 2012 3:05 PM
Mike, where does your brother live? And will he let me come pick them? Let me know geno, also Tom did you know orange seeds taste a whole lot like chinkuapins, crack them between your teeth eat the seed minus the hull, very nutritious, and very very good.
Mike Murphy on October 1, 2012 1:06 PM
Geno - My other brother Freeman, who you met at the monthly dinner some time past will be attending the mini with me and he said he would try to get some chicipins to bring to the mini.
Keep the faith Mike
gene law on October 1, 2012 3:02 PM
Jolly good, Mike, hope he does good, moonbeam would be elated. Catch ya later.
Carl on October 1, 2012 9:13 PM
More good news! It looks like Candy and Marshall Thomas will join us on Saturday.
Carl on October 2, 2012 7:24 AM
Oops!! I omitted a few people from the list of mini-reunion attendees (/ intendees?), but have added them to the above list posted Sept. 30.
Update on weather forecast for Sat:
Mostly sunny with high of 69
*** DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR CHAIRS ***
Mike Murphy on October 2, 2012 12:19 PM
Sorry cousin Darla for not acknowledging you contributions to holding the "Mini".
Chalk it up to old age!!!
Keep the Faith
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on October 2, 2012 1:13 PM
Mike, that is fine because I don't do much. Looking forward to seeing you and everyone Saturday.
Kookie on October 2, 2012 5:23 PM
Darla & Mike are cousins? Its looking more and more like the Class of 60 has a very small gene pool! I think we need a family tree before someone gets in trouble.
Carl on October 2, 2012 9:21 PM
Now I concur with Cookie on most things, but I'd advise caution on that family tree notion. Some things are just better unknown. "Let the mystery linger."
Kookie on October 3, 2012 12:01 AM
Oh God Blog Master! I'll soon be 70--the best part of which is not giving a damn any more. Bring it on cousins--just remember! I don't fix breakfast for anyone anymore I don't care how cute you are. There must be a Cracker Barrel somewhere around.
Kookie on October 3, 2012 12:17 AM
P.S. Blog Master
"Age is a number!
Getting OLD is a choice."
Dr. Moonbeam on October 3, 2012 7:39 AM
Did you really think "Kissin Cousins" was a movie starring Elvis? No wonder the postal service has faced bankruptcy several times over given the games we played when we were young. Who knows the true degree of cousiness some of us may have faced when we were engaged in "smacky face"?
2 sleeps and I will see some of you on Friday.
Kookie on October 3, 2012 11:21 AM
TODAY'S GRUMPY OLD WOMAN RANT!
So! I call Comcast regarding charges on my monthly statement. I am informed that they will be unable to discuss the account with me because it is in my husband's name. (They have been talking to me about it for 30 years without difficulty.) Could I please put my husband on the phone they ask. "Well, I don't think so right now! He is dead and last time I checked he has been that way for about 11 years." "Well Mrs. Brown, we cannot discuss the account with you until you bring a certified death certificate into your local office or we can mail you the paper work but it will be necessary to have a notary certify it." (50 miles round trip) "Well, Mr. Comcast in Florida who speaks with a significant accent, you haven't had any problem cashing a check for 11 years that is signed by someone other than the deceased." "Thats our policy." "So, I want you to think about something for just a moment. I can register to vote as Mickey Mouse with no proof that my ears are extra large and I can show up to vote with no photo ID of my cute little face with extra large ears and great big hands but you can't talk to me about a bill i am holding in my hand." The line went dead!
I'm driving to Prince Frederick this afternoon and I'm wearing the mouse ears my kids bought in Disney World in 1984. Significant year so it appears. 1984--its BACK BOYS AND GIRLS!
Carl on October 3, 2012 11:47 AM
Say Cookie, if your Comcast phone service is so unreliable that you're getting disconnected in the middle of a call, you might want to try a different company. (: }
Kookie on October 3, 2012 12:00 PM
Its my television service. Verizon phone service is a whole NEW story. And, Direct TV here in the Land of Pleasant Living doesn't work if there are clouds in the sky, its raining or you live in the woods. They got me either way. At least I still have a radio and Delbert!
gene law on October 3, 2012 2:16 PM
Kookie, is it true PHS has a gene pool, how come I didn't know that, I would have swam in it, nobody tells me anything, how long have they had it where is it??????
Dr. Moonbeam on October 3, 2012 3:08 PM
You two think you have problems?
Houston, err Princeton, we have a problem. The Mission Control Director, Herr Carl, has diligently been reminding us to bring our chairs to the mini on Saturday. Being the compliant trooper that I am, I took my chairs out to the garage for the trip down on Friday.
Kookie, I am sure you can relate to this -- A Chrysler Sebring will not accompany even ONE Barco lounge chair, much less two. I now have a significant tear in the shuttle's canopy, chips in the paint on the side of the vehicle which may compromise reentry, and a thrown-out-back.
Guess what movie I have taped and will watch shortly while Kay is out for an appointment.
Kookie on October 3, 2012 4:34 PM
Dear Dr. Moonbeam: UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! "Family Vacation" no doubt. Get yourself a Toyota Solara convertible, they will fit nicely. And, I'm not touching Geno's comment regarding swimming with a ten foot pole.
Carl on October 3, 2012 5:39 PM
Tom, et.al.,
I'm embarrassed and remorseful beyond description. In my multiple encouragements for people to bring lawn chairs, I omitted the footnote, which is as follows:
**This message does not apply to individuals whose doctors, counselors, personal advisors or others worthy of having their opinions respected have recommended that they avoid sharp objects.
I apologize for this oversight and beg your forgiveness.
Becky Novarro on October 3, 2012 4:05 PM
Friday Night Lights!! Football game at Hunnicutt Field. The class of '61 is dedicating their new scoreboard.
Hope to see some of you there.
Tom Dillon on December 31, 2012 11:23 AM
Happy New Year to all. Wish I could be with some of you tomorrow night at Ryan's.
8 inches of snow here since the 26th with 2-4 inches forecasted this afternoon and over night. Wish I knew someone who lives in Florida -- don't know why I ever left there.
Be safe -- Love
Carl on December 31, 2012 11:45 AM
Today it feels like South Florida in DC. There's so much warmth following the Redskins defeat of the Cowboys to capture their first divisional title since 1999 that blizzard-level snowfall wouldn't stick to the streets.
HAPPY NEW YEAR all.
Kookie on December 31, 2012 2:21 PM
All is right with the world. . . the Skins won, we are saved from the fiscal cliff and Kim is with child. Its enough to make you hit the box wine.
Pete Stephenson on December 31, 2012 5:22 PM
Happy new year to all of you. I hope we all have a good and healthy new year. Mine started off the right way. Mike Herring, Dorothy and Dorothy’s mom paid me a visit today. A great way to end the old year and usher in the new. Really enjoyed about 5 hours of friendship and visitation. Got to show them the Roanoke valley. Stay healthy my friends and HAPPY NEW YEAR. fAITH, hOPE @ lOVE.
Tom Dillon on January 1, 2013 6:21 AM
6:15AM -- Happy New Year.
2 cups of Joe and I am going back to bed.
Carl on January 1, 2013 12:18 PM
Tom, your apparent strategy to pace yourself in 2013 sounds good to me. Now that's leadership by example befitting a class president.
Carl on January 1, 2013 2:08 PM
"Honor Flight" -- a documentary film
I just saw a TV spot with interviews of a (1) young woman who started an organization to provide WWII vets with a visit to the WWII memorial in DC and (2) a young man filmmaker who has made a documentary film about it. It's a very moving film due for release later this month. You can preview it at
http://www. honorflightthemovie. com/#
Carl on January 1, 2013 5:49 PM
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!!!
Attention (1) football fans and (2) movie lovers:
One of the best films of recent years, "Harvard Beats Yale 29-29" will air on ESPN Classics this Sat. at 3:00 am & 4:00 pm. This documentary of their 1968 game was described by the New York Times film critic as "preposterously entertaining. " (I think that he/she may have understated it. )
To watch the preview/trailer, click on this link: http://www. imdb. com/title/tt1286800/
then click on "Watch Trailer" tab.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 2, 2013 10:08 AM
What a way to bring in the New Year. . . with classmates!!! We had a good time last night.
Wayne Jones on January 2, 2013 12:52 PM
I see in the BDT, that Terry Cline's father, Marvin has died at the age of 95. According to the obit his mother survives. He is really fortunate to have had his parents for so long. Our thought and prayers should be with him.
Carl on January 2, 2013 1:06 PM
Wayne, thanks for alerting me to this. I lost track of Terry some years back and see that he's now in Lewisville, NC. Maybe I can persuade him to join our next reunion.
Wayne Jones on January 3, 2013 2:03 PM
Carl, it appears from the obit that Terry's wife may be deceased as well. I think the last time that I saw Terry was at the 10 year reunion.
Mike Murphy on January 5, 2013 12:46 PM
Did anyone watch Buckwild - Premiered Thurs Night. Similar to Jersey Shore but about a group of young adults? from Sissonville WV area, about 15 miles from downtown Kenna, mostly in Wolfpen Holler. Similar to Powderhouse and Buckeye Hollers in Glenwood area.
Much condemination from Senator Manchin et al.
I found it funny some times and wondered what I would have done in the same situation. At that age I was too busy Teaching School and going to college full time to do much more than fishing and hunting.
Didn't show WV in the best light, but I have seen worse??
Keep the faith
Kookie on January 5, 2013 7:43 PM
Dear Yellow School Bus Brother:
Boycotted Buckwild! Caught up on Douton Abbey instead. But I may have to rethink my viewing habits because TMZ says Honey Boo Boo's mother June is getting a makeover. Now there's some serious stuff. Must say however that the best party I ever had was a "black tie/bibed overall" red carpet viewing of "Jesco the Dancing Outlaw. " Neighbors still talk about that evening just before they now depart for home at 8:30 p. m. with their covered dishes.
Becky Novarro on January 5, 2013 10:40 PM
I watched about 5 minutes of Buckwild as I had been told it was as tacky as The Jersey Shore. Maybe now my friends will realize that I did move from one joke to another! People never see the "nice" part of our wonderful West Virginia and they do believe that New Jersey is either the Sopranos or the MTV's Jersey Shore. It really is a shame but you know people will watch and judge. I hope Sissonville makes money from this. I don't think Alderson made any money at all for having Martha Stewart there.
Cookie on January 5, 2013 11:47 PM
Queenie:
Martha Stewart---now thats funny! :-)
Mike Murphy on January 7, 2013 10:16 AM
Back in the 70s, I gave the commencement address at a Nursing School graduation at Alderson Federal Womens Reformatory. At that time they called it a Reservation. Also they had a tailoring (sewing) program and the inmates were dressed to the nines for the ceremony. Women who wanted to look like men were dressed in black velour tucks and trussed up their breasts. You had to take a second look to identidy them as female.
Another interesting education work thing happen at the Romney School for the Deaf and Blind. I was giving an inservice workshop to the Deaf Teachers. I decided that I would use many visual aids. Didn't work so well because the Teachers either signed and/or lip read and the Principal was signing my presentation as I gave it so they could not look at the transparencies I was refering to. Retrenched and gave about 2 mins of info and asked them to respond to Principal to acknowledge understanding or questions. Had to say look at the visuals. Was an eye opening experience.
Football team would hold hands and squeeze when snapping ball.
Was interesting to observe DeafTeachers they would grab students and either talk directly into their face or sign to them with great emotional expressions. I admired them very much for their hard work and dedication.
The Piano Tuning Teacher related to me that people thought blind people made good tuners, but he could not see (ha) any difference. He said seriously it was good for business but not really true.
Keep the faith
Wayne Jones on January 7, 2013 3:15 PM
Murph, while living in D.C. I would pass Gallaudet University (School for the Deaf) during football practice. I would hear and feel something that sounded like a cannon going off. I would surmise that they were getting some of their signals from the vibration. I am not sure that I would want my nurse trained at a prison, but then again they may be as good as any.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on January 8, 2013 6:57 AM
My nephew lost his hearing when he was 2 years old. My sister Peggy and her husband moved to Romney so Larry could get an education. He also played football there. We went several times to the games. Larry went to Gallaudet for 2 years. He got a summer job at the Charleston Post Office and is still working there. Both are very good school for the deaf.
Delores on January 8, 2013 9:51 AM
I read this morning of the passing of Beryl Crockett Santon. She was my 7th and 8th grade English teacher at Mercer School and was an important leader in making Concord an outstanding teacher training institution. Her accomplishments were indeed great.
Carl on January 8, 2013 10:56 AM
I had then-Miss Crockett for 9th grade English. She was a very good teacher who commanded respect. She was a great help in my prep for the county Jr. high speech tournament. After our inattentive hi-jinks, she kept Bill Morris and me after school and gave us a stern lecture re proper "deportment" -- remember that? We pretty much behaved well the rest of the year, not wishing to incur her (well justified) displeasure again.
Addendum: damn my spotty memory! On second thought, the deportment lecture may have come from Marguerite Miller. In either event, I retained respect for both teachers, and came to know "Miss Crockett" socially after she married. I liked as well as respected her.
Mike Murphy on January 8, 2013 12:38 PM
Wayne - Where did you work in DC, as Carl knows well, I did not like that place, where I was always behind a DWO.
Keep the Faith
Wayne Jones on January 8, 2013 2:28 PM
Murph, the last place I work in the DC area that I worked was in Suitland Maryland at the Internation Headquarters of the Seafarers International Union. At times I lived either in the Capitol Hill area or Brookland area which is near Catholic University. I worked for a time in downtown DC and in Silver Spring, Md.
Delores on January 8, 2013 2:46 PM
Wayne: Such a small world. For many years I lived in Silver Spring in the White Oak area. My children graduated from Springbrook High School. For 30 years I traveled the back roads of Prince George's County as a Central Office Supervisor for the Board of Education where I monitored career education teachers and instruction in all the high schools. . . . Suitland High being one of them. In fact the land where Suitland High School now sits was once the farm of a dear friend and was donated to the county. My first apartment in 1964 was, of course, of the "garden variety" and was near by. This is fun! Next!
Jim George on January 9, 2013 5:05 AM
Regarding Beryl Crockett/Santon, she is one of the very few teachers that I recall having a major impact on me. She called me on some classroom stuff and really made a positive impression on me. Based on some comments here and on Facebook, she impressed a lot of folks in a positive way. To be honest, she is the only teacher I remember at all from junior high school on Strayley Avenue. (or is it a street?) JK
Wayne Jones on January 9, 2013 2:20 PM
I see in the BDT Obit's today a death notice for a Mrs. Virginia Phlegar. She appears to be the mother of our classmate Linda Phlegar. My sympathy to Linda.
Delores, I knew several people who taught in the Prince George school system, teaching at Suitland, Bowie, Northwestern and High Point High Schools as well as at Prince George Comminity College. Tow of those people were former Mercer Countians.
Cookie on January 9, 2013 6:39 PM
Wayne:
Ahhhh! I spent a lifetime in all those places. Who were some of those folks? I knew a couple of people from Princeton who taught at Bowie. A very good friend of mine, Delores Williams Turner (Class of 58) taught at Crossland and was a first-class teacher. Of course, they all learned from the best at Concord. She passed away last year.
Mike Murphy on January 10, 2013 12:11 PM
Wayne- Looks like you were all over the DC area. I spent my 5 yr sentence at 200 Constitution Ave. Worked with some of the Unions, Carpenters, Bricklayers, Painters etc. who offered training programs at Job Corps Centers. Also there was a Chefs program offered at the Presido by Maritime? Union.
Pete- you OK?
Keep the Faith
Wayne Jones on January 10, 2013 2:53 PM
Murph, you spend your time at a good address. What was the root of your unhappiness? I found DC a good party place in my younger years and convenient to a lot of things in my later years like Medical Care.
Cookie, Charles Waddell, Princeton/Concord taught music at Suitland. Edward Harvey Burns, Bluefield/Concord taught English at Northwestern then Bowie. Both of these people were 3 or 4 years older than we. Also at Bowie I knew Pat Carlton who taught French and Myrna Chasnow. I think that she taught something called life sciences. I also knew JoAnn Perryman who taught PE at High Point.
Pete Stephenson on January 10, 2013 4:45 PM
Mike doing ok for now. Thanks for asking. My surgery is scheduled for 11:45 tomorrow. Left leg and right arm,that is going to be interesting for sure. Let you know when all is done. Faith,Hope,@love to all.
Mike Murphy on January 10, 2013 5:43 PM
Good luck Pete, Hope you are ambidexterious?
Wayne - I hated the congestion (2hrs to and from work) and the liberal entitlement attitude especially Monkey County. Do miss having a halfsmoke on the Capitol Steps on the 3 good weather days in DC.
Keep the Faith
Cookie on January 10, 2013 6:03 PM
Wayne: I remember Charles. In fact I attended a couple of social events back in the day that he also attended. All the other names are familiar but I can't put a face with them. Was Jo Ann Perryman from Princeton? Pat Brown's (class of 61) sister taught at Bowie. I think it was mathematics. It was a great school system and they heavily recruited from Concord's teacher education program.
Cookie on January 10, 2013 6:17 PM
Senior moment! I think it was Linda Brown. I must find the yearbooks.
Wayne Jones on January 11, 2013 2:43 PM
Pete, it sounds like you are getting all replacment parts. I wish you good luck andhope that you are up and at it soon.
Murphy, they must have had the market cornered on the Halfsmokes in DC. I haven't even been able to find them so good anywhere else.
Cook, I think that JoAnn Perryman was from TN. Also Charles Waddell's father just died a cople of weeks ago, I thought that he had been dead for a while, I know that his mother has been.
Carl on January 12, 2013 6:32 PM
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!
Dear Classmates,
I’ve avoided New Year’s resolutions for most of my adult life, having grudgingly accepted my pathetic inability to fulfill any. But this year, at age 70, I decided to re-evaluate, concluding that I could enhance my chances for success by resolving to do things that I really wanted to do anyway, but had neglected. Soooo, I have chosen to explore areas of interest that time never seemed to allow.
As you may know, I have long had an inordinate interest in language, and an associated curiosity as to how certain expressions evolved. Some, of course -- e. g. , a bird in the hand . . . – are patently obvious even to a West Virginia Thomason. But what about others?
Given the freedom that retirement affords, I resolved to explore my linguistic curiosity. For my initial effort, I chose to empirically test the concept of "as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. " I grew up never knowing of anyone who had actually attempted this, and could find no documentation that others had. Thus, the world was my oyster insofar as confirming this firsthand – truly original research.
Sadly, the task was more difficult than I had ever imagined. First I secured a barrel of such size and conformation that fit my imagination as to what was appropriate, then stocked it with enough fish so as to (1) not traumatize a solo selection with no social safety net and (2) not concentrate the "fish-to-water" ratio to the point of rendering meaningless any fish-shooting effort.
My first surprise was that sighting fish in a barrel in sufficient detail to take confident aim was not all that easy. Thus, my dispiriting initial siege. Recognizing obvious optical/luminescent problems, I placed a powerful flood light so as to cast a brilliant glow into the barrel. The result included elements of reflection and refraction that simultaneously blurred my vision and perceptively displaced the fish whence they appeared to be.
Being somewhat persistent (perhaps hidebound or even mule-headed) and terrified of personal failure, I continued my marksmanship efforts despite multiple, modest setbacks. Perhaps stating the expected, I have yet to actually shoot a fish in the barrel, despite upping the ante until eventually resorting to my Bushmaster AR-15 with oversized magazine.
At this point, I have failed to shoot a single fish. (One, however, died from exposure by being freed from the barrel and not expeditiously returned to water. ) I have, however, destroyed seven barrels (all oak with staves; none from my firearms and munitions arsenal, thank heavens). Moreover, I have nearly flooded the basement –– probably not the best laboratory for such experiments; I have flushed my eyes more in the past three days than in all previous years. And I have this persistent, inexplicable ringing in my ears.
So anyway, I now confidently conclude, based on empirical evidence gained from tightly controlled research conditions, that it ISN’T AT ALL easy to shoot fish in a barrel. (How Pacific Islanders can merely spear them is a profound wonderment to me. But then, spearin’ ain’t shootin’.)
I fully realize that dispelling this popular notion will require replication of my results through comparable experimentation by others. So I call on you –– nay, I beseech you –– to join me in this important work.
All interested parties know how to reach me. I welcome your "joining the team" and the glory that may well result from our efforts. (Geno, I'm counting on you, at least. )
I'm now off to apply for a federal grant to continue my research. I have every confidence that it may be funded.
Cookie on January 12, 2013 6:55 PM
Carl: You have missed your calling. This is better than listening to my all time favorite--Garrison Keillor and the Prairie Home Companion. You write some amazing stuff.
In terms of sayings, I have some real zingers that my sister and I fondly and with great love refer to as "Daddyisms" but I'm not sure I can post them here. Somebody would surely get their "panties in a knot. "
gene law on January 13, 2013 8:31 PM
cookie er I mean kookie I assure I do not wear panties, or knotted drawers, Carl you are behind times years ago a bunch of good ol' WV boys solved the ol' shooting fish in a barrel thing, seems like they caught a bunch of fish to put in a barrel to shoot, when ol' bubba spoke up, "wait a minit" "wait a minit" befor we put 'em in a barrel, lets just put em on a string, cleaned, of course and eat em. Problem solved. Ya just gotta get a detective mind, figure out all the absolutes, the problem will solve itself, nuff said. Now if you really want something to work on, try the old axiom "the more the much" just remember no matter where you go, there you are, and if you are, there's no use to go anyway. From the archives of GENO's relativity of absolutes, and various observations, of the common problems of mankind and the universe, but it's good to travel on the highway of knowledge, and the streets of why? and why not?, but in your travels always stop at the hotel of who cares?
Carl on January 13, 2013 8:58 PM
Geno, yet again you've provided proof positive of why you'd be the perfect fit for my research team. Welcome aboard.
Mike Murphy on January 14, 2013 5:36 PM
Geno - perhaps you can clarify - what is - is?
Happy new moon
Kookie on January 14, 2013 5:46 PM
Sometimes this blog is like a "Pipe Dream!"
Carl on January 14, 2013 6:16 PM
Then dream on, darlin'. Dream on. [Life is but a dream (sh boom) . . . ]
Kookie on January 14, 2013 8:41 PM
. . . doo wop. . . . doo wop
Looks like cabin fever has set it!
Carl on January 14, 2013 10:00 PM
Anyone heard from Dillon? Two weeks tomorrow morning since he's been seen on the blog. Hope he's not been in the grips of the flu.
Thomas Dillon on January 15, 2013 9:20 AM
Sir Carl, I's here and I's know you loved/love me best. I have authored/penned numerous parables, proverbs, and witty euphenisms over the past couple of weeks. Given that you have not seen these, the problem is probably the cold weather – these Dillonisms have been frozen in cyber space and will not be visible and/or readable until the Spring thaw. I hope you have enough getabytes or whatever to accomodate the onslaught you will be facing.
If ever thing goes as planned, Kay and I will be driving to Bradenton, Florida next week to visit Kay's two sisters. After a week, we will fly to California for an overnight and then on to Hawaii -- I think I have previously shared that Kay's sister owns a time-share in Hawaii that she has not used in several years, ergo, no cost to us. Also, Kay's niece found round trip tickets to and from California for less than $300 per which covers all costs. We will spend a week in Hawaii and then back to Florida, again with an overnight in Calif. After another week plus in Florida, it's back home in Indiana -- perhaps the wqeather will have broken by then.
Seriously, Pete, how are you doing. Farley? Queenie? Brenda? J. K. ?
Carl on January 15, 2013 9:28 AM
Tom, that sure explains it. Heck, if I were planning such good times, I wouldn't waste time on the blog either. Enjoy your travels; don't forget your industrial-strength sunscreen. [Can't be too careful at your age. ]
Pete Stephenson on January 15, 2013 11:47 AM
Hey Thomas, Hope you and mrs Kay have a good visit to Florida and on to Hawaii. As for me 4 holes in left leg,arm in cast from wrist past the elbow. Leg still pretty sore arm is just there. With left leg and right arm down,its hard to keep balance. Other than that I'm ok. Go back to dr next Mon. Pat Smith, email me or call me. I have found here in some old books a 1931 mercer county blue book that might interest you. Its in real good condition with some very interesting content. Remember everyone Faith,Hope and love. .
Thomas Dillon on January 15, 2013 4:27 PM
Sir Carl, too late for the sunscreen. I had some basal cells removed from my nose years ago -- spent a summer plus between jobs on the beaches of Charleston. S. C. -- sunned all day and learned to fish with the locals off the bridges crossing the waterways that rose and fell with tides.
Had another proximate area biopsied recently and will have to have a procedure in March. My Doc said that almost everyone over the age of 70 has some damaged skin due to our friend the sun.
Pete, you may have to put a weight on one side to maintain your balance. A six pack may suffice -- no beer, however, as you probably are taking an aspirin or two.
Mike Murphy on January 16, 2013 12:34 PM
Pete- get well soon- Can you get some Hadycol? If not some cheap wine will suffice. Seriously get well quickly!
While you were under POliticians have gone wild with gun laws. If we want to protect kids in school, put an armed professional in each school. Many serve now as protection both physical and in counseling capacity currently. I don't support Teachers with guns in schools, some are just to unstabe and erattic. Big show by politicians will do nothing. just like debt reduction.
Non Illegitemis Carborendum
Keep the faith
Carl on January 16, 2013 12:54 PM
Murph, I love it when you talk dirty . . . (in Latin).
gene law on January 16, 2013 3:50 PM
Remember when your parents said "get outside and get some fresh air and sunshine" whatever happened to those good ol' days, well you might as well enjoy the sun every chance you get, you're not going to get out of this world alive any how, gotta die once, if you have a good suntan you won't look so pale when you go, see there's a bright side to every situation. I don't know any latin, hardly know English, understand hillbilly, so in my best hillbilly see y'all later.
Michael Farley on January 16, 2013 5:54 PM
Farley here. . . . So, Mr. Dillon is taking a trip to Hawaii. I like the way you are saving a great deal of money. I have a plan to save you even more. When you arrive in Bradenton, Fl. , the first thing you want to do is cancel your trip to Hawaii. Go to the local Wally World and buy Kay a hula skirt, hibiscus hair clips. You buy a pair of flowery swim trunks. Both of you put around your neck some flowery leis. Go to the beach, install a sign that reads, Welcome To Hawaii. Have some fun in the sun and as the evening darkens, you guys can partake in an Hawaiian Luah. You can even grill some tasty spam burgers. This is just a suggestion from an (old) PHS friend.
Keep Believing. . . . .
Thomas Dillon on January 16, 2013 7:20 PM
Mike, sounds like a tremendous idea. I will run it past Kay and see what she thinks. Will let you know her response, if I can ever type again.
I had a conversation with Terry St. today and told him that if he would buy a condo somewhere in the Caribbean, Kay and I would move in with him. Our conversation then moved to who has or will get most of our monies -- our children and grandchildren. We paid for one of our grandchidren to go to a private college -- his parents contributed well wishes. Now, our grandson's wife of less than one year is bitching on Facebook about not having any monies to play with because they are now having to pay off student loans.
gene law on January 17, 2013 3:09 PM
You shoulda been a congressman, none of their kids have to pay the loans back.
Fred Lucas on January 19, 2013 1:05 PM
Last week I received my issue of Atlantic Magazine and read an article about McDowell County titled Where the Streets Have No Name by Deidre Mask who teaches expository writing at Harvard University
She traveled to McDowell County to visit Allen Cathead Johnson, folk singer, amateur photographer and coal miner's son. He doesn't have an address. His house has no number and his street has no name. The postman doesn't deliver there. However the state is attempting to fix the problem. It has assigned 450,000 addresses but thousands of residents are still waiting for their addresses.
Some addresses are amusing according to the author. One widow a pretty hot lady found herself on Cougar Lane according to an amused state employee. A cashier at theTudor's Biscuit Kitchen in Pineville said that she now lives on Grapevine Avenue. There is no grapevine in sight. In Raleigh County some communities named their streets after Disney Characters. Johnson learned a few weeks after the author's visit, that he had been provisionally assigned him the following address, 155 Stacy Hollow Road.
Street addresses have been around for more than two hundred years. I'm happy that the residents of rural West Virginia are getting address. I suspect that a number of residents there don't want to be found.
Fred on January 19, 2013 4:11 PM
Fred, I enjoyed your narrative. Part of it struck me as a "sound" basis for a country song:
"Just an unknown folk singer
on the road to No-Fame,in a house with no number
on a street with no name. "
Mike Murphy on January 20, 2013 12:37 PM
Carl - You are poeticest!
Fred - Our mail address changed about 1yr past due to 911. Changed from 19 to 105 Hickory Hill. What a mess took my wife Aretta 3 weeks calling to get the change, under threat of Post Office, still not completed. Caused trouble with billings, drivers license, carry permits etc. Fortunately didn't change name of road, like many in area.
May change my name to Garbo.
Keep the faith
Becky Novarro on January 21, 2013 10:58 AM
Today while watching the inauguration, I was remembering our first televised swearing in and those who had TVs took other class members home with them to watch. Irwin Belcher always mentioned how much she enjoyed my Grandmother's hospitality. Now you can watch the whole event on a cell phone! Oh my what we have seen in our lifetime.
Carl on January 21, 2013 4:03 PM
Cuz, I recall that our first TV screen -- well after the 1953 inauguration -- was only slightly larger than your cell phone. But what a marvel it was . . . all in glorious, snow-filled black and white. Ahh, the good ole days.
gene law on January 22, 2013 3:48 PM
Ten degrees on yard thermometer, snow on the ground, ice in the driveway, hot fudge cinnamon rolls in the oven, hot coffee brewing, wrapped in blanket, cozier than a fat man in a santa claus suit, I think I can make it. stay warm
Carl on January 22, 2013 8:56 PM
Hot fudge cinnamon rolls? Those Floridians must be envying you now.
gene law on January 24, 2013 3:19 PM
Sun is shining in Green Valley, even though the grass is covered with snow, the trees are still bare, hope springs up in this ol' boys heart, winter is on the down side of the sands of time, and spring is arising, only 8 wks. until the vertigo,lumbago, the 4 wall blues, and the ol' I don't wanna get up blues will be moving on, then I can move on, got a stirring in my bones to get out among the trees and bushes and act like a heathen, like I'm supposed to. stay warm.
Carl on January 24, 2013 3:53 PM
Geno, the Great Bethesda Blizzard of 2013 hit this morning, dumping a full inch of the fluffy stuff. This was the 3rd straight day of high temps below freezing, which confounds me. After Monday's nearly endless, extensive inaugural events, I would have bet the ranch that DC-area temps would set record highs for at least a fortnight. [Glad I don't have a ranch . . . or a fort. ] It took me over 5 MINUTES – you heard me right – to "sweep out" this morning. Then, huddled in my house, I've had to settle for hot, instant cider, unfortified for added strength and comfort. (A hot fudge cinnamon roll would be unimaginable. ) Brother, it's been brutal, but I'm determined to tough it out.
Fred Lucas on January 24, 2013 5:46 PM
I received an E-Mail from Ed Laufer; Beryle Santon died on January 5, 2013. She taught English at Mercer School. Later, she was a faculty member at Concord. She earned a Master's in Education from West Virginia University and a Doctorate from Virginia Tech. She had additional studies at Marshall and the University of Virginia. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jacob , two children and one grandchild. You can send massages of condolence to Seavers Funeral Service or to Jacob. He lives at 106 Low Gap Road Princeton WV.
Carl on January 25, 2013 1:28 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow (Jan. 26)
to Lee Tolliver.
and next Sat. , Feb. 2 to Mike Herring.
gene law on January 26, 2013 4:03 PM
Carl, you spent 5 minutes sweeping snow, heavens to Mergatroid, then had to settle for hot cider, shameless, well when the snow falls we all have to suffer, the just and the unjust alike. Here's hoping for sun lit days of warmer air, better temps. stay warm.
Carl on January 26, 2013 6:24 PM
Geno, it's warm thoughts like yours that will pull me through these troublesome times. Thanks more than I can say.
Kookie on January 26, 2013 8:04 PM
Random Act of Kindness:
My carriage house is a rustic two stall barn type structure where I park my vehicles. Last week I went down to get the car and was frightened beyond belief when a 20 foot tall creature covered in black feathers ran out of the barn as I approached. It was like the Wizard of Oz. He just disappeared into thin air. When I returned from running errands I found him sitting in the drive waiting for me. Following much yelling and horn blowing he finally ran into the woods. For three straight days it was a repeat of the same. He lived in the carriage house and generally played hell with my nerves. He was however becoming my new best friend. He no longer ran from me but started following me to the mailbox, around the yard, -- well, you get the picture.
I was becoming rather fond of him until he told me he once had a partner who shared a power line with him that rather resembled me. He was a turkey buzzard with a broken wing.
My environmental wacko neighbors told me to give him some ground beef and water. Bubba, my assault weapons neighbor told me to shoot his ass. The old hippy up the street told me to bring him over to her house that she had some stuff that might not cure him but he wouldn't care.
With the falling temperatures and icy conditions I finally called animal control yesterday. In a couple of hours Floyd showed up. My turkey buzzard stood in the carriage house laughing his cold little tush off at Fat Floyd trying to get out from behind the wheel of the county wagon. He was one big guy. With a small cage in one hand and a taser in the other, Floyd went after my buddy. Off he ran. "Well now thats one fast bird you got there!" "Yelp Floyd! You might want to try a net. " So for the next hour Floyd and my buddy ran around and around the yard--Floyd in hot pursuit with what appeared to be a butterfly net. You could almost hear my turkey buzzard yelling, "Catch me! Catch me!"
Finally he did! My new best friend is now at the turkey buzzard hospital where they hope to repair his broken wing and return him to the wild. I talked to him last night. He said they were treating him real nice but the Affordable Health Care crap was a crock!
See! Sometimes I do have a heart.
gene law on January 27, 2013 2:40 PM
Kookie if the buzzards are looking you up, be vewy vewy wary.
Fred Lucas on January 27, 2013 4:36 PM
I would like to pay tribute to our departed English teacher at Mercer School Mrs. Beryle Crockett Santon.
Throughout the year that she taught us, she asked us to diagram sentences. At the time, I was too young to grasp what we were doing. Later when I studied French and German, I realized that she was helping us to understand the structure of English. At Concord, she spent many years training those students who wanted to become teachers.
After she retired, she helped Ron Skeens secure a job at Concord. His wife lost the use of her left frontal lobe and had to go into an assisted living facility in Rich Creek
She was a member of the Concord Alumni Council and served as its president. I served with her for six years and learned that she wanted to continue to develop the Association. I was happy yhat I had her as a teacher.
Carl (who else?) on January 28, 2013 9:01 PM
I relish the blog theoretical,
and practical, fun and pathetical.
But there are those times
When I need some rhymes
And then I resort to poetical.
(Please forgive me. )
Mike Murphy on January 29, 2013 12:56 PM
Pete - How are the Limbs?
Geno - Dan Cook had an article in the Sunday Gazette Mail Last. It was about him being punished for using foul language at the Glenwood School in 1952. Danny lived in the area where you now live and was around 4 yrs older than me. He bought me and Billy King our first beer. He worked at the Green Tree and walked to the Cross Roads Grill to purchase. Billy and I camped out that night in his barn and we put peanuts in the Beer to try and drink. We didn't drink over half. I quess it was an aquired taste? We went next morning to the Golf Course in front of your now residence. Many times we would wade the creek for golf balls and sell to Club for 5 to 10 cents each. If we were lucky on weekends we would caddy double for 4 rounds and make around $10. 00 per day. In the early 50s we were rich! Now have to set that much aside for taxes each day! Do the neighgorhood boys still caddie. I think motorized carts changed that?
Keep the Faith
gene law on January 29, 2013 3:37 PM
Well Mike how well did you know Danny, he was married to my cousin, started a printing business that thrived and a real money maker, he got the contract to print the liscense decals that everyone put on their autos, very profitable expanded his business built those 2 big printing shops, but alas a new governor was elected, needless to say he lost that contract with the state, it went to a printer in New York, I've always said why should a West Virginian prosper, when an out of state business can. But none the less poor ol' Dan was bankrupted, wound up divorced for the 2nd time moved to Charleston, ran for governor, was declared to be mentally unstable, haven't heard from him since. Never see anyone caddying, may be, I will attest that golfers are tough, I watched two of them playing in a driving snowstorm, wind was howling, I kept thinking surely they will not go all the way around, but I was wrong, watched them play all the way back up the hill to the clubhouse, made me grateful I don't play golf. Wow I got long winded Mike your blog flooded my mind with a pile of memories. But you know that ol' house that stood on the corner for the kids to stand in and wait for the bus? Dan built that for the kids. He had a lot of good traits, Haven't met many people that remembers him. I'm glad you blogged that Mike, one more time someones blog opened up a catalog of memories for me. stay warm
Carl on January 29, 2013 4:06 PM
Murph, you tweaked my interest yet again. So I checked out this Dan Cook character's article. I liked its portrayal of olden times and sensibilities so much that I decided to re-print it here for our blogger friends:
Glenwood School sat on a hillcrest, halfway between Bluefield and Princeton. It was a two-story, slate-roofed red brick 1900-ish structure on a basement foundation laid of huge handcut sandstones. That basement housed the furnaces and coal that fed them, a storage area and small room with a few dinky power tools for last-period-of-the-day Boy's Shop Class. The room was too small for all 12 of the eighth grade boys at once, so while a few used it, the others played volleyball outside.
Directly over that tiny room was my home room, where the girls were taught something or other while we boys were engaged in manual edification. A return air register in the floor near the teacher's desk connected to the lower room. Right under it was the rudimentary pottery wheel at which eighth grade Danny was working one fine 1952 day. The only other present was our star baseball pitcher, 10 feet away, rolling a mudball.
While I was intently putting the finishing touches on an ashtray for my mother, who did not smoke, my head was suddenly jarred by that fist-sized mudball thrown overhand from across the room. It filled my ear and hair and hurt ferociously. My reflexive action, as the villain ran from the room guffawing, was to scream (his name) plus "you," then all those words abbreviated by G. D. S. O. B. They were the worst words I knew to call someone, learned from my father and much older brother, who, as good UMW members, always used them to preface the name of the mine superintendent at the Jenkinjones operation of Pocahontas Fuel Co. (now Consol) where they worked.
In the restroom, I had washed off as much sticky clay as I could, when the next-to-last bell rang, summoning everyone to final homeroom.
My homeroom teacher, about 35, recently married to a CPA and fellow Methodist, was the strictest in the school, with a glower that would kill roaches. She had recognized my distinctive voice (hordes have said, "You sound just like Dan Rather. ") and was waiting for me at the door. All my classmates were seated, looking at her.
As my first foot crossed the threshold, she stepped dead square in front of me, flat-hand slapped my left cheek hard as she could, then backhanded the other. Both immediately turned red, as much from humiliation as pain -- I saw all my classmates laughing loud and long, that assailant among them.
Shoving her face into mine like a drill instructor, she shouted, "I have never heard such foul language in all my life. You will apologize to all these girls who heard your nasty mouth and beg their forgiveness. "
Sheepishly and stutteringly, I did. Then the final bell rang. It ended there, except that my already low self-esteem was plunged to deeper depths, with it, more of my faith that God is just.
I was never asked about the mud still on my clothing and in my dripping wet hair, nor what in the world would prompt me to utter such blackguardly epithets. I later told one plainspoken girl what had happened and she, aghast, declared, "That (G. D. S. O. B)!" So much for her tender sensibilities. She spread the word and a few girls expressed their sympathy.
There I was –– what today would be called a loner because our phoneless farm isolated me from peers. A nerd because I was artistic, won all spelling bees and raised my hand in class. There was a shotgun and bolt-action rifle in our home, with which I had killed game and predators. I did indeed fantasize revenge against that teacher and my attacker, but never acted on it. Later her husband's sister married into my family and she would always greet me warmly at family events. I never told her how much I still despised her for that summary injustice.
Four years in high school, then at the army's finishing school for profane, vulgar, crude and grossly objectionable language (which they call "Basic Training"), my vocabulary to express even the most unthinkably obscene was vastly expanded. Pity I had not known those words in 1952. If G. D. S. O. B. was "never heard" by that prim teacher, surely she would not recognize filth on such a vastly advanced plane?
Sixty years later I live half-a-block from a middle school. Our home has an upper floor terrace that looks down on the street and sidewalk. Passing students seldom look up. I hear boys and girls alike bandy words and phrases that, if G. D. S. O. B. got me a face-slapping back then, these crudities would have invoked a death sentence. Teacher friends and family tell me that, as with polite language expansion, brand new vulgar words and phrases are constantly bouncing off school hallways. Indeed, I hear them in movies and on TV, as do our kids.
I have always wondered what makes one word acceptable and another not? Some words are vulgar in one context but not so in different usage or even as a double entendre. Are they taboo in schools? If certain words in one context or another are banned, then there should be a list of them and which usages are permitted. Otherwise, like all vague laws, administered according to individual enforcer subjectivity, they become "an ass. "
Certainly, constant foul language everywhere has removed the shock value of even the most vile utterances. Nixon and every president since has been captured on tape using the worst of them all.
If we are to wash mouths out with soap, should we start with the kids –– or higher up?
Pete Stephenson on January 29, 2013 5:39 PM
Murph,doing just fine,knee feeling good. Arm as well. Planning on attending the get together this coming week if the weather is ok. Carl in Dan Cooks writing was mentioned Jenkinjones. My best friend here in my hood is an original Jenkinjones resident. Mike Atkinson is his name. After meeting him here in church and finding out that he had gone to Gary H>S>and had played football for them during our school years. I had played opposite him in 59 @60. Just goes to show how small the world is sometimes. He also dated my 1st cousin who was the head majorette for the Gary high school band. Faith,Hope and Love
gene law on January 30, 2013 12:00 PM
Well I can certainly see where that article got your attention , very good, thanks Carl for putting that on the blog, Mike that barn you slept in, is no longer, roof fell in floors rotted out, I dozed it down, you would not believe the foundation rocks that it stood on, had 2 that could not be hauled off dug humongous hole and buried them. Pete glad you are thriving, and limbs are getting better, all our snow is gone now, lost 2 more trees that have to be moved, when warmer weather arrives, I cannot see them from my window, therefore they do not bother me. stay warm, Pat do you know anything about Captain Foley and the Flattop Copperheads (civil war) ? does anybody?
Cookie on January 30, 2013 1:13 PM
Gene:
The Flat Top Cooperheads have a Facebook account and meet regularly in Princeton. On Sept 27, 1998 they honored my Great, Great Grandfather, Pvt. George Asbury Hypes at his burial place in the Hypes Cemetery, Littlesburg. (My mother's Hypes side of the family. ) They were in full dress, the men being "Sons of Confederate Veterans" and the women are the "Order of Bonnie Blue. " My cousin Greg Bostic and his wife Heather both belong and participate in their re-enactments, parades, etc. George Asbury Hypes enlisted at White Sulphur with Company "C" 22nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He fought at Giles Court House, Lewisburg, Kanawha Valley, Beverly, White Sulphur and New Market. It was at New Market that he, along with 188 other comrades from the 22nd were captured on Sept 19, 1864 and sent to the "Yankee" prison camp at Point Lookout, Maryland. (It was a hell hole and just down the road from my house. I was there last summer. There is no escape as it is surrounded on three sides by water--the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. ) Following a pledge of alligence to the Union, he was released in May, 1865. He lived until 1935. I have his photo in my living room. They were all hearty, healthy German immigrants who lived well into their 90s and some over 100. My grandfather's baby sister died a couple of years ago and she was 103. Interesting stuff!
Pete Stephenson on January 30, 2013 1:28 PM
Such a small world we do live in. Cookie,I wonder if my Great Grandpa Simon Elliott Stephenson of Company K of the 45th Virginia infantry,Possibly knew your relatives. His unit was known As The Tazewell Boys. He was wounded at Chancelorsville. Lost 3 fingers on left hand. its strange after all these years to be very proud and honored to be a desendant of these very loved ones we are talking about. I have to admit that I was also born a Tazewell boy. Faith Hope and love to all.
Cookie on January 30, 2013 1:56 PM
Pete: My sister has done a masterful job on the family geneology. What she has discovered is awesome--everything from high society to horse theives and the KKK. We have the Belcher side traced to England, 1400 and the Hypes' to Germany 1700 and Hambricks to Ireland 1700. I think everyone in Mercer County knew everyone and was probably related. My Great Grandmother Belcher's grandfather was Justice of the Peace in Tazewell County during the Civil War. His name was Righley "Squire" Hambrick. He lived on Red Oak Ridge. Keeping in mind West Virginia was still part of Virginia then. So many stories to tell, so much history and so many people today who have no appreciation for the journey. I won't give up the fight.
P. S. Regarding George Asbury Hypes' imprisonment--his brother Jacob was captured along with him. They left St. Mary's County Maryland and walked to Mercer County. I guess it was genetic. My Papaw Hypes never owned a car and walked every where he went. Guess thats why he was never fat!
Jim G on January 31, 2013 6:45 AM
Interesting stuff about the Civil War locally. My great-great (think that's right) grandfather on Dad's side lived in Princeton at the time. He enlisted in Lee's NOVA with the Virginia 118th battalion, was injured badly and captured at the first Battle of Cold Harbor just north of Richmond. He ended up at Fort Pulaski, in Savannah, GA, which was a Federal Prison. After an escape that was not successful, he spent the rest of the war at a large POW prison in Baltimore, and then was released after swearing alligence to the Union (mandatory) and coming back to Princeton, which now was in West Virginia. The town was mostly burned, and he left the "new state" and moved back to Virginia over near Saltville. My father grew up on the family farm there. Jim.
Mike Murphy on January 30, 2013 1:59 PM
Geno - I did not know Danny Cook well, since he was older and to my knowledge didn't caddy, even though he was within eye site of the course. Deck Boyds boys Richard and Peanut caddied as well as Armond Fletcher from that area. Armound was a scratch golfer and won the Blugrass tournament many times. People from the area warned that old man Cook would shoot you if you went onto his land?
We the caddies had our own form of union and would initiate new caddies esp those we didn't want by throwing them in the creek and trying to scare them off. That may have been why Danny never caddied. I remember him as being different and wounder why in the article he mentioned firearms and revenge on the Teacher in close proximity? I must have been out of the Country when he ran for Governor. We have had some dusies- Peter D. Beater and the guy that was going to secede WV from the union and build a ring of Quansit Huts around the state plus the one who was wantin to run on the Rat Faced Bastard Party!
He wanted my Daughters IT company to set him up a web site - naturally they refused.
Reminds me- True story- When the lake at Summersville was finished (60s) the Corps of Engineers was Mandated to name the Dam. Usually they named it after the closest town which was Gad - that didn't work so the defaulted to the river which was tha Gauley that didn't work and finally called it the Summersivlle lake!
Couple of inconsistancies in the Cook Article. When I went there it went to grade nine. Also remember Rod Thorn coming from Princeton Jr High to high school to play basketball in his ninth grade. Also there were no shop classes in my 7-9th grade at Glenwood. The Room he mentioned over where he yelled his GDSOB was the 3rd grade when I went there. Things may have changed before my attending but I went there 48-57.
Keep the Faith
Sunshine Dillon on January 30, 2013 3:20 PM
Dillon here in sunny Bradenton, Florida. Temperature 83 today, but a cold front comes in tonight with rain. Farley, got an e-mail from you that must have a virus -- something about viewing this regarding the worst jobs. I could not open the web address, but the same message has been forwarded to part of my e-mail address book. Becky, I sent you one. Will have to see how to get rid of it when we get home and I can work on my PC. I am now using my sister-in-law's lap top and am not very adept with it.
To Kawaii on SATURDAY. Freeze your attachments off some of you dear friends. Why, why did I ever leave Florida?
Becky Novarro on January 30, 2013 9:38 PM
Tom, I got your forward but didn't understand what it was. I always feel guilty when someone gets mail because they contacted me. When you find out what to do maybe you'll pass along the information. Oh I surely wish Miss Lilly had taught me better.
Mike Murphy on January 31, 2013 10:00 AM
Dillon - Got your email but had problems opening site. My Virus software didn't flag it. Others if you get this email from Tom and Kaye don't be so dumb as I and try to open the link, Delete it immediatly. Carl did you get it?
Great game coming up Sunday. Like both teams but am rooting for SF, would like to see Randy Moss finally get his SB ring.
Cookie on January 31, 2013 10:07 AM
Quite the weather event in Southern Maryland through 3 a. m. this morning when mother nature sent a "white-out" of sideways rain and 100 year old oaks were bending in the wind. Thank you! I like adventure but I'll pass next time. Wow!
Carl on January 31, 2013 11:40 AM
Mike, I got an "original" of the email that Tom described, supposedly from "Michael Farley. " It looked suspicious -- I'm almost paranoid about such things -- so I ignored it. I've since gotten 2 more from "Michael Farley. " I've tried to activate an email block for the sender. We'll see how that works.
I haven't gotten anything related to this from Dillon. But then, I always ignore his emails to me anyway. (:< }
[Just kidding. Tom almost never emails me. Makes me wonder if he doesn't love me anymore. ]
gene law on January 31, 2013 3:27 PM
Wow thanks for the info on the copperheads I said if you want to know anything put it in the hands of the 60tonians, Mike I don't think Danny ever got a good campaign going I wouldn't have known about it except for his ex wife telling me, she is also the one who said he was mentally unstable, you know he built the 2 apartment buildings, and the printing shop buildings, very industrious, but alas over extended himself, owned all this land, was known to exaggerate, remember the sewage pond across from the Elks, he used to tell people he caught bass weighing over 2lbs, out of that. All of us had people in the civil war, seems only horrible stories survived, but I guess it was a horrible war, I got that email from Tom, couldn't open it either, too dumb to even think it might be a virus. keep blogging, stay warm
Carl on January 31, 2013 5:18 PM
Don't know a lot about my ancesters, but I believe that rather than join the Flat Top Copperheads, they formed the Flat Head Peckerwoods. It is thought that they invented the concept of leading from behind. So far as is known, none was ever captured, a tribute to just how far behind they operated. Consequently, none took an oath to the Union, but continued to swear oaths against it – but, of course, sufficiently far behind any public official as to render the practice harmless and risk-free. Whether designed, deliberate or by mere happenstance, I've pretty well carried on the family tradition.
Delores on January 31, 2013 5:34 PM
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
The webmaster is a "jackass. "
Thanks for the afternoon laugh.
We can always count on some colorful "Carlisms" when the Tigers start to pontificate.
LOL LOL LOL
Carl on January 31, 2013 7:59 PM
for the record
I've always enjoyed the family history info, including the recent Civil War postings. I hope that more are coming.
Delores on January 31, 2013 8:29 PM
Webmaster:
You are such a master of language. None can compare. You don't remember beating me out for 9th grade County Public Speaking Competitions do you? I couldn't hold a candle to you.
I think my next post will be about the horse thieves and Grand Dragons of the Clan from my gene pool. Let me finish this glass of cheap wine and then I'll decide. My momma is gonna be real ticked off if I go down this road.
Jim George on February 1, 2013 7:35 AM
Hat's off to the Flat Head Peckerwoods. Love 'em.
Carl on February 1, 2013 10:15 AM
Thanks JK. And, of course, until we take our hats off, you can't appreciate just how flat-headed we are.
gene law on February 1, 2013 3:43 PM
Well throw my snow shovel away, is pontificating something naughty, or is it something else? alas some of us will probably never know, if I have not been mislead the copperheads were very wide spread, some even had the coiled snake emblem on their pistols and also their swords, I heard there were some canes (walking sticks) with this emblem on them Carl there may be some lurking about in the shadows, be careful assigning them degrading names, oh wait a minute, is peckerwood degrading? I think I have been called that, is that anything like apple knocker? peach peeler, or prune hook? I may never know, now I'll have to spend the rest of the day musing about that, by the way is musing just short of amusing? now there is something else I'll have to ponder, ponder is close to wonder, I'm getting off of here I've cluttered up my perception sensor. stay warm
Carl on February 1, 2013 3:53 PM
Geno, the peckerwoods that I've referred to are my forebears and myself. And I've been called far worse. (Don't mean to brag. ) Anyway, I sure hope that no one finds it offensive. It's all in the name of good humor. On the other hand, if the shoe fits . . .
Tom Dillon on February 1, 2013 6:31 PM
Geno, clergy often pontificate. So instead of greeting Carl as Sir Carl, perhaps we should call him Father or Monsignor. The reason I don't e-mail him is that I have always been a little gun shy of priests and don't want him to take advantage of my long-standing (circa 1952) and significant naivete. To California in the AM and then on to Kawaii on Sunday. Catch you on the flip side.
Farley, was it your computer Dear Friend that started the virus?
Mike Murphy on February 2, 2013 12:35 PM
Cookie be careful with the family tree. Mine had some major constrictions ie grand father and grand mother both Murphys and first cousins. Fear we all may be ralated to Paul Looney?
Pete -who is going to win the Super Bowl?
Keep the faithy
Pete Stephenson on February 2, 2013 2:43 PM
Murph,I know I'm going to P--- of the webmaster,the Cookster and a few other of our pals in the Md. area. But I must stay with the team from the west. I just like their Qb. I don't really pull for either one of these teams though. A little thing I heard on ESPN last evening said that there were 45 commercials planned for the game at 4 mil each. Wonder who is getting rich on this game. A lot of chatter on the ole blog of late. Geno and Carl are at the top of their game. Must add kookie in there also. Faith,Hope @ love to all. Will someone tell me what evening the get together is on. My mind has gone astray.
Carl on February 2, 2013 3:47 PM
Sports fans being sports fans, we often find bizarre rationales. So here's one for your Superbowl pick:
Last year, the Redskins (my beloved NFL team) beat the Giants TWICE. Giants went on to win Superbowl. This year, the Skins beat the Ravens in the 14th week of the season -- their only meeting. So who do these facts favor? [My $$$ is on the Niners. ]
gene law on February 2, 2013 4:24 PM
I have come to the conclusion, I myself will have to look up pontificate, I just took for granted the ificate ending had another meaning, oh well I must remember the phrase "how nice". I can tell all you folks out there I have put my detecting abilities to the wheel of knowledge, called to the forefront all the facts and figures, laid down the law of statistics, made the most of the distances to cover from goalline to goalline kicking abilities, as well as running abilities, passing yardage, blocking capabilities, and putting all these facts in place, have come to the conclusion, dog gone I forgot what kind of conclusion I was coming to, oh well when you come to a conclusion, I guess one must conclude. stay warm in body and heart.
Carl on February 2, 2013 5:02 PM
Geno, your analyses always warm my heart.
Fred Lucas on February 2, 2013 5:40 PM
Since colleges are in the basketball season, I thought that I would tell a true story about Austin Peay College in Tennessee.
Several years ago there was a guard on the team by the name of Williams. He went by the name of Fly Williams because he was fast. Whenever he was open, the students would chant , The Fly is open, let's go Peay. Peay is pronunced like pea. When I heard the story I laughed.
March Madness will soon be here. What cheer will you chant? Fred Lucas
Cookie on February 2, 2013 9:40 PM
There he goes again. If my memory serves me correctly it was Fred who, several months back, got fixated on his zipper. Now its a fly. It must be the long, cold winters in the midwest.
Carl on February 2, 2013 9:48 PM
And Cookie, let's not overlook his reference to "what's under the kilt?" Uh, on second thought, maybe we should.
Cookie on February 2, 2013 9:56 PM
Dearest Carl:
I don't know about the rest of you but as for me--well, I'm 70 years old and if we're going to find out about the kilt I suggest we "get right on it. " I think Geno did remind me that one should be a little concerned if turkey buzzards are hovering around your house. Time may be of the essence.
Carl on February 2, 2013 10:05 PM
Fred, old buddy, I believe the ball's in your court.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on February 2, 2013 9:06 PM
Pete and Gene,
The get together at Ryan's is this Tuesday, Feb. 5th at 6:30. See you there!!
Fred Lucas on February 3, 2013 6:41 PM
Hi Carl and Cookie,
I am sitting here looking out of the window at a four inch snowfall. The man who told me the story of Fly Williams retired from the Federal Reserve. I had so much fun thinking about Fly that I thought that I would share the story.
The Cincinnati Rotary Club gave us a laymen's definition of medical terms. For example protein is a person who favors teenagers. Outpatient is one who has fainted.
Cookie, you might be onto something. Several years ago, I visited the Black Forest in Germany. I stopped in the gift shop and saw a number of cokoo clocks. I learned that farmers built them during the winter when they couldn't farm. Sometimes during those winter months, our thoughts go from the sublime to the ridiculous. What do you think?
Cookie on February 3, 2013 11:50 PM
Dear Fred:
It would appear you are avoiding the issue of kilts and in your own way suggesting the weather has driven me a little cokoo. Possibly the extreme midwestern cold has shrunk or shriveled your interest in the little Tartan plaids. Just remember, crazy people are never dull and a little history makes for interesting conversation. If you don't believe me go see the new Jennifer Lawrence movie. Speaking of crazy I had the opportunity last week to see Charlie Rose interview Al Gore. Now that my dear was "bat sh. . cokoo" at its best.
If you want to feel truly sane, watch Al Gore "pontificate" for 90 minutes.
gene law on February 4, 2013 2:51 PM
AHA!!! now I know why Al left his wife, he can pontificate for 90 minutes.
Cookie on February 4, 2013 3:27 PM
Didn't she leave him? I sure would have!
That Geno is good!
Linda Phlegar Mills on February 4, 2013 6:52 PM
I want to thank all who sent cards of sympathy. Mother was very loved. She went peacefully and we cannot mourn her passing only miss her being with us. Linda
LINDA MILLS on February 6, 2013 8:15 AM
Didn't mean to kill the kilt. From all the pictures I've seen (pictures only) It is worn with a long style underwear. Nothing to see! So sad. Linda
Carl on February 6, 2013 11:22 AM
Linda, I'm plum glad you kilt it.
Fredrick Lucas on February 6, 2013 7:01 PM
Hi Gang,
I really did research into the life and times of Fl y Williams. He was bron and played high school ball in Brooklyn. He was not chosen to play ball because his grades were too low. So he went to a ptep school in upstate New York. Then he went to Austin Peay for one year. He was a fantastic scorer. He couldn't play defense. He left after a year because he didn't follow what the coach wanted him to do. He tried the pro game but failed. He drifted into addictive drugs. Eventually he straightened out and now provides counseling to troubled teens. Cookie dear heart, there was nothing Freudian in my observation about the cheer. Again, the fly is open lets go peay. The students still chant lets go peay. What's on your mind? Are you concerned about bodily waste?
Cookie on February 6, 2013 9:34 PM
Dear Fred: I was somewhat concerned about the kilt--more so than the Fly. However, body waste is another topic altogether. Seems these days everywhere I go whether a social gathering, church or civic meeting the topic eventually comes around to body waste. A great palor game is to determine its multiple vocabulary uses.
Its a hot topic among the seniors here in Southern Maryland on both a personal and political level. Seems more and more friends are having difficulty dealing with it both when asleep and when awake. Its especially a hot topic these days since our trusty Gov has decided we all need new septic systems to the tune of $15,000. Keeping nitrogen out of the Bay you know. Beware, he is running for Prez in 16 and we are REALLY talking crazy now--like Jerry Brown Crazy.
Cookie on February 6, 2013 9:37 PM
P. S. Sounds like Fly Williams has all the ingredients going on for a good Country Song.
gene law on February 7, 2013 3:21 PM
Cookie the best country song I ever heard "I stepped in a pile of you, I got love all over me", of course there's "The moon is high and so am I, the stars are out and so will I be pretty soon. " now if you cannot improve on those country songs stick to bluegrass. I don't even wanna think "The fly is open let's go pee yeeoddle ladee hoo"
Cookie on February 7, 2013 5:41 PM
Geno: I always kind of liked "Drop Kick me Jesus Through the Goal Post of Life. " Reminds me of a certain football captain.
Becky Novarro on February 7, 2013 5:41 PM
Note of interest about Fly Williams. Unless there was more than one from Austin Peay, Jim knew him also. The man Jim worked for owned a basketball team in the Continental League which was a minor league team around 1978. Jim flew with the team to Rochester, NY for a game and when Fly got on the plane he informed everyone that he was sitting in the back because whenever you see a plane crash, the A-- end was always sticking up and that was where he was sitting. He was guite the character but I wonder if it is the same man. If so it really is a small world.
Cookie on February 7, 2013 6:41 PM
Queenie:
Since we appear to be consumed as of late with body parts and body functions could you please clarify what you mean by
"A---End. " My imagination is running wild here. Oh! The potential!
Carl on February 7, 2013 7:58 PM
Cookie, perhaps Becky will respond, but in case she doesn't, my best guess is that she means his "antediluvian backside. "
Cookie on February 7, 2013 8:46 PM
OK Carl: I'm not sure that term applies to Fly. However, it certainly applies to and accurately describes everyone on this blog. Oh the vision! They are all frantically running for their dictionary--the high school edition of course.
Carl on February 7, 2013 9:21 PM
Cookie expressed a wish to share the following "kilt" video with all of you -- well, at least with many of you:
http://www. youtube. com/watch_popup?v=MZ35SOU9HTM
Enjoy.
Cookie on February 8, 2013 12:31 AM
Don't believe everything the Webmaster tells you.
But it does appear the age old mystery is solved.
Woo Hoo!
Jim George on February 9, 2013 6:25 AM
Good stuff. That wins the blue ribbon for sure.
Becky Novarro on February 9, 2013 12:07 PM
Yes the A End is the backside of people.
And, the kilt story was great and I think I'd like to go to Scotland to see for myself. Cookie,, want to come along??
Cookie on February 9, 2013 12:28 PM
Queenie: Which one of us driving?
gene law on February 9, 2013 4:30 PM
You can drive to Scotland now? I've got to get out more.
Carl on February 9, 2013 5:40 PM
Geno, it should be pretty simple. Just go to Iceland and make a soft right.
gene law on February 10, 2013 3:24 PM
Iceland? you talking my backyard? aa54
Fredrick Lucas on February 10, 2013 8:14 PM
For those who are interested in Fly Williams, put his name into a search engine and you'll find an interesting article about him. Turning to another person, John Williams, the composer of music for the movie Star Wars and the director of the Boston Pops celebrated his 81st birthday Friday, February 8. Finally, the largest salt water crocodile in captivity who measured more than twenty feet died. He was 50 years old. He was in the Phillipines. I could have written about Oscar Robinson, Rod Thorn or Jerry West. They became successful. Fly spent two years in jail. His addiction interested me. I'm also pleased that he is now counseling children who have drug addictions. I hope that Bonnie Barbakow and her family who live in the Boston metro area are coping with the challenges of the snow. Perhaps Ed and Sandy Laufer are walking in Central Park. Fred Lucas
Cookie on February 10, 2013 11:37 PM
Breathe Freddie. Thats it! Now-----focus. Here's a nice brown paperbag. Give it a minute. You will be fine.
Carl on February 11, 2013 7:48 PM
Proposing a new participatory activity -- fill in the blank for "pleasure is __________. "
I'll start, "pleasure is a beautiful sunset. "
No elaboration is needed for this activity, but you know that I will anyway, don't you? So here goes. Sunsets have always been a favorite of mine. Today I was driving south toward DC with a glorious sunset to my right. Turning west onto the Capital Beltway, it was ablaze right before my eyes. There's a stretch of road there where you come up a slight incline. As you top the hill, looming before you, appearing to be right in the road perhaps a half mile ahead, are the magnificent spires of the Mormon temple. With the stunning deep pink sunset as backdrop, it was jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Even without the incredible spires, "Pleasure is a beautiful sunset. "
Sooo, dear friends, where, or in what, do you find pleasure?
Cookie on February 11, 2013 9:58 PM
Pleasure is driving across the bridge at Glen Lynn and starting up the hill. I know I'm almost home again.
Becky Novarro on February 12, 2013 8:14 AM
Pleasure is having my first hot dog when I get to Princeton.
Yum!
carl on February 12, 2013 12:51 PM
and where do you go these days for your favorite Pctn. dog?
Pete Stephenson on February 12, 2013 12:52 PM
Pleasure is one more day above ground,being able to read the blog and to know you my friends are still with me. Riding the Vette on the Blue Ridge Parkway is pretty kool also. Faith hope and Love my friends/
gene law on February 12, 2013 3:52 PM
There are so many pleasures in life, I don't think this blog can contain them, my greatest pleasure is sunrise, and watching the golden rays of the sun chase the shadows into oblivion, and hearing the birds break out in song as if to give thanks, I will now muse about all the pleasures in my life, thanks bro. Carl for reminding me of this simple way of finding joy and contentment.
Carl on February 12, 2013 4:36 PM
Geno, are sunrises anything like sunsets?
(signed) Late Sleeper
Fred Lucas on February 12, 2013 5:09 PM
Pleasure is knowing that my nephew Sean Lucas and his family were not injured and did not have any damage to their home during the recent tornado in Hattiesburg MS. The high school where his son Sam attends suffered structural damage and is closed. Sean is Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg.
I always find pleasure at Grandview State Park. The scenery as I look into the New River George is tremendous.
Cookie, you are cute as cotton candy. Fred Lucas
Cookie on February 12, 2013 5:34 PM
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Valentine's Day to boot!
:-)
I always did think Freddie was the sweetest thing! Well, most of the time till he went off the deep end a few posts back.
gene law on February 13, 2013 7:00 PM
Carl there is something to be said for sleeping in, but there is also something special about early morn when everything is waking up. I got to thinking about pleasures last night, up nearly all night, slept late this morning, here is what I mused about, hot cocoa on a cold day, a walk through the woods with my honey, pointing out all the different wildflowers, strumming a guitar by a campfire singing an old love song, riding horseback through woods, in a moseying gait, rowing a boat on a mirrored lake, dangling my feet over the side in the cool water, lying in the grass on a summer day and letting my imagination run wild at the different cloud formations, watching a cat watching a bird, watching a squirrel getting seeds out of a bird feeder, sitting on a fresh baled bale of hay and taking a rest, sitting in the backyard swing, fellowshipping with my best friend, sometimes not talking and having the best conversation never spoken. These are a few of my favorite pleasures I mused about the biggest part of last night, lost some sleep, but enjoyed it immensly, there's something to be said about the simple life.
Carl on February 13, 2013 7:15 PM
Amen. And for us fortunate ones, the list is almost endless.
Mike Murphy on February 14, 2013 12:37 PM
Geno - It sounds like you are BLESSED!
Happy Valentines Day
Keep the Faith
gene law on February 14, 2013 1:31 PM
Mike you are right, you know I didn't realize how much until Carl put that pleasure thing on the blog, funny when I really got to thinking about what pleasures me, all these pictures flooded my t. v. , you know, the one in the front part of your mind, I picture what I am thinking about, that is why I was up most of the night flooded with all those pleasures, I am going to make a point of not pushing them so far out of reach, "PRECIOUS MEMORIES". have nice day, thanks to Carl I'm going to have bunch of nice days.
Becky Novarro on February 14, 2013 3:15 PM
Carl, I often have my first hot dog in Hinton at Kirk's while sitting outside watching the people fishing, the ducks, fish, other people stuffing their faces too. There is always an opinion about who has the best hot dog. The DQ on Cumberland Road was the last favorite. Also, Berkshire's all yummy. Oh my, I need a hot dog!
And so I don't sound shallow, I also like sunsets, roses, and memories of days gone by. We are all so blessed to have our friends.
If Cookie is cotton candy, she needs to get off the bus!
I have a feeling this blog is going to have those weird things on it. Sorry folks.
Cookie on February 14, 2013 4:34 PM
Cookie will forever ride the big yellow bus. Don't make her go down that road.
Pete Stephenson on February 14, 2013 5:52 PM
Pete here. Mike I believe that Geno is right on. He's hard to handle when he lets the old mind rip. Cookie the Big Yellow Bus went by my house every morning at 7 on time. I could never rode it because I lived 1 block inside the city limits. When I did ride the bus to school it was Tri City. Hey Queenie,the DQ at Hinton still has the best dogs in that neck of the woods. Scenery great also. All you cmates have a great Valentines Day. Faith,Hope and Love to all. I pray for each and every one of you that are hurting in some way or the other. peace.
Cookie on February 14, 2013 8:03 PM
Hold on while I finish making these pancakes. This blog is getting syrupy.
P. S. Anybody got a stick of butter?
Ain't Sayin' on February 14, 2013 8:07 PM
This should get you back on track.
A southern girl was talking to a northern girl.
Southern girl: "Well hi honey! Where you from?"
Northern girl: "I'm from a town where you never end a sentence with a preposition. "
Southern girl: "Well then ok honey! "Where you from----bitch. "
Carl on February 15, 2013 11:17 AM
ALERT! Music fans.
Tonight and tomorrow night, the Showtime channel airs a 2-part documentary, "History of the Eagles. " Tonight's 2-hr. episode at 8:00 is reported to be especially good. Tomorrow's 70-min. segment also airs at 8:00. Fans of this Rock n Roll Hall of Fame group will surely like the film. Others may also.
Becky Novarro on February 15, 2013 6:52 PM
Haven't been to DQ in Hinton since I started going to Kirk's. We took our dog on the patio. The DQ, the last time I was there, was all enclosed. . . . not fun. Sorry Pete. Also down the road is a great biker bar with fabulous fried bologna sandwiches. You can watch the Greenbrier River. The Princeton Ray's have good dogs too. Oh my, I need to add some excitement to my life. Just kidding.
I don't need any at all. I have butter (butta?) and syrup and aren't we a sweet bunch. It has been Valentine's Day after all.
Cookie on February 15, 2013 8:09 PM
Queenie:
Where or what is Kirks?
Count your blessings. You could be on a cruise ship trying to get to Mobile!!
Becky Novarro on February 16, 2013 10:09 AM
Bus Rider, Kirk's is just before the DQ in Hinton. We started going there because they let our dog join us and the parking was easier. They have really good food and you sit outside.
The last news I got is that I am going to be going to NJ soon. No hot dogs but great pizza and cheesesteak's. We all are anxious to see the devistation. It is unreal.
Mike Farley on February 16, 2013 10:41 AM
Farley here. . . . . . . . Okay you northerners. Our weather guys tell us southerners in the Melbourne, fl area, it's going to be 36 degrees at 7:00AM Sunday morning. We would appreciate it if you would keep your Burrrrrrrrrrr weather on your end. Winter coats are not a popular word around here.
Keep Believing
Carl on February 17, 2013 11:01 AM
I'm relieved to see that it's currently 49 degrees in Melbourne, expected to climb to 54. I sure hope this means that all the Farleys and their friends survived the brutal onslaught. (:< }
Delores on February 17, 2013 5:59 PM
I AM FREEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZING!
Got an extra bed Queenie? Do they allow a Toyota in Naples?
Mike Farley on February 18, 2013 8:43 AM
Yeah!!!! Monday morning. We survived the Burrrrrrrrr driven Sunday in the Florida arctics. Warming to a high of 63 today. PTL!!
Keep believing
Jim George on February 18, 2013 8:02 AM
Gene Law, very well said. Love your comment above.
Carl on February 19, 2013 4:47 PM
Pleasure is a clean bed . . . uh, truck bed. Friend called to see if I could help move a large, heavy item tomorrow. I said ok. Today I busted up a 2" layer of ice in my little truck bed, cleared the bed of water, ice, leaves & twigs, and swept it clean. First time that ugly-a** bed has been clean in 3-4 years (probably longer). What a pleasure. Ahhh. [Now, speaking of pleasures, where are those hot fudge cinnamon rolls?]
Willie on February 19, 2013 9:11 PM
I knew it. You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't ----
Carl on February 19, 2013 9:37 PM
Yep, I discovered that somewhat late in life; now I embrace it.
Willie, I sure hope your hand jive's in fine fettle.
Willie on February 20, 2013 10:08 AM
All the talk about dogs and one crapped on my floor. Who takes a dog to a DQ? Now I have to have a carpet turning procedure so my hand jiving days are going to be limited for the next few weeks.
Carl on February 20, 2013 2:05 PM
Seems to me that if you'd taken that dog to the DQ, you'd only have had to express your regret (or not) and let other hand-jiving fingers do the walking. That's known as the DC perspective.
gene law on February 20, 2013 2:54 PM
Been off the blog awhile, took a little reading to catch up zounds like everybody is cold, had snow storm in valley,colder than a witche's heart, but I embraced this one with welcome arms, last snow I let myself get the blues, when this one started I said to myself, don't get down, think about the positive, you know after a minute or two of contemplation I remembered that the cold is good to relieve us of larvae of unwanted bugs, the nuisance ones, most effective control there is, momma nature herself, snow will put nitrogen in the ground, make the garden produce,grass green, so I set back looked out my window, sang "let it snow let it snow" while sipping on Hot Chocolate, bad for the sugar, but good for the inside of you, makes you feel warm all over, I have a sudden urge to hot chocolatize myself again, only 25 on my thermometer, I'm smiling on the inside thinking about all those pests freezing to death, while I am warm and chocolatizing my self, think good thoughts, stay warm, fix some cinnamon rolls and chocolatize often.
Cookie on February 20, 2013 3:14 PM
I would be careful taking a dog out in public anywhere in Washington. Fiddo has been on the menu since 2008.
Mike Murphy on February 21, 2013 5:06 PM
Mike Farley are you related to Don Farley? I worked with him at WV Pipeline. Haven't heard from or about him for eons.
It appears that the Duke of Carl website has a new entry format/program!!! Webmaster Wonka are you messing with us?
Keep the faith
Carl on February 21, 2013 5:09 PM
Murph, if you're referring to the different look of the screen where you post comments, that just seems to have changed. I got no notification/explanation. I don't like the looks of the new screen as well, but it seems to work the same.
Mike Farley on February 23, 2013 1:19 PM
Farley here. . . . Mike, I had cousins many many moons ago in the Montcalm area. I know one of the boys was named Don, but he was probably 6 or 7 years older than me. Because of the age difference, I never new them well. This would be the only Don that I know of.
Keep Believing. . . . .
Carl on February 21, 2013
Holy Moly!!! We got a raft of birthdays upon us!
Peggy Charolene Fields Glenn - February 24
Joyce Lytton Mash - February 24
Kerby Smith - February 25
Ched Yearout - February 25
Pete Stephenson - February 27
Barbara Stepp Rumburg - February 27
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Y'ALL
Mike Murphy on February 23, 2013 11:39 AM
The Gazette Mail today indicated that WV airports would loose traffic controllers and airport screeners. Oboma says child care will be cut off and police, teachers, first responders will be fired, plus criminals will not be prosecuted because of lack of procecuters etc etc. All because of the sequester!
Give me a break - this is fear mongering at the very least. Federal agencies budgets will be slightly HIGHER this year than 2012 because of the continuing resolution, even with the sequester. We have not had a budget for the last 3 years because of Harry Reid and the Senate and Bainer is also whining about the sequester cuts.
Throw the bums out especially the President who is in constant campaign mode. Put polotics aside and do what is right for the country ie get the economy going and move toward a balanced budget post haste. Cool has replaced competence and achievement!!
Happy belated Presidents day?
Keep the faith
Amazed on February 23, 2013 1:25 PM
Someone said yesterday was "George Washington's Birthday. " Who is George Washington? Rock On!
Carl on February 23, 2013 5:39 PM
Amazed, please be assured that, while your recently completed $120,000 BS degree [and your preceding public school education] couldn't be expected to impart all knowledge, should you be blessed to live to age 70 -- like many here -- you'll have time to fill in such gaps. Good luck and godspeed.
Amazed on February 23, 2013 6:51 PM
Just part of the "uninformed voters" here. Don't know nothin' bout' that Washington guy but hey. . . . Kim is with child, Katie Couric is rockin' with ABC and one of the other Kardashians has been kicked off her Simon Cowell show either because she is too fat or he finally discovered she didn't know "jack. " But Hey Dude. . . . . I just saw that Federal Budget thing on FOX--pie shape none the less and "Sequestration" takes out a hair-line from it. Somebody is blowing smoke. Amazing--just amazing!
"Murphy for the United States Senate--to replace Manchin"
Get used to the term "sequestration. " It means----are you ready----"to seize, confiscate, seizure of property". . . . . . Hum!
Carl on February 23, 2013 9:19 PM
Hmm, let's see: you're familiar with Kim Kardashian, Katie Couric, Simon Cowell and perhaps others of their ilk. I think I'm starting to understand why you're unacquainted with George Washington. Perhaps you should give the History Channel a look.
Amazed on February 23, 2013 9:44 PM
Lets see---the History Channel--hum---all I get on my TV is Bravo, MTV and MSNBC. That Jersey Shore withdrawal has been a bitch too. Never thought the show's demise would have such an impact. But I did hear that if you don't know history it tends to repeat itself or something like that so I guess I'll just catch it the second time around--as it repeats itself.
Next-----Your turn you little wizard of wisdom. :-)
Carl on February 23, 2013 9:54 PM
"wizard of wisdom"? I like the sound of that. And its acronym? WOW!
Amazed on February 23, 2013 10:08 PM
Hum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lets make that the
Astounding Senior Servant-- :-)
Carl on February 24, 2013 9:57 AM
can't argue with that
Fredrick Lucas on July 2, 2013 6:54 PM
I would like to express my sadness at Wayne's passing. I understand that he had several serious health problems. I want to offer my condolences to his family.
Like Tom, we will be with Wayne and the others in time. Take care and God Bless.
Mike Murphy on July 4, 2013 9:54 AM
Happy Independence Day
Thanks again to those who gave us and keep our freedom!
Keep the faith
Fredrick Lucas on July 4, 2013 4:08 PM
Like Mike, I would like to remember Independence Day. The first three days of this month marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. More than 50000 soldiers lost their lives in the worst loss of life on American soil. Free blacks were captured by rebel forces and sent south into slavery. Residents of the town and surrounding area also lost their lives. Freedom sometimes comes at a high price.
gene law on July 6, 2013 9:30 AM
Time to put off the blues, put on your dancing shoes, its Saturday night and I just got paid, you know I got some money, time for dancing, a little romancing, gonna see my honey. Remember that? An ol' 50's song, woke up this morning with that thing in my head. Thought if I wrote it down it would get out of there. Can't remember the name of the song or who sang it, just those words, anyway good morning bloggers, browsers and non-bloggers, enough of politics blues and blurbs, need some quips, Carl poems, odes and such like, some jollies, follies and I can't rhyme every time, but Carl can and Cookie can make with the funny stories, we can have a little too much fun, remember "too Much" Honey I love you too much, need your hugging too much, ain't no use lying baby got me trying to love you too much. Those were songs that made ya feel good. It's not a bad thing to rouse up your old memories, make yesterday come alive, "sing me back home to the place I belong, make my memories come alive" Come alive bloggers lets read some of those ol' hilarious stories tall tales, quips, poems, old jokes, some of that '60 stuff we are made of, hows bout it. There's a sign, I see the code today 1867, civil war is over, the sun is out, sky is blue, I think all the blues we need is in the sky.
Mike Murphy on July 6, 2013 10:04 AM
Geno - Little Richard -gona rock it up
Great songs -just renewed my Sirius to play the 50s 60s and 70s also listen on direct tv sometimes.
Geno - good to hear you are in good spirits!
Keep the faith
Carl on July 6, 2013 1:15 PM
Geno, I'm almost sure that I've warned you before to be careful what you wish for. But since you've ignored my advice, you get what's coming (with apologies to Little Richard).
Well it’s July the sixth and I just got news,
Geno wants our comments to remind and amuse.
My mind says go, go, have a thought
Cause it’s Saturday noon and I’m good for naught
Unless I rhyme it up; and divine it up;
I wanna lighten up; and delight it up.
I wanna loosen up, and please Gene Law.
I’m tryin’ to beat the heat here in Blue Hill, Maine
Supposed to be so balmy that I couldn’t complain
Had started feelin’ sorry for myself, what a shame
‘Til the Law-man spoke and reminded me plain:
I oughta cheer it up; persevere it up;
Even dance it up; perhaps romance it up.
So let’s en-trance it up, with proud proclaim.
We PHS’ers have a point-making way
To say what we mean and to mean what we say
Including nostalgia and some good-natured fun
From a’spreadin’ the wealth to controllin’ the gun.
We gotta chill it up; maybe thrill it up;
Willy-nil it up; goodly feel it up;
I’ve sorta trilled it up, and had my fun.
(in collaboration with Deeter)
Thomas Dillon on July 6, 2013 1:47 PM
Geno, Carl, glad you two brought some jocularity back to the blog. Guess Cookie is loading her latest volvo to fire at 45 when he/she makes another ludicrous statement about Oboma.
Had my multi-annual dream the other night about two-a-day football practices beginning shortly and my needing to get into shape. This time, however, I was going out for the Florida State team because I would have at least 4 years of eligibility and with "red-shirting" several years, as I would surely substain some major injuries playing with 300 plus pound young men. I was going to tell them that I was just 50 (don't know where the other 21 years went). Geehole Goins was the most agressive and fear-producing opponent on the PHS team when we were in school at a scrapping 135lbs., soaking wet. Before he found Christ, you would not have wanted to meet Tom in a dark alley.
In my dream, all of the coaches sported long beards like the Robertson men on Duck Dynasty (Willie had been in Indy for Father's day and spoke at a nearby church -- couldn't get a ticket.)
gene law on July 6, 2013 4:22 PM
THAT'S WHAT I AM TALKIN BOUT. TNKS FOR SHARING.
Carl on July 6, 2013 11:18 PM
Tom, Geno,
As James Stewart said to Henry Fonda (or vice versa) in "The Cheyenne Social Club, "Harley, if it pleases you, then it tickles me to death." Keep smilin'.
Mike Murphy on July 7, 2013 12:33 PM
Hail Duke Carl the technocrat Poet. May he reign long as the greatest provacture of great wisdom and joy!!
Pete - everything OK?
Keep the faith
Carl on July 7, 2013 4:10 PM
Echoing Geno's point, I'd sure welcome a memory-lane stroll led by Delores, or a daily-life rant from Cookie. OR similar comments from any other PHS60 class member.
Carol on July 7, 2013 4:52 PM
I need to get the new "rules" straight. No politics, no civil war anniversary talk and lots of funny poetry. (BTW, good job, Carl)
As Jack Nicholson said to Tom Cruise (A Few Good Men) "you can't handle the truth." We can either stick our heads in the sand or work until we die to try to preserve some of the liberties we had given to us. I highly recommend the video on youtube "Agenda." by Curtis Bowers. If this doesn't wake you up, am I to assume that the class of 1960 was full of girly men.... No, I know better than that.
Thomas Dillon on July 8, 2013 10:13 AM
Carol, "Have you eaten anything today, you seem a little grouchy". I think you have been 54'd or 45'd and I agree with you.
Carl, you also seem a little discombobulated (for Kookie, "thrown into a state of confusion"). I think your movie quote came from "Cat Below" with Jane Fonda and Marvin Lee.
Something is not clicking this morning!
Pete Stephenson on July 8, 2013 11:33 AM
Pete here,Doing just fine Mike,thanks for asking.Dr.turned me loose this past Tuesday.Still have knee problems but going to tough it out for awhile.How many of you remember dancing to the real music at the Suzy Q back in the day.Some good times for sure.Thomas,I can't imagine 2 a days at this stage.Even though i surely would like to go back there for a time.The most memorable for me was the initiation when we first got into high school.Never was very fast and Wandell and some of the others like to have beat me to death.Oh what good memories we have.Carol,you might have thought that some of us were girly,but you needed to see the other side in the life of a PHS boy.A whole lot of good and some bad I might add.Glad to have made It this far with all of you.We are truly blessed.Faith,Hope,and Love to all of you my brothers and sistersStay well my friends.Sorry to have hear about Wayne Jones passing.
Delores on July 8, 2013 9:23 PM
I heard from Cookie today. She is at the beach with her children and teenage grand children and all their weird high school and college age friends. She said she would be full of RANTS by the time she gets home. One other thing. She said, "What the hell! I just discovered I was born about 50 years too soon. I'll have what they are having."
If you want to know who is the oldest person at the table in a Red Lobster. Its the one who gets the bill.
gene law on July 9, 2013 9:10 AM
Blessed is he or she who can spend time with kinfolk, even if they wind up paying for everything, what else you gonna spend your money for. All my kinfolks disowned me years ago, miss 'em sometimes. Oh well good morning Princetonians, 60tonians, children of the enlightenment, may you be blessed beyond belief this day, free from encumbrances, full of cheer, and love for your fellow men and women, equally please. Got to be politically correct these days. I know, right now you're thinking geno needs to increase his intake of prunes, you might be right , but I do wish you a day of wellness and cheer,(inside,and not from a glass) may the joy of the Lord fill you as never before, and the happiness of life abound in your hearts.
Mike Murphy on July 9, 2013 12:33 PM
Carol - Keep up the good work. The liberal liars are trying to wiggle out of all the scandals. If this were Bush he would be impeached over the IRS, but if you question Obama you are racist.
Some one has to stand tall against incompetence, indifferent arrogance, lieing and complete disregard for the Constitution.
Change the balance in the Senate in 2014 and defund all of this big government. We need a balanced budget and a President who will follow the law for everyone not just his followers ie beer sumit, travon martin and energy -epa.
Tea Party - third party?
keep the faith
Becky Novarro on July 10, 2013 2:09 PM
Changing the subject!!! Last Saturday Princeton had an open house and tour of the old Lavon Theatre. There is a group of young people who are trying to resurrect downtown and their ideas are wonderful. The hookers....well, if the "nice" people help with the changes, they will either go away or dress better. For information look up Princeton Renassiance (sp??) and look at all the plans. It really warms your heart to see.
Also, a website was shown from You Tube. Look up Athens Princeton 1941 and see what Princeton used to look like.
Glad all of you are well. Hope you are enjoying your summer....I love being in the mountains.
Carl on July 10, 2013 3:51 PM
Thanks cuz;
here's the link that Becky referenced:
https://www.facebook.com/PrincetonRenaissanceProject
gene law on July 10, 2013 8:31 PM
Thanks, I watched the video, good good good.
Fredrick Lucas on July 14, 2013 7:36 AM
Hi
I read Becky's comment about changing the situation on Mercer and Thorn streets. Various communities have changed and are better for the changes: Roncevert, Lewisburg, Martinsburg.., Clarksburg, Morgantown to name a few.
I enjoy the mountains. In Europe, I enjoyed the Swiss Alps. In Colorado, I enjoyed the Rockies between Denver and Colorado Springs.The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Ashville NC to Fancy Gap Va is most enjoyable.Finally, West Virginia has some beautiful areas. In the eastern areas, there is Snowshoe Ski Resort ,Smoke Hole Caverns,Pipestem State Park, Hawks Nest, the New River Gorge to name a few.Incidentally, the Boy Scouts are developing a reservation near Mt. Hope.
I trust that everyone is well. Some time ago, I remembered a special person, Pacie. I would also like to remember Julian Huffman and Claude Long.
Carl on July 14, 2013 10:32 AM
Fred, you have a good heart.
Mike Murphy on July 16, 2013 10:24 AM
Carl - Please take a look through the blog. I usually "grab" the side bar and go to the end, but slipped and saw so much junk that appears to be some Asains writting English about blogs and juvinele philosophy. also large areas of code characters that looks like someone tried to paste a program into a non compatable program.
Keep the faith and WWWblog
Carl on July 16, 2013 11:39 AM
Murph, what you're seeing is the result of our "open access/open comment encouragement" policy that allows anyone to post comments onto our Blog. [And not a damned one of them has explained who the 54s were. Can you believe that?]
Sadly, it may be the price that we must pay for convenience. MyEvent has no means of blocking them. They offer 2 options:
1. All comments require my approval before they're posted. I reject this one because I want people's comments to appear immediately vs. being delayed until I a) get an email noticification, b) go to MyEvent to read the comment, & c) sift out the spam from the legitimate comments.
2. Require a password for comments. I don't like this either. While it would be simple and relatively convenient for the "usual suspects," it could pose a problem for first-time or only occasional commenters.
So for now, I'm inclined to ignore it. If it becomes a serious problem, we'll deal with it then. [I've just thought of a 3rd alternative that I'll run by the MyEvent professionals when the time comes.]
P.S. You don't suppose that one of those "Anonymous" characters is now disguising himeself/herself behind such pseudonyms as "Hakim Hakim" do you?
Mike Murphy on July 16, 2013 12:18 PM
Thanks Carl, I praze your patience and masterful management skills. Keep up the marvelous work.
By the way what the hell is wrong with my heart??
Keep the Faith
Carl on July 16, 2013 12:25 PM
Murph, I never meant to imply that Fred is the only PHS60'er with a good heart.
Cookie on July 16, 2013 4:02 PM
I cannot lie! I don't have a heart! Just ask my kids. Hum Bug!
Carl on July 16, 2013 5:41 PM
Cookie, at your suggestion, I called your kids to test your claim. They didn't confirm your charge. In fact, each of them insisted that they don't even know who you are.
Thomas Dillon on July 16, 2013 5:41 PM
I cried when Travis had to shoot Old Yeller. Does that mean that I have a heart?
Carl, why didn't you counter my suggestion that your quote came from another movie?
I think we all went to the movies often , and the drive-in most frequently during our school years at PHS. Perhaps some scenes and plots were missed while we were waiting in line at the snack bar.
Cookie on July 16, 2013 5:57 PM
With all due respect Mr. President--thats not how you missed half the drive-in movie.
And Webmaster, I'm not surprised my kids didn't know who I was when you called. They usually don't until it hits the fan. The grands on the other hand know me well and think I'm smart, funny, have a big heart and love to hang out with me. None of their friends have grandparents who drive them around in a convertible and use four letter words of reprimand. Woo Hoo!
Carl on July 17, 2013 2:11 PM
Tom, I let your movie quote "correction" go right on by because every several years or so, I have a heart. It turns out that your timing was perfect.
Mike Murphy on July 17, 2013 4:51 PM
Tom, et al - The Charleston Dailey Mail today has several articles about the Scout Jamboree here in WV. I recommend reading. I was especially taken by article about 1913 Presidental enaugeration where Boy Scouts aided police in calming men thugs who were attacking suffrage women who were protesting and scouts administering first aide. The new headquarters sounds terrific with a lot of cool activities. Read about it!!
I still don't understand the libs wanting homosexuals to be scout leaders?? Perhaps they are also OK with homo & petofile priests?
Also Tom - if we had had better gun control laws old yeller would still be alive?
Carl please put the link to Daily mail on site. In my heart I know that your good heart will do the right thing!
Keep the faith
Mike Murphy on July 18, 2013 10:15 AM
Hi Carl et al
The email you sent about Bobby Hawks Obituary was unfortunately my great friend and our PHS60 Classmate.
We Played little league, softball, basketball and track together. We tore up a lot of good cars trying to work on them.
He was a kind, thoughtful and intellegent gentleman. We lost another of the "good guys". Lets pray for his family and hope to see him in heaven. Bobby you will be missed.
Keep the Faith
Thomas Dillon on July 18, 2013 10:59 AM
Carl, I didn't receive the e-mail regarding Bobby. Have you defriended me?
Carl on July 18, 2013 11:18 AM
Tom, I would never "unfriend" you. [Even in my normal state I have almost half a heart.] I was awaiting confirmation that the Bobby Hawks whose obit in the BDT was "our" PHS60 Bobby Hawks. Thanks Murph for the info. Here's the obit:
PRINCETON – Elder Bobby Wayne Hawks, age 70, of Princeton, W.Va., died Monday, July 15, 2013 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born December 30, 1942 in Coalwood he was the son of the late Reuben and Kathryn Belcher Hawks.
Bobby had previously worked for the Princeton Elks as a Golf Course Superintendent and later for Industrial Plating and Machinery. He was an Elder in the White Oak Primitive Baptist Church and loved his church and the members that belonged there. He was a true man of God.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: James Edward Hawks and an infant sister: Shelby Jean Hawks.
Survivors include his wife of over 50 years: Sue Wilson Hawks. Children: Anthony Hawks and wife Kathy of Princeton, David Hawks and wife Lorrine of Floyd, Va., and Jeffrey Hawks of Princeton. Grandchildren: Daniel, Allison, Chris, and Mark Hawks; and one brother: Sam Hawks and wife Barbara of Princeton.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the Rowland H. Bailey Funeral Chapel of the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Elders Jerry McGrady and Teddy Billings officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Thursday, July 18 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton.
To send the family online condolences please visit
Carl on July 19, 2013 2:20 PM
BIRTHDAY ALERT!!!
We have only one birthday for July posted on our classmate profiles, but it'a good one:
July 25: Ginger Goings Clower
Thomas Dillon on July 19, 2013 2:27 PM
Carl, there was a somewhat confusing blog entry this morning from a Tom Cooper. The entry has vanished -- shades of Tom Riddle.
Happy Birthday, Ginger.
Carl on July 19, 2013 2:45 PM
Tom, I think the Tom Cooper comment was a spammer. We've received lots lately, but the previous names have been "dittos" (e.g., Hakim Hakim). They will vanish as I delete them; a pleasurable exterprise. I wish I could block them, but alas . . .
Carl on July 19, 2013 5:05 PM
Report from Maine
The record and near-record high temperatures seem finally to be passing. Wonderfully normal weather – high around 74 – is expected to return by Sunday. A/C is rare here on the Blue Hill peninsula, so high-80s/low-90s temps have made for a brutal existence. But I’m not writing to whine. Instead, to share some observations.
Despite dissimilar cultural and geographic stereotypes, I find ME and WV much alike in many respects. Neither has a really large city (Portland, 66,363; Charleston, 51,400) and most of each state is rural; the native peoples are generally blue collar, in essence or in spirit; they’re friendly, helpful, independent and tough-minded. Change comes more slowly, it seems, than in other places.
One shared characteristic is that the Appalachian Trail runs through both, each having beautiful mountain landscapes, even if the general tourism photos of Maine feature a bit more coastline. Highways in many sections of each state still require skill and alertness to navigate safely, but also provide a close-up look at modest Main Streets and unspoiled scenery.
But Maine retains one classic feature that occurs few other places. All along the coastal roads where tourism flourishes, post-WWII era motor courts prevail. What a stroll back through time these provide, recalling for me the late ‘40s, ‘50s and early ‘60s before the proliferation of Howard Johnsons, Holiday Inns, and other lodging chains. These tiny, white-fresh (usually) "cabins" set just far enough apart to provide a sense of privacy beckon for simpler pursuits. The look and feel seem to whisper "community," and to ease making acquaintance with neighbors. You know at once that the couple in Number 6 is from Georgia, the Wisconsin family in Number 11 has two small daughters.
Lobster is, of course, the distinguishing restaurant fare, but everything blueberry is right here too. Like most vacation spots, weight control is a daunting challenge. It’s clear that the locals find it equally so. Almost everywhere you look there are sights of 1950s attitudes and activities. (Granted, you sometimes need a bit of imagination.)
So for a nostalgic old coot like . . . oh, never mind who . . . the scenery and mood can transport you back to your youth, even making the sometimes long wait in line at the ice cream stand an added memory-lane pleasure.
Wish you were here.
Mike Murphy on July 20, 2013 1:02 PM
Cookie - did you ever attend the outdoor theatre and sit in the open air seats that were down front? Not so good when it was raining but when you dodn't have a car it was great!
I remember sneaking into the OT back right corner had some of the tin turned back, but you had to wait till after the show started or you would be caught by Mr. Belcher, who would throw rocks at you. Also some kids would hide in trunk and get out after light went down.
Keep the faith
Fredrick Lucas on July 20, 2013 3:17 PM
Hello Gang,
For those who are fans of the folk singer, Pete Seeger, his wife died last week. She was 90 years old. She took care of bookings, the children and paying the bills.Seeger played the banjo and sang with a group known as the Weavers. He composed the songs Where have all the flowers gone, We shall Overcome and If I had a Hammer. I enjoyed his work along with Peter Paul and Mary. Mary died of cancer.The Seekers, an Australian g roup recorded Georgy Girl Speak to the Sky and 500 Miles written by Hedy West.They are great.Finally, I enjoyed Joan Baez.
For some unknown reason folk singers have never been featured at a class reunion.
Carl on July 20, 2013 4:14 PM
Fred, some of us regard Little Richard as a folk singer -- Good Golly!!! -- and Sonny always played several of his hits at our reunions. As Satchmo famously said, "All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song."
gene law on July 20, 2013 5:30 PM
ROCK ON BIG C!!!!!!
Cookie on July 20, 2013 5:54 PM
Hey Mike
Of course we went to the outdoor theater at the crossroads and sat on the benches down front. I went there a few times the summer after we graduated but nuf said.
Fredrick Lucas on July 20, 2013 9:44 PM
Hi Carl,
I should say that I never heard We Shall Overcome, If I Had a Hammer, Georgy Girl or 500 miles at a reunion. My emphas in this communication is about the death of Pete Seeger's wife.
We Shall Overcome is a classic and became the theme song for civil rights marchers.Peter Paul and Mary sang Puff the Magic Dragon. That song was also among those missing in action so to speak.So was Georgy Girl which was the theme song of a movie Georgy Girl. Carl if it aint got no hillbilly twang hit aint gonna be heard ha ha.
Cookie on July 20, 2013 10:43 PM
Freddie: I would like to hearat a reunion-- "Rocky Top." A little "foot stomping" is good for the soul. I'm sailing out of Cincinnati in a few days on the American Queen...5 days up the Ohio River to Pittsburg with my grandson and friends. For just a few moments I'm pretending I am Scarlett O'Hara. We're going to learn a bunch of stuff about the Indian Wars of the Ohio.
Carl on July 22, 2013 10:48 AM
Fred, I was just joshin' about folk music -- for which I have an abundant fondness. More seriously to your point, I believe there are three reasons why we haven't had folk music at our reunions:
1. Sonny didn't own any such recordings (explaining Friday night)
2. Oldies bands didn't have any in their repertoire (explaining Sat. Night)
3. Bob Lambert refused to jitterbug to "Good Night Irene" (enuf said)
Mike Murphy on July 21, 2013 12:17 PM
Another Bobby Hawks memory. Ted Hatfield, Kirkies Father arranged for our little league team to go to a Baseball Game at Bluefield. Satchel Paige was pitching and Bobby had seen him before and commented that Satchel was putting dirt over his shoes and said he was cooling his dogs. Satchel pitched 4 innings and did ok but was kind of over the hill at that time. For those of you that don't know Satchel Paige was a famous Negro league player google him.
Still miss Bobby - RIP
Keep the faith
Mike Murphy on July 24, 2013 8:38 AM
Sad to announce that my Brother, Howard Freeman passed Sunday, July 21. He attended the Mini Reunion with me last fall.
He will be sorrly missed and loved by his family.
Obit at:
http//bdtonline.com/obituaries/x59695395967/Howard-Freeman-Murphy
Keep the Faith
Mike Murphy on July 24, 2013 8:44 AM
Carl - please put the hyperlink on the blog for my brother's obit. I did something wrong as usual and it won't work. Perhaps it is the color?.
Thanks for your kind assistance and friendship.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 24, 2013 10:11 AM
Mike, I am so sorry to hear this...I remember Howard coming with you to our get together. I really enjoyed talking with him. He was a gentleman. Keeping you and the family in our prayers.
Carl on July 24, 2013 12:46 PM
Here's the link to the obit of Mike's brother:
http://bdtonline.com/obituaries/x596953967/Howard-Freeman-Murphy
gene law on July 24, 2013 6:01 PM
Mike, sorry about your brother, wishing you inner peace at a time such as this, Howard smiled all the time, that's a good remembrance.
Carl on July 25, 2013 10:24 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ginger
Pete Stephenson on July 25, 2013 11:38 AM
Pete here, Mike, my prayers go out to you and your family for the loss of Howard. God bless you and your family my friend.
Carl on July 30, 2013 3:12 PM
As July winds down, here are upcoming birthdays for August:
Scott Reid - August 3
Adell Modad Pettrey - August 14
Tracy French - August 17
Brenda McDonel Persin - August 20
Becky Arney Novarro - August 23
Terry St. Clair - August 28
Happy Birthday all o' y'all.
P.S. I'm limited to those PHS60ers whose birthdays are listed on our "Birthdays" page at above tab. I'd very much welcome info re other classmates' birthdays. Lemme hear from you.
Carl on April 3, 2013 9:44 AM
I have it on good authority that last night's PHS60 dinner meeting at Ryan's drew 19 folks.
That's 5 more than appeared in our most recent photo on the "BREAKING NEWS!" page.
Photo to follow, I believe.
Anonymous #1 on April 3, 2013 12:37 PM
Was I there last night? Don't remember. I think I may have been drinking too much recently.
Perhaps I should give up thinking.
Carl on April 5, 2013 12:32 PM
That group of handsome people on the "BREAKING NEWS!" page were at the Ryan's class dinner meeting on Tuesday.
Mike Murphy on April 6, 2013 1:19 PM
How about a law that prohibits Politicians from engaging in political activity no earlier than 1 year prior to their election both incumbents and challengers. This includes fund raising by both parties and candidates. Elected officials would have to perform their duties sans politics. Do I hear an Amen?
I don't know about you guys but the solicitation calls agravate the hell out of me!
Keep the Faith
gene law on April 6, 2013 2:09 PM
Haven't you heard, there are no laws for politicians. neither are they bound by Obama Care.
Carl on April 6, 2013 4:33 PM
Murph, I've felt your pain. In fact, that's exactly why I stopped calling to solicit you.
JK George on April 8, 2013 7:33 AM
That IS a good-lookin' group at Ryan's. Nice photo.
Becky Novarro on April 7, 2013 7:00 PM
Katie Couric had a special on last night celebrating General Hospital's 50th anniversary for soap lovers. The reason I am posting this is that one of the stars who plays Carly happens to be the daughter of a 61 classmate, Rector Sisk. I love knowing that one of us "Hillbillies" has MADE IT. Congrats to Rector as she is not only talented but also very pretty. Oh, also to Betty Mullin Sisk for raising such a lovely person.
Mike Murphy on April 9, 2013 1:24 PM
Re: recent discussion of exagerated statistics on gun purchases ie 40% purchased outside registered dealers. Washington Post Gave Obama 3 Pinocos for his use of this stat in his campaign for gun control.
He is bringing the victims from Newtown to White House today to campaign for his idealistic (political cause)! I quess the sequester doesn't affect Air Force 1. When does this guy have time to Govern? He is in continual campaign Mode. Oh well he could be making more EPA regs shutting down power plants or blocking the Keystone Pipe Line.
Count your blessings
Carl on April 9, 2013 2:04 PM
That's the ticket, Murph. Look for the silver lining.
JK George on April 9, 2013 5:08 PM
Mike, here's the word-for-word transcript from the Post in their current update on the percentage of firearms purchased from dealers vs from other sources:
"If you look at where gun criminals obtained their guns (as indicated from surveys from people in prison or from arestees detained in jail), people have typically found that 80-90% of that population get their guns in the secondary market." We referenced that data in our earlier column, and gun-control advocates might argue that it bolsters the need for universal background checks. But that is not the statistic used by Obama.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, the president's data were old and from a very small sample size. The direct quote listed above is the latest and most reliable data I could find. All of this is from your source.
90% of the American population supports Universal Background Checks. That includes over 70% of NRA members. Some tweaks are being made to support inter-family transfers and other common sense adjustments. It's just amazing that some people argue that background checks are useless, un-american, and the lot.
Carl on April 9, 2013 5:25 PM
I tend to avoid these discussions, but I'll add my 2 cents worth:
1. As JK has demonstrated, finding current, reliable statistics is really easy. Therefore, the President's choice of old, "overblown" statistics is troubling.
2. If 90% or more support enhanced/expanded background checks, the small remainder are inconsequential, and not to be taken seriously. [However, I remain poised to speak in defense of the deranged.]
Delores on April 9, 2013 8:27 PM
90% of the American people support background checks? How was that data collected? No one asked me. Does anyone really believe any kind of poll anymore on either side? I've been lied to so long that if they tell me the sky is blue I'm going to go outside to check for myself.
Delores on April 9, 2013 8:51 PM
I am a member of the Retired Police Association (my late husband served 20 years on the force in Washington, DC and as a widow this is one of the perks) and, as such, I follow their meetings closely...reading the minutes and trying to stay atune to their various positions on issues of the day. At their last meeting someone asked the following question of the membership in attendance: "How many of you ever arrested someone with a firearm?" Everyone in the room raised their hand. Next question: "Of all those you arrested with a firearm, were any of those guns registered?" NOT ONE HAND WENT UP. We are talking about 50 or more retired officers each with at least 20 years service. You do the math.....thats a lot of arrests. I rest my case Judge your Honor.
Mike Murphy on April 10, 2013 12:07 PM
Charleston Daily Mail today has article - national association of weiners and sausages? declares WV hot Dog the winner of the March Madness brackets? WV hotdog is chili, slaw, mustard and onions. Horray for WV
Keep the Faith
Mike M on April 10, 2013 1:18 PM
Also on a steamed Bun!
Keep the Faith
Carl on April 10, 2013 7:16 PM
I'm glad you clarified that Murph. Your original omission kinda steamed my buns.
Cookie on April 10, 2013 9:14 PM
Does that mean you are "hot stuff?"
Carl on April 11, 2013 8:15 AM
Nah, just easily steamed.
Mike Murphy on April 12, 2013 7:08 PM
Pete and Geno - you guys OK?
Pete Stephenson on April 13, 2013 10:54 AM
Pete here. Thanks Mike for asking. Doing fine on this end of the valley. Having some lower back pain. Other than that everything ok. Really enjoying the monthly get togethers there at Ryans. Good one on one with a real kool bunch. Try to come down sometime. I pray that all that are having health issues are getting along ok. Carl, you are3 the master grand wizard of the 60's bunch. Keep up the good work and the poetry as well. Definately keeps us on our toes. Cookie, give the hell girl. U rock. All is well here in the valley, Have K>C. this past week and take him home tomorrow. He definately keeps this fellow on his A game. Faith Hope and love to all. I imagine that there are a lot of you out there in TIGER LAND that read the blog. Join in the fun and lets us know what is happening in your worlds.
Thomas Dillon on April 13, 2013 5:14 PM
Pete, I too have had significant lower back pain since last fall - thought that I had hurt it working in the yard the end of last year. I saw 2 different physicians took Advil and Tylenol and stronger meds throughout the winter, had a Cat Scan, and also therapeutic massages. Finally broke down and went to a chiropractor a couple of weeks ago -- always thought they might be "quacks". I supposedly have spinal subluxation which was decades in development. The Doc asked if I had ever been in an auto accident or had another injury.
No auto accident, but I do remember throwing a side body block on Tank Thomason (Becky's cousin) in a football game and getting by far the worst of it -- the back pain is in the same area. The Doc said that I would not believe the number of male patients he sees who suffer today, for injuries that might have occurred years ago when "we got up and walked it off". It may have also been trying to master the hula hoop or making a fool of myself trying to twist to Chubby Checker. I am sure some of your pain today relates to your playing football at PHS and more so in your semi-pro and service careers.
Mike Murphy on April 14, 2013 9:28 AM
Cookie and Carl - don't go out in the rain. Looks like you folks in the Potomac watershed are looking at more taxes as a result of latest EPA ruling!! Rain Tax?????
People in the Martinsburg and Petersburg areas of WV will also be affected. Those farmers now have to fence their creeks to keep the livestock out and must concrete the drinking areas!!
Sell and come back to WV.
Tom and Pete hope your pain goes away, could it be we are getting old?
Keep the faith
Cookie on April 14, 2013 10:56 AM
I'm ready to write a dissertation about what the Maryland Legislature did this session but first I'm going to church and pray for God's guidance not to get on here and say they are all shit-simple left wing ideologues. You can't make this stuff up. I am being taxed for WIND and for WATER.
Pete Stephenson on April 15, 2013 11:56 AM
Pete here, Dr.T, you are so right on the lower back hits. The experience I had in Germany playing ball was like a bunch of convicts playing in the courtyard. Every one trying to kill the others. My problems come on one in a blue moon, but when they do it is hell to pay. The ciro thing is what I'm going to do next. Does it help you? Let me know what you think. Loritab is the only thing I have found for any relief. My Dr. is hesitant to give me any amount at all. Guess he thinks I will take to WVA and sell for profit. Oh well,suffer,suffer. Mike having a lot of rain here in the valley today also. Sure hope they don't start taxing air, and water. Peace, Hope and love my friends.
Pete Stephenson on April 15, 2013 12:01 PM
Pete again, By the way Thomas, I don't believe you were the only one that tank (Inflicted pain on)well a fellow hard to block. I remember him well. What ever happened to him? does anyone know?
Thomas Dillon on April 15, 2013 3:08 PM
Pete, it looks like Charles Jackson Thomason "Tank" went to heaven in November, 1999 to serve as a one-man wrecking ball for God. I don't know how I knew this -- perhaps a conversation with Becky at one of our reunions.
Google his full name and you should find a web address with more info about members of the PHS class of 1959. Can't believe they have lost so many classmates.
Pete Stephenson on April 15, 2013 3:57 PM
Pete here, Thanks Thomas for the info on tank. He was a class act for sure.I can still hear him laughing. Never forget his laugh. True there has been a lot of the 1959 class that has parted ways. They were all a good bunch. too many to keep up with over the years. Faith, Hope and love my friend.
Becky Novarro on April 15, 2013 7:11 PM
Thank you Tom and Pete for remembering Jack (Tank). He has been on my mind since Johathan Winters' passing. Jack could really imitate him and Charley Weaver. What a character!
It would be interesting to know how many of us old folks have bone problems.....well, maybe not. Hey, we are here!!!! Thank God for the aches and pains he gives us which remind us we are still around.
Carl on April 15, 2013 9:21 PM
My dear classmates,
Forgive me for this late reminder. Today is the birthday of one of PHS60's most stalwart supporters:
Darla Winfrey Pitzer.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARLIN'.
Delores on April 15, 2013 11:17 PM
Happy Birthday Little Darlin'
(Wasn't their a song about Little Darlin')
Whereeeeeeeeeeee arrrrrre youuuuuuuuuuu???
Delores on April 15, 2013 11:18 PM
Oops! That would be t-h-e-r-e
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on April 16, 2013 7:34 AM
Thank you....so thankful for my health, my family and my classmates. You are the best!!!
Mike Murphy on April 16, 2013 12:36 PM
Cuz Winfrey - Happy Birthday
Keep the Faith
Thomas Dillon on April 16, 2013 9:16 AM
Rain, rain, rain for the next 4 days. Geno, guess you would prefer such over the white stuff.
Kookie, Murph, Sir Carl, et.al., thought you would enjoy the following quote in the Indy paper this morning -- "Giving our state (Federal [I added]) legislators the power to regulate our lives and businesses is like giving a hammer to a toddler. There is no end to the mischief they can cause".
Cookie, they tax Wind? What about belches? We already know they tax gas.
Cookie on April 16, 2013 10:13 AM
Yes indeed - Wind and Rain Tax! Rain - My house will be survived via satelite for all impervious surfaces such as a roof and any blacktop surfaces. I will be taxed accordingly and the charge will appear on my property tax bill. If you own a business with a large parking lot - time to retire to Florida. They claim this is to clean up the Chesapeake. They refuse to acknowledge the fact that the Amish cows in the Pennsylvania headwaters are causing the problem. Well, a little bit anyway. Wind - $1.50 for the first 1000 kilowatts of electricity I use but rates increase over 1000 - this to fund the windmills that are being built in the Atlantic from Virginia to Maine. That was only 2 of over 40 taxes that were raised in this session. I share this with my classmates not to bore you but to sound the alarm. The guy doing all this is running for president in 2016. To Hell with um! I'm going fishing and hope the game wardens not around. I refuse to buy a license.
Carl on April 16, 2013 11:25 AM
So Cookie, other than that, how is life in the "Free State"?
Cookie on April 16, 2013 11:40 AM
Well Carl: Maryland Speaker Busch just announced this morning that he will ask for a TAX CUT in the next session. He who pushed through the gasoline tax increase. Oops. Busch is up for re-election next year! Thats how it rolls baby.
So......how are all the socialists in Montgomery County liking it now?
Carl on April 16, 2013 12:06 PM
They tell me that being a Socialist means never having to say you're sorry. [I tell them they can take that tact without all the political angst and machinations. --
I love saying "angst and machinations."]
Carl on April 16, 2013 3:27 PM
Cookie, I think I can answer my own question about Maryland, the "Free State."
I think it's proof of Kris Kristofferson's observation back in the 60s: "Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose."
"So keep on smiling, cause when you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you."
Thomas Dillon on April 16, 2013 3:55 PM
Cookie, what is the name of the unsub? Are you afraid that someone is monitoring your computer inputs and if they see his name mentioned, you will be further penalized?
Carl, you can't believe how many times I have used Kristofferson's line over the years.
You think your legislature is out of control? Indy's new governor proposed a 10% tax cut since our state has a surplus -- the ladies and gentlemen may approve a 2-3% decrease.
A bill mandating that all school personnel including teachers carry fire arms got further than you can believe in the session. They backed off for the time being because they didn't know how the training could be orchestrated in such a short time.
Cookie on April 16, 2013 4:17 PM
1. Webmaster: I'm wearing our my American Heritage Dictionary "High School Edition." Knock it off with the big words.
2. Mr. President: Heck no! If you are referring to our governor, its Martin O'Malley, our guitar playing, tax and spend leader with great aspirations. He thinks he is John F. Kennedy. "I knew John Kennedy and he is no John Kennedy"......cause I got his autograph May, 1960 at the Memorial Building with Miss Gentry's journalism class trip. He had the bluest eyes I've ever seen and was more handsome than any photo ever showed. No wonder he had a whole bunch of interested parties. When he looked at you all you wanted to say was "O.K."
Carl on April 16, 2013 4:46 PM
Cookie, to get smaller than "angst" I'd have to resort to four-letter words. But boy, can I ever do that. And I'd happily do it for you.
Carl on April 16, 2013 4:50 PM
Tom, my favorite Kristofferson lines are "the goin' up was worth the comin' down" and "I've enjoyed about as much of this as I can stand."
Mike Murphy on April 18, 2013 12:59 PM
West Virginia Farm Bureau News April 2013 edition has article on Mercer Co. Agriculture Museum. Located in former railway express building in Princeton. American Block is listed as one of the founders, they sponsered our little league team from the Glenwood area and my brother Mason and I did some contract work for them.
I am Farm bureau member because you get $80 discount from Nationwide insurance if member, cost is $35.
Being reared on a small farm 32ac was a great experience and taught me that I didn't want to be a farmer, to hard work and to little reward. I admire Buddy Belcher for being a happy and I hope prosperous Farmer. If you have a chance ask Buddy about his dad Calvin's run in with Joe Thorn at a little league game. By the way I thought Rod was a better Baseball player than Basketball?
For more info go to www.wvfarm.org
Gun control not passing is not "shameful" snubbing Margret Thatchers Funeral is "SHAMEFUL!" Mr. President?
Keep the Faith
Carl on April 18, 2013 4:16 PM
Thanks Murph . . . especially re the Nationwide Insurance/Farm Bureau arrangement. I've been waiting for just the right moment to ask if you could loan me $45.
Mike Murphy on April 18, 2013 7:39 PM
Carl - You can substract the $45 from the $800 you owe to process your 200% raise. Therefore please remit to the Kenna office post haste $785 US.
Your friendly processor. Unashamed and unapoligetic
Thomas Dillon on April 19, 2013 9:25 AM
Over 4 inches of rain past 24 hours and over 5 inches past three days. Schools, businesses, city offices closed because of flooding. Travel warning in county which restricts all non-emergency vehicles. I have never known of such because of rain. Shades of Stumpy Bottom.
And Geno, SNOW FLURRIES.
gene law on April 19, 2013 11:26 AM
That, Mr. Dillon, is not snow flurries, that is fall out from global warming.
Carl on April 20, 2013 5:50 PM
I got nothing worthwhile to say -- who said "as usual"? -- and I'm bound and determined to say it. Whattaya gotta say about that, classmates?
gene law on April 20, 2013 6:04 PM
ME TOO!!!
Carl on April 21, 2013 5:19 PM
Alright then! You non-respondents asked for it. And you deserve what you get.
Recent talk of gun control legislation and Washington politics in general got me to thinking. So here's another song lyric for all you music lovers.
Angst and Machinations
(sung to the tune of "Fascination")
["It was fascination . . . I know"]
Angst and machinations I know
Follow me around from the ground to the sky
Causing quite a scene,
Awake or in a dream,
Pushing my blood pressure, a measure too high ... My!
Angst and machinations I fear
Find in politicians more "visions" and laws.Congress up in arms,
Lacking any charms
Only legal fancies ‘tween Nancys1 and Pauls2 ... Balls!
What am I to do . . . to make it through
When the word from DC decrees tightened fists?
Congress knows but wrecks;
Give more background checks,
Add a healthy twist, give us psychiatrists ... too.
While it seems it’s each ... for ... himself
In our self-reliance there’s science and art.
With a modest plan
Each can take a stand
And ensure a fresh start without broken heart ... Argh
With good mental health and clear mind,
I can chart a course and perforce save a few
with BR-15,
full-clip magazine,
I’m a strong defendant of Amendment 2 ... Shoo!
Things aren’t all that bad, so it seems
I’ll rely on pluck and some luck from above.
With my crystal ball
And my arsenal
Angst and machinations turned to love.
[adagio] Angst and machinations turned to love.
1(Pelosi, et. al.) and 2(Rand, Ryan, et. al.)
Take that!!!
Carl on April 22, 2013 6:41 PM
Good folks, I just re-read this, and I don't quite understand it either.
[Help me Geno. Cookie?]
gene law on April 22, 2013 8:07 PM
Looks like cross between olde English, and no English
Carl on April 23, 2013 12:02 PM
Birthdays a'comin' for:
Brenda Martin Sword - April 25
Michael Farley - April 29
Gene Fields - May 1
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALL o' Y'ALL
Carl on April 24, 2013 11:24 AM
for you readers out there, here are excerpts from a Washington Post review of a book titled "Crapalachia."
"... "Crapalachia" is the genuine article: intelligent, atmospheric, raucously funny and utterly wrenching. McClanahan joins Daniel Woodrell and Tom Franklin as a master chronicler of backwoods rural America.
"His setting is the hollows of West Virginia, places of moonshine and dilapidated churches. Flyspeck towns called Rainelle, Danese and Backus Mountain had known a breaking-even prosperity until the mines started closing. "It was all gone now," we’re told. "There were only mountains and a twisty-turny road with chug holes so deep you could bury your baby inside of them."
"McClanahan’s stories, which read like a hybrid of fact and fantasy, are full of characters like Six Toed Russell ("Russell was always good at math"); foreign-exchange student Tiertha Timsina, "who arrived in Crapalachia knowing only two words of English"; and the author’s friend Lee Brown, who once drove to Lewisburg so he could "sit in a trust-fund hippie restaurant and order a 15 dollar hamburger (raised without steroids or preservatives)." And everybody has a favorite story to tell, whether it be about the Greenbrier Ghost or the folklore of Sewell Mountain ("He told us about Stephen Sewell living in a tree, and running from the Shawnee through the rhododendron bushes before they finally caught and killed him in the woods").
" The heart of these stories, however, is McClanahan’s relationship with Uncle Nathan, with his "eyes as blue as Christmas tree lights," and saucy, melodramatic Grandmother Ruby, who’s constantly imagining her approaching demise: "She told me that it wasn’t a man or a woman, but it was the angel of death all right. She said that the angel was smiling at her. The angel had black teeth and I believed her." The antics of these two characters and the author’s uncomplicated love for them makes their deaths in the course of these stories all the more piercing.
"McClanahan chooses his material and shifts his registers like a master musician. ."
Cookie on April 24, 2013 12:17 PM
SEEKING HELP WITH SEAGULL POOP
The Maryland Department of Environment recently visited our local landfill for a site visit and to discuss with local officials the county plan for reducing the landfill by 80% within the next 7 years. Hum! Isn't that what a landfill is for--dumping? While there their attention was suddenly diverted to the seagulls--one too many dive bombs I suppose. They advised that the seagulls were creating an environmental hazard due to the amount of poop they were depositing on the property and evidently on the visiting delegation. Upshot! We now need plan for the reduction of seagull poop at the landfill. A number of creative ideas have emerged. Any ideas? So, can we now come to come consensus that the inmates are definitely in charge now.
You can't make this up!
P.S. Three hot dogs over the weekend....2 on Cumberland Road and 1 in Princeton. Heaven! Nice being around sane people.
Carl on April 24, 2013 4:34 PM
Cookie, for quite some time now I've listened with great concern to your ongoing difficulties with MD politicians, US politicians, MD gov't agencies, US gov't agencies, medical offices, rodents, water runoff taxes, . . . (forgive me for forgotting some) and now "landfill curbs and dirty birds" - lyrics to follow in later posting - hoping against hope that you'd prevail. Then, you asked for ideas for the seagull problem. That set me to pondering.
Back in "the day," you'd simply invite all the good ole boys with their weapons, shotguns mostly, and blast them avian agitations to kingdom come. But, of course, we were quite primitive and insensitive then. So I concede the weakness of that idea. So ponder on, I did.
Then, it came to me in an inspirational instant. Voila! Eureka! Holy Moly! Great Googamooga! Now my plan may require a bit of nuance, there being so many social and legal prohibitions against killing birds and other critters, but it's simple, inexpensive, will disturb neither neighbor nor environmentalist, and can be applied at your convenience. (What's not to like, huh?)
The solution, my dear, is arsenic. Yep, arsenic. (About a rounded teaspoon in your morning coffee oughta do it.)
Otherwise, you'll probably just have to surrender to powers much greater than logic and the collective will . . . like the rest of us poor souls.
Cookie on April 24, 2013 5:11 PM
Dear Webmaster: If you think for one minute that your aforementioned list of my rants will drive me to drink arsenic you have another thought coming. I didn't grow up on Brush Creek for naught! They haven't defeated me yet!
As for taking to grandpa's shot gun--have you heard of PETA! They are my next rant! With a smile on my face, a giggle in my gut and a wiggle somewhere I'm dragging all of them to hell with me.
Cheers! Gotta go sweep up the earwigs that have invaded my house.
Mike Murphy on April 25, 2013 2:15 PM
Glad I am not overseas with the PC amateurs in intelligence?, Justice and Administration. What a bunch of Jerk Offs!
Who was the FBI agent that interviewed the older brother? Why didn't he/she come forward about photos before they had to go public. Probably embarrassed at bungling?
Only thing worse than international relations/security is domestic policy. Wonderful that taxpayers supported the terrorists on welfare for 10+ Years. $17T in debt!
Radical Islamic Jihad is prevalent in US and abroad. Their goal is to establish an Islamic caliphate that you join or die. They are waiting for the Madi to come out of the well to initiate their belief in armagedon!
We need to wise up fast and remember they are at war with us (infidels) and protect our country with whatever it takes.
Keep the faith
Cookie on April 25, 2013 2:56 PM
Mike:
Well, when it begins I suppose the Brotherhood will use the F16s WE GAVE THEM.
Mike Murphy on April 27, 2013 12:46 PM
He Stopped Loving Her Today
RIP George Jones
One of my Favorites
Keep the Faith
Carl on April 28, 2013 8:03 PM
Murph, ole George flirted with death for years. We're lucky to have had him this long, and his legacy is secure for as long as the history of American music is recorded. RIP indeed.
Fredrick Lucas on April 28, 2013 11:31 AM
Hello Guys and Gals,
I'm back again with another Gallup Healthways survey. The company interviewed 350,000 people between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. They surveyed stress levels. West Virginia had the highest stress level in the nation followed by Rhode Island, Kentucky Utah and Massachusetts. The five most mellow states were Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Iowa and Wyoming. Stress wasn't defined.
I have been away with a health problem. I have atrial fibrillation. The problem is under control . Do I feel stress. No. I'm enjoying spring.
Carl on April 28, 2013 7:50 PM
J. Fred, it's good to hear that you have your health issue under control. Take care; stay well; keep in touch.
Delores on April 28, 2013 7:57 PM
Take care of yourself Freddie! Sorry to hear you have been under the weather.
Mike Murphy on April 30, 2013 9:55 AM
Fred good to hear you are back and the ticker is running on time.
Stay well!
Read an article some time ago that said workplace stress was not all bad. The key was to match your coping (stress) level with the stress level of the job, some people actually strive on stress?
How bout that Geno Smith?
Keep the faith
Mike
Becky Novarro on April 30, 2013 6:44 PM
Oh my, Geno is now in a fishbowl that could eat him alive. It really is too bad he wasn't chosen sooner in the draft but the linemen were chosen first.
Fred, I am so glad you are better. Another case of a tough old bird!
So, who's putting in a garden?? Just checking in case I live closeby.
Carl on May 1, 2013 12:19 PM
MAY BABY ALERT!!!
The following have birthdays this month, including today:
Gene Fields - May 1
Wayne Alvis - May 7
Doug Neal - May 18
Alice Sue Worrell White - May 25
Sonja Saunders White - May 31
Mike Murphy on May 3, 2013 1:22 PM
Happy Birthday to all you May folks especially Doug, who has done much to promote the PHS 60 Class. Keep up the good work Doug Neal!!
Keep the faith Mike
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 4, 2013 6:56 AM
Happy Birthday!!
Fredrick Lucas on May 5, 2013 11:58 AM
Happy Birthday to our classmates born in May. Each one of you can look foreward to spring and summer with the many activities in whick people can participate. This is time for cookouts, gardening, trips to the beach, marathons, baseball games, Whitewater Rafting on the New River and Bridge Day.
Cincinnati on this cinco de Mai is holding its annual Flying Pig Marathon.
Happy Birthday.
Carl on May 7, 2013 1:13 PM
Another precinct reporting:
I'm happy to announce that I just heard from Wayne Alvis who is celebrating a birthday today. I'm not only pleased by this, but ever hopeful that at this highly enhanced level of engagement, ole Wayne might make it a class reunion one of these days.
Trivia question: what do Wayne & I have in common?
[Hint: like many of us, it has to do with kinship.]
Fredrick Lucas on May 7, 2013 7:19 PM
Hi Carl and other classmates. I had a thought about people that I know from other classes. I know several from '58 '59' 61. Do these classes have E-Mail addresses and blogs similar to this one? If there are similar blogs, can we access them?
I will be going to Blacksburg for a family meeting on May 21. If any of you are familiar with Price Fork Road, the people after whom the road was named came from the Rheinland Pfalz area of Germany in 1738 and built a fort for protection. They were named Preisch and later changed their name to Price. Fred Lucas
Carl on May 7, 2013 10:05 PM
Fred, the PHS Class of '59 has a similar website at
http://princeton1959.com. I'm unaware of other class websites.
Fredrick Lucas on May 8, 2013 5:47 PM
Hi Carl,
Thanks for the information about the class of '59. I thought that I would stay up to date regarding my three year old friend Grady. Two weeks ago I asked him how his dog Eli was doing. He pooped on the basement floor was his reply. Last week when I asked about Eli, I was told that he pooped in the yard. I'll be happy when he sees his dog doing other things.
His grandmother got into trouble with the boy's mom. Grandma Jackie would feed Grady suckers, cookies, cake and pop. Grandfather John disapproved of the sweets but Jackie didn't listen. The mother stopped all sweets because Grady wasn't eating his supper. There is an old saying, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Grandma Jackie learned her lesson.
I saw the cardiologist today. My EKG is normal. As a precaution, I will continue to take the medicine. Fred Lucas
Linda Mills on May 9, 2013 11:42 PM
Fred, we several days in Blacksburg in April. The spring flowers and trees were beautiful. Hope you have a great visit. We are very familiar with Price Forks and Price Road.
Mike Murphy on May 11, 2013 2:35 PM
Carol - haven't heard from you in sometime. Are you under investigation and sequester for your "Patriotic beliefs" and your 501C afillations, heaven forbid that you are with the Conservative T Party. The IRS is watching (persecuting) you??
Also Jeff Shumaker had on a "Patriot" shirt at our mini last fall. Any reprecusions?
Hope liberals are happy with the Obama & the IRS, who is to add 1900 additional agents to oversee Obama Care. Seems like Libs got a "cool" Nixon (Obama) with his hit squads and cover up artists!!
Carl- we rednecks seem to be safe for the moment, since Obama is in Austin Texas??
Keep the Faith
Carl on May 11, 2013 6:22 PM
Murph, you may be safe; I doubt that the Prez is planning to visit Jackson County. But here in suburban Maryland, life is risky 24/7.
Mike Murphy on May 11, 2013 7:04 PM
Carl - You are a true Patriot!
Hide your Guns and Money, like the founder of your city, Chevy Chase!!
Cling to god and guns.
Keep the faith
Fredrick Lucas on May 12, 2013 12:53 PM
Today is Mothers Day. I would like to wish all of the moms and grandmothers a very happy Mothers Day. Your children and grandchildren are successful and are doing well thanks to you ladies. Your men have helped but so much of child development is your responsibility. May you have many more wonderful years with your children and grandchildren. May your husbands share in that joy. Fred Lucas
Mike murphy on May 14, 2013 10:10 AM
Anyone know anything about Ron Coleman? He and I went to BSC together, but haven't seen or heard from him in decades.
KEEP THE FAITH
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on May 14, 2013 1:36 PM
Mike....Ron lives here in Princeton. I will send you an email.
Carl on May 14, 2013 2:40 PM
Murph, et. al.,
Don't forget that the 2005 and 2010 Reunion Books contain home addresses, email addresses, and TNs. And both books are fraught with photos of really good looking people. Young too.
Carl on May 14, 2013 2:50 PM
Speaking of good looking young folk, I just visited our "Senior pics & prose" webpage to discover that Myron "the Reunion Master" Anderson belonged to the "54's." Who/what were they?
Carl on May 17, 2013 1:58 PM
Still looking for help. I know that the "54's" weren't Toody & Muldoon from "Car 54, Where Are You," because they didn't appear until 1961. Come on folks; my curiosity is killing me. Who were the "54's" that Myron was affiliated with in high school?
Anonymous #1 on May 17, 2013 2:21 PM
If we tell you, then we will have to kill you!!!!!
Thomas Dillon on May 17, 2013 5:49 PM
Carl, you set yourself up beautifully for this ----
Ask the President. He surely can answer this one.
54 on May 17, 2013 9:59 PM
I don't recall...
I'll have to get back to you...
That is above my pay grade...
That was before my appointment...
I don't recall...
I can't be sure...
I'll check on that and get back to you...
I have no recollection of that...
I really can't say...
I'll check on that also and get back to you...
I don't remember that exact date...
I can't recall...
"AT THIS POINT WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?"
William Stephenson on May 18, 2013 4:54 PM
Pete here, Carl the quick witted one. You covered that better than the Pres could. I know you didn't have a teleprompter with you. The 54 thingy with M.A. has got my curosity up too. Never heard of it myself. Oh well maybe Myron will face up someday. Having some other health issues that will hopefully will be taken care of the 23rd.Lost cartilage in 3-4-5-disc. Pinching nerves badly in both legs, and lower back. Hope to get it over with quickly. Stay safe my friends. Faith hope and love to all.
Carl on May 18, 2013 11:37 PM
Pete, here's hoping that your medical treatment goes well and that you're soon back in the saddle. Thanks for the undeserved compliment about my being quick witted; however, the lengthy non-explanation was not mine -- as far as I can recall. Just goes to show the risk of being "anonynous" under one name or another.
Thanks my classmates for keeping the Blog alive. And thanks to any who inform me on what the "54's" were. [I would normally just go right to the source, but Myron stopped taking my calls several years ago. Seems that he's even smarter than I remembered.]
53 on May 19, 2013 7:56 PM
Perhaps it is Barack Milhouse Obama!
54
Mike Murphy on May 23, 2013 7:10 PM
Could the IRS be squelching our blog?
What a mess, but you could see it coming from the state of the union when the President called out the Supreme Court on campaign finance. Now he is the biggest offender with his Chicago gang. This cannot stand!
Keep the faith
Delores on May 24, 2013 6:27 AM
"Oh what tangled webs we weave
when we practice to deceive."
Carl on May 25, 2013 10:53 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Alice Worrell White
Thomas Dillon on May 25, 2013 11:24 AM
Love all you guys and dolls. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Not feeling very witty these days -- need a story from Cookie, Geno, or poetry from Carl.
Trying to find my Eagle Scout badge to send it back. What 7, 8, or 9 year-old or somewhat older boy knows whether he is openly gay or not? What a crock. The next vote will allow adults to be in leadership roles.
Carl on May 25, 2013 3:27 PM
Tom, I've cautioned folks before to be careful what they wish for, but since you asked . . .
Got feelings of woe, and without mistletoe,
Nor a pretty face to institute it?
Not feeling so spry and hoping to try
Some alternative means meant to suit it?
Most fully wrung out at the thought of a scout
Now engaged in uncertain sexuality?
And wondering how we can find ourselves now
'midst such deeply & troubling reality?
Then listen my friend, such facts might portend
That our country’s divided and surly,
Requiring a kind of more modern-day mind
of things once thought, uh, manly or girly.
We’re ten score and more years, or so it appears
from each myopic, staid Founding Father,
So get with the plan and act like a man
and rid your mind of all of this bother.
Or else you’ll reveal what should not be unsealed,
That you’re given to old-fashioned doting.
It’s time to move on and accept that ere-long
There will be no distinctions worth noting.
We’re now so advanced that mere progress perchance
Is regarded as hardly worth "mentionry"
So take your old views and accept the sad news
That you’re just so, oh my, 20th century.
I trust that these words will be fervently heard
And then taken to heart as intended.
If not, know I tried and so identified
What is truly progressive, fine-blended.
We’re now of an age and thrust onto a stage
Where, if it sounds good, we must do it.
Let’s all stay alert and trust it won’t hurt
us to do right and not have to rue it.
And don’t fail to ponder the marvelous wonder
Of each bit of wit you solicit.
Profound or mundane, also whence it came,
It’s far from exquisite. (Or is it?)
Deeter
Cookie on May 25, 2013 8:06 PM
"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore ToTo."
Fredrick Lucas on May 25, 2013 9:27 PM
Hello Gang,
I was in Princeton and Blacksburg this week. While I was in Princeton I stopped by the assisted living home and visited Ted Kessinger our classmate. Ted must use a wheelchair to get around the home. He is having difficulty speaking. His sentences are short. He has involuntary muscle spasms throughout his body. He is still able to read the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. Tom Dillon, these visits are difficut but as they say but by the grace of God.
In Radford, I has lunch with Terry St. Clair. We discussed our health challenges and our friendships. He is a member of the Princeton Elks Club and I am a member of the Cincinnati Elks Club. We talked about Elks. My club was started in 1876 and is the third oldest in the nation.
I enjoyed my visit with the Prices in Blacksburg. Our ancestors were from Offenbach Germany. They were stone masons and made millstones for sale throughout the country. After the millstones went out of fashion, they cut stones for the buildings on the Virginia Tech campus. There were active coal mines in Montgomery County and some of them were coal miners. Coal is no longer mined in Montgomery County.
After watching the tornado in Oklahoma, I felt sad. I don't feel like telling a joke. Fred Lucas
Carl on May 26, 2013 1:07 PM
Fred, you set a fine example by calling on classmates and otherwise staying involved. Kudos to you.
Mike Murphy on May 27, 2013 9:44 AM
Happy Memorial Day to all, especially you Vetrans.
Keep the faith
Carl on May 27, 2013 1:49 PM
'tis said that "music has charms to soothe a savage breast." Well here's a feel-good story re the miracle of music -- learning to play, compose, arrange and perform -- for wounded warriors. It's quite a story:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/may/26/when-all-seems-lost-musicorps-helps-change-the-tun/
Carl on May 27, 2013 2:01 PM
There are several videos on YouTube.com; just search on MusiCorps.
Pete Stephenson on May 27, 2013 6:13 PM
Pete here, I received a call yesterday from Tracy French. He is here in the valley again with his wife Carol. The mesh that they put in her stomach a few months ago didn't take. While operating on her a few days ago Carol had a stroke. Tracy said she was hit on her right side I believe and has trouble talking also. I would like to go visit her but am confined here in my home until the 4th of June. My back surgery went well but no driving or other strenuous things to do. Please pray for Carol and Tracy in this terrible time they are having. Tracy told me this is Carols 10th operation in 16 month. Faith, Hope. and love my friends.
Carl on May 28, 2013 4:57 PM
Tracy, I'm sure that I speak for all our classmates in saying that I wish the best for you and Carol during these stressful times.
Carl on May 30, 2013 12:23 PM
BIRTHDAY ALERT!
Tomorrow (May 31) is Sonja Saunders White's birthday, followed by:
Sarah Evans Allen -- June 3
Edward Laufer -- June 4
Tom Dillon (our here-comes-summer startup) -- June 21
Aloma Rose Ashworth -- June 25
Thomas Dillon on May 30, 2013 4:24 PM
Dillon here -- Kay and I spent a very delightful couple of hours this morning visiting with Wil and Vida Wilhelm. They had driven in last evening from Texas to visit the cemetery in Indianapolis where both of Wil's parents are buried. The next leg of their trip takes them to Pittsburgh this afternoon for a short visit with one of Wil's cousins who recently had a stroke and then on to Princeton/Bluefield Virginia. Vida and her sister Viola (the twin) will be attending a meeting of their YaYa Girls Club (some of the girls in their class) on Saturday -- dinner and evening social.
Carl, I forgot to asked whether they were affiliated in any way with the 54's.
Really enjoyed seeing Wil and Vida even though they reside in Texas. Hey, I propose that one of you rich classmates make your private jets or helicopters available so that we can visit our classmates more often. Renown published author JK George, what say you? Kirby Smith?
A true story about Kirby that Wil shared with us -- Kirby was diagnosed with a significant kidney issue that would require both surgery and follow-up treatment. Kirby had the surgery, caught a plane to Vegas a week later, and said that he would do all the follow-up treatment when he got back.
Another reunion is coming down the pike -- 2015 is closer than we think.
Pete, thinking and praying for you. You need to get totally back on your feet as hunting season is also around the corner.
Mike Murphy on May 31, 2013 10:08 AM
Tom -"off the record" during the late 80s I was Job Corps National Partners Representative to the Scouts and visited the Jamboree at Fort A P Hill. The Scouts have made their new Jamboree and Home? in Fayette county. News reports show it as a great retreat.
Again off the record, lest I be called Homofobic and Racist, I agree with you statement on recent Scout votes. The Government is creaping (dictating) into our values, next you will have to agree with them to get tax exempt status, OOH wait off the record isn't that happening now!
By the way Happy Birthday
God Bless a free and independent America!
Carl on May 31, 2013 4:44 PM
Now here's a headline you don't see everyday:
"Brawl breaks out at Ohio kindergarten graduation"
Fred Lucas, I'm glad to think that you're far removed from this Cleveland melee by being in Cincinnati.
BTW, have you been doing consulting work with the IRS there?
Pete Stephenson on May 31, 2013 5:28 PM
Pete here, thanks Thomas for your thoughts and prayers. You 2 Carl. I sure hope Kirby makes it home with everything he took to Vegas. Spent a lot of time there in the past. Lucky to have made it out of there with all my clothes on. Stayin in the house until The 4th is about to drive me insane. Not that i'm already there. Tracy called yesterday and said Carol is doing better with the stroke she had. Talked to goins yesterday also. He is always the same. Just a good hearted guy doing good hearted things. A real pal. I'm doing much better with the back. Should have had surgery years ago. Faith, Hope and Love to all. Happy Birthday SEA and all the others in June.
Carl on May 31, 2013 5:52 PM
Well, it’s been a dreadful afternoon here. Despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t doze into an afternoon nap. I counted sheep as high as I can count, then did it again, but to no avail. [You’d think that 40 would do it.] So I decided to resort to the one can’t-miss tactic for sleep ensurance – statistical research.
I decided to do a content analysis of our PHS60 "Blog Archives" – (you know, those blog comments from Day 1 that no one EVER clicks on). What a mistake! Instead of helping me snooze, I had a "Eureka" moment that left me wider awake than a buzz saw on caffeine. I discovered that aside from one lone voice from the Lone Star state, and perhaps one from Cincinnati, there’s no evidence of PHS60 having any Democrats. Now how could this be, I asked myself. Why, I remember while growing up in Princeton that you couldn’t swing a cat without hitting at least 3 Democrats. Trust me, I tested this empirically, if unintentionally -- around 4th grade I believe it was. [That SPCA restraining order was finally lifted in 1992.]
So I ask you: "Where have all the Democrats gone?" [Long time passing.] Statistical probability assures me that they must be out there somewhere. Has anyone seen them? Did they seem OK? Did they hug you? [Everybody needs a hug from time to time.] I’m not merely perplexed, I’m downright kerfuffled.
But one possibility occurs to me. Could it be that the "54's" were Democrats? Since no one writing on our blog seems to know who the 54s were, and since no one writing on our blog – Lone Star Lonnie excepted – seems to be a Democrat, could it be that 54s are Democrats, and that PHS60 54s are giving us the cold shoulder?
Heck, I’d take a cold-shoulder hug any day vs. no hug at all. . . But I digress.
I implore you, PHS60 Democrats, reveal yourselves. You’re family – black sheep or otherwise. And family counts where I come from. Surely you’re yearning to breathe free. So step out. Step up! You have nothing to fear but fear itself. I know, really know, all these right-wingnuts. They’re absolutely harmless. Their bark’s far worse than their bite. Plus, they’re good people. [Well, not so much Goodall, but then he doesn’t blog anyway.]
So let us hear from you. I’m confident that I don’t speak only for myself. Why, there must be at least 3 or 4 others who share my feelings. Speak to me – softly if you can. Otherwise, say it loud and say it proud! And I promise, the next time our paths cross, I have a hug for you – unless, of course, that’s a deal breaker.
Brenda Persin on June 2, 2013 10:27 PM
Brenda Here:
I read the Blog tonight for the first time in many months. I kept seeing questions about the "54" Club. When I was a sophomore, I was a member of this club. I belonged because an old boyfriend was a member. As well as I can remember, it was sponsored by veterans (American Legion maybe?). Members participated in various civic activities; I recall collecting money for something on an extremely cold day on the bridge somewhere around the armory. I was totally apolitical at this point in my life, but I'm sure it had nothing to do with political persuasion.
Thomas Dillon on June 3, 2013 11:14 AM
Dillon here -- Partook of my 1st little green apple of the season off the tree in my backyard this morning. It was smaller than a gum ball, but fit nicely in the side of my cheek and had the familiar sour taste of old. I actually eat more unripe apples than ripe apples. How do you think I maintain my apple cheeks? T. St. Clair and I often reminiscence about stealing green apples and Concord grapes from our neighbor's yards during those long, lazy days of summer in Princeton.
Brenda, so great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Please commit to be more active on the blog.
Carl, I will take the bait. My parents, and relatives (primarily in the Gary and other coal mining areas of WV) were staunch democrats. I have a picture of my Uncle Harry who was the foreman of a coal cleaning plant in Welch, WV shaking hands with John F. during his 1st presidential campaign.. I was a lazy democrat up and until a few years ago when the greatest flim flam job that has ever been perpetrated on the American public was orchestrated and repeated last year. I am embarrassed with most everything that goes on in Washington theses days with either party.
54 on June 3, 2013 1:25 PM
Ok Carl here goes
Our President is the coolest ever.
54 Libs
Carl on June 3, 2013 1:32 PM
Brenda, it's wonderful to hear from you again. I had forgotten that the Mercer/Thorn St. bridge was the "funnel" for fund raisers. And it sounds like the 54s in the 1950s might not have been Democrats exclusively. Thanks for that info. Now I'm wondering what the 54 referred to.
And 54 -- if that's who you really are -- you're right. The Prez is one cool dude.
54 on June 3, 2013 7:48 PM
Our President is the best Basketball Player ever.
54 Libs
Carl on June 3, 2013 8:00 PM
That may be true; and some might say that he missed his calling.
Carol Martin on June 3, 2013 9:31 PM
Hello to all! In spite of rumors to the contrary, we have not been raided nor arrested yet. I am sure we are on the "list." I didn't even take my Ron Paul sticker off my car, so I guess I am on two lists.. I sure hope Neil's
guitar is made of legal wood. Maybe we are on three lists.
I have several friends/acquaintances here from West Va. Two from Sistersville, one from Ansted and one from Richwood. They all have R's by their names. Mike Murphy, the one from Ansted's brother graduated from Tech in the late 60's.
Another interesting story that will probably bore all; however, we were living in TX and had friends in SC who were "campers on mission" years
ago. They were retired and helped build Baptist churches in all areas of
the country. They had spent most of the summer in Maine and stopped at
a KOA in PA and started chatting with the couple next to them who were
from NH. They talked about where they had lived and the couple had
lived in Pauline SC. After awhile, our camper friends realized that they
had attended the same church that Neil and I had attended before we
moved to TX. Yes, of course they knew the Martins. How strange that
the couple beside Joan and Bill in PA knew us. What are the odds?
Do you all recall what happened on the 3rd of June? That is the day Billy
Joe McCallister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge. My kids say I always
remember the "unimportant" things in life....I think they are right.
Take care and stay healthy. Pete, glad you are on the mend.
Carl on June 3, 2013 10:06 PM
Carol, I'm quite certain that Billy Joe's fate (and date) were of considerable importance. Why else would the nation have discussed the particulars -- and competing accounts -- for months? [And this was before we had cable news.]
Pete Stephenson on June 4, 2013 7:42 AM
Pete here, thanks for the kind words Carol. Probably will be released from the confines of the house today.12 days pinned up by my Dr.Have 10;00 am appointment this morn. Hope I get good report. Carol, how is bro Jim doing? I haven’t heard for awhile. Hope all is well. Jk what is the latest on Diana, praying that she is doing much better? Faith, Hope and love to all.
54 on June 4, 2013 10:19 AM
Our President is the best campaigner ever.
LIB 54
Cookie on June 4, 2013 11:06 AM
Note to "54"
You are "pissing off" an elderly woman on the banks of the Chesapeake.
Carl on June 4, 2013 11:21 AM
Despite Cookie's dyspepsia, you're just telling us what we already know, 54. [Looks like you've become emboldened; I note that you've "progressed" from Lib to Libs to LIB.] Of course he's cool; unmistakably a better basketball player while serving as president than Wm. Howard Taft; and neck-and-neck with Wm. Jefferson Clinton as a campaigner. Cool, agile and charming are good alright -- after all, that's pretty much what has carried me this far -- but . . . I believe that some foolish folks look beyond personality and athleticism in evaluating a POTUS.
54 on June 4, 2013 12:09 PM
our president is champion for the poor, minorities, LBJT and the middle class and the 47% who do not pay taxes. He is the modern day Robin Hood.
Sorry I offend white southerners.
54 Progressive
Carl on June 4, 2013 12:34 PM
no offense taken; [take it from one with the talent to offend people of ALL regions (and all persuasions) -- don't mean to brag]
Carol Martin on June 4, 2013 5:13 PM
"54" does, it really count when you help folks with others' money. If the government gives something to me, doesn't it have to take it from someone else? At least that is what my favorite columnist, Walter Williams says. I would like to see the Obamas dig in their pockets and not my sons' pockets for a change.
Carl, you are so right. Billy Joe does deserve a little recognition. I listened to the "Ode to Billy Joe" yesterday. Interesting...
Pete, I have not talked with Jimmy in awhile, but heard from my niece yesterday and she didn't mention him, so I guess no news is good news. He and Barbara spend a lot of time in NC with family, and they have a camper at Claytor Lake and they are there most weekends in the summer. Sometimes we assume he understands things that he doesn't. Also, I was told that he didn't recognize his cousin at a funeral recently. He is very thin and weak. Thanks for asking. Hope your appointment went well today. I got a cortisone shot in my knee yesterday. I am pain free today! Take care!
Carl, you may have missed your calling -- public office. You are always ready with a quick response to any statement or question. You might be a little too candid though....
.
Carl on June 4, 2013 6:26 PM
Carol, I'm treating your comments about me in public office as a compliment. But truthfully, I wouldn't last as long in a political campaign as Anthony Weiner in a personal photo booth.
Mike Murphy on June 4, 2013 9:14 PM
How about Weiner for President and Holder for VP - ie Weiner/Holder.
Carol - watch out for the IRS
54 - are you blind?
Keep the faith
Carl on June 4, 2013 5:26 PM
Pete, how'd it go with your doc today? I hope you're fit and on the road to Pctn. for the monthly dinner.
54 on June 5, 2013 1:55 PM
our president is the most transparent of all.
He has never told a falsehood and never will.
54 progressive
Cookie on June 5, 2013 3:15 PM
Dearest Carl
There is nothing wrong with the elderly woman's digestion. It is not disturbed.
Can't you, in your leadership capacity, do SOMETHING about that "thrill going up the leg" of 54?
Carl on June 5, 2013 3:19 PM
Cookie, as the expression goes, "I wouldn't touch that."
Pete Stephenson on June 5, 2013 4:48 PM
Pete Here, Carl, thanks for asking. The DR. appt this morning went great. Healing just fine. Can't do much for the next 2 weeks though. No lifting, mowing, long distance driving etc. Planned on going to the outing all along until the doc put a stop to that. Hope to be at the next one if at all possible. There has been a lot of chatter on the blog here to keep me amused thru rehab. Was glad to hear Mrs Brenda P on here. Always glad to hear from some new entrys. Everyone have a safe and enjoyable summer. Faith, Hope and Love to all
Carl on June 5, 2013 8:52 PM
Holy Cannoli!!! Just when you thought it couldn't get any better (looking), a Hollywood caliber PHS60 group showed up at Ryan's last night. See photo on "BREAKING NEWS!" tab above. Had Pete "Bandit" Stephenson been able to attend, they would have needed crowd control to contain the excitement.
Carl on June 5, 2013 9:03 PM
I see that Myron was at Ryan's last night. Surely someone solved the mystery by asking him what/who the "54s" were way back when he was in high school. What say you, other attendees?
54 on June 6, 2013 9:47 AM
Our President is extremely loyal to his employees.
Carl on June 6, 2013 10:45 AM
Yes, but will IRS Director Lois Lerner be as loyal to him?
55 on June 6, 2013 12:01 PM
Your President rewards his friends and punishes his enemies and non friendlys and skeptics.
54 - How’s that for one upping?
55
Cookie on June 6, 2013 1:21 PM
Little Something-Something for 54 to chew on:
"When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state."
--Euripides, Orestes
Carl on June 6, 2013 1:46 PM
Cookie, that's good stuff. I wonder if he got his way with words from his mother (mater familia) who, when he was just a scruffy, hyper-active lad, reportedly said, as she presented him with a brand new pair of toga-pants, "Euripides, you gonna school wearin' patches." [Sometimes I embarrass myself. I oughta be Orested.]
That reminds me. I remember when Mike Farley used to share insightful quotes thru the blog. I wonder whatever became of him?
Thomas Dillon on June 6, 2013 7:28 PM
Perhaps Mike knew before the rest of us that the government was monitoring our e-mails and the internet. This blog is surely vulnerable to scrutiny. I plan to be so much more cautious in my comments in the future. Had an IRS audit once and don't wish to repeat that experience. Thinking about giving up my cell phone and using string and tin cans again.
Big Brother is definitely watching us.
54 on June 6, 2013 8:55 PM
You can trust our president unlike previous liars
54
Delores on June 6, 2013 9:45 PM
Carl: The Cookster is truly at a loss for words!
Anonymous #1 on June 7, 2013 9:19 AM
Cookie, since you were/are one of my most adoring fans, I confess that I am not! this "54 plus alias"character who has surfaced on the blog. Please forgive my past transgressions that can not hold a candle to the BS this character has been slinging. Is she/he sincere or just wishes to be a provocateur (had to look that one up).
There was a cartoon on the editorial page of newspaper this AM -- The president was on the phone sitting at his desk in his office. The caption reads -- Hello Verizon, I'd like to sign up 300 million of my friends for your "Share Everything Plan". I know that this has been going on for years and congress has approved, but???? Do you think the government monitors calls to the sex numbers?
Mike Murphy on June 7, 2013 10:30 AM
I believe in surveillance to stop the evil guys, but I thought the Gov had to get a FISA warrent to survale calls that were to or from overseas. With this 54 model administration you can't trust them with anything but looking out for liberals and punishing conservatives.
The new PRISM program is chilling' where the government (admin) is monitoring (survaling) 9 Internet Service Providers. Tom I think you are right about communication methods.
So many dam scandals you can't keep up with them! But he is the coolest president ever!
Keep the Faith
Cookie on June 7, 2013 1:29 PM
Anonymous: I understand only Weiner is monitoring the sex lines.
Carl on June 7, 2013 2:36 PM
OK, OK, OK. Enough! If we've reached the point where the federal gov't. has Weiner monitors, that's taking things just too damned far.
Cookie on June 7, 2013 3:08 PM
Webmaster I suppose one would say thats just the long and short of it!
Pete Stephenson on June 7, 2013 4:53 PM
Pete here, I was thinking of trading my laptop for two carrier pigeons for future correspondence to our blog and the web.Then I got to thinking that the feds probably had some super fast miniature drones that would shoot my birds down. what the h---,just thinking. Faith, Hope and love to all. A little side note,(NO PAIN FOR 4 days}
Cookie on June 7, 2013 6:55 PM
Well now let me think about this for a minute. I believe people will put up with a lot but when they down shooting down your birds they may just have gone too far!
Cookie on June 7, 2013 6:57 PM
Activate proofreading now!
insert "start" where you deem appropriate.
Thank you
Sincerely, Pissed off elderly woman
Thomas Dillon on June 7, 2013 7:27 PM
In my youth, I shot a lot of birds. Now with maturity, and arthritic middle fingers, the bird population can relax.
The first time I got a Red Rider BB gun, brother Jim and I were playing with Tommy Whitehead. Tommy was taking aim at a Blue Jay. I warned him that if he shot the bird, I would shoot him. He shot and hit the bird. I put the end of my gun against his buttocks and fired! Wasn't proud, particularly after Tommy started to cry, but he had been given fair warning.
Mike Murphy on June 9, 2013 12:40 PM
54 - WE are to trust the President, when everything he does is for his political gain even if it is against the well being of our country? Tracking terrorists is OK but I can't trust that Obama won't use that info for his political gain. The current IRS scandal, releasing the Koch brothers IRS info before the election along with other donors of Romney is example. Using IRS info to demean your opponents leads me to believe that Obama and the Democrat machine will do anything to win. What ever happened to having the best candidate win not the least smeared?
Lets see we still have 7.6% unemployment, the Keystone pipeline on hold, EPA shutting down coal fired electro plants and mining operations, with gasoline at $3.75/Gal when it should be at $2.00 in USA and selling at $5.00 to other nations and you want me to trust Obama and the Democratic machine?
Tom - Flim Flam is being to kind if this were George Bush Libs would be calling for Impeachment of this Amature vindictive regime!
It is hard to argue with the facts or people like me JK, but why don't you try, I bet you were not this silent when GWB was in office.
Keep the faith
Thomas Dillon on June 9, 2013 1:16 PM
Our gas prices shot up over night from $3.85 per gallon for unleaded to $4.25. I am bleeding red -- the justification for Indiana having such high gas prices is supposedly something to do with oil refinery repairs. However, we had the same major jump about this time last year -- seems the refineries are on a fixed-break-down schedule.
As reported earlier, I was a democrat up and until the present "administration" -- quotes added because I don't think we can call it one. What, pray tell what, will this guy do after he gets out of office? Clinton gets $500,000 for a speech in Israel. What will the big O command?
Carl on June 9, 2013 1:37 PM
Tom, are you saying that you'd rather have the Prez in office than out there giving $1M+ ex-Prez speeches? ( :<}
Delores on June 9, 2013 2:16 PM
Better still Tom, what makes you think he is leaving office----EVER?
Carl on June 10, 2013 9:35 PM
Folks, as much as I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I’m forced to confirm your suspicions re big government surveillance and heavy handedness. Today I was served with a law suit based on extensive National Security Agency (NSA) analysis of my phone records, emails, public observations and internet activity, including my – and your – postings onto the PHS60 Blog page. Apparently, my case was assigned to a single, determined, intrepid security analyst, requiring untold hours of dedicated effort. It seems that my data exposed a personality, lifestyle and activity configuration that the charging staffer describes as "too boring as to be believed." Moreover, he – or, as likely, she - cites inanity, stupidity, dullness, obtuseness, chicanery, bad-rhymery, ambiguity and obliqueness in the extreme. [Were it not for this vast and unexpected range of characterizations, I’d probably be offended.]
Consequently, he/she has reversed the tables to charge me with "cruel and unusual punishment" for his/her being trapped in an assigned task. He/she claims that becoming immersed in my life’s goings-and-comings has propelled him/her into an immeasurable and irreversible depression, and fear that life is but a prolonged period of despair from which there is no reasonable, logical expectation of escape. Despite his/her best, professional efforts to extract his/her emotions and psyche from this dreadful ordeal, the facts of my life prohibit solace, much less optimism. [Such is his/her view.]
I have been advised by my attorney, Bernie, that the deck is overwhelmingly stacked against us – although I believe he really means against me. My future is, in pretty much equal measure, both uncertain and frightening -- rather like my past now that I think of it. So wish me luck, especially those of you, if there are such, as bland and innocuous as I. Dare to display pizzazz. I fear that we find ourselves in an age where that’s the only guarantee of inclusion and forgiveness. Wish me well. This may well be my final, pathetic hoorah – please forgive the hyperbolic descriptor. Know that I’ve always appreciated your support, including the innumerable times where you’ve voiced it by holding your tongue. Stay safe; keep close; and mind your manners, for tomorrow may bring who-knows-what to your doorstep.
Mike Murphy on June 11, 2013 9:56 AM
Good luck Carl
Perhaps if you can wait a month or so you can trade Bernie for Eric (AKA Stedman) who can evade "any" consequence.
Keep your powder dry
Wow the code I am to enter is 666 4 an omen?
Voice of Resistance on June 12, 2013 7:17 AM
"Truth is Treason in the Empire of Lies" George Orwell
Carl on June 12, 2013 9:46 AM
Farley, is that you? [Whomever, don't resist the inner voice to come clean.]
Anonymous #1 on June 12, 2013 10:38 AM
Again, tis not I who offers this profound thought.
54 on June 12, 2013 12:26 PM
Senator Cummings has discovered that the IRS targeting was started by a conservative republican in the Cincinnati office. Case closed and you conservatives need to apologize to our President.
54
Cookie on June 12, 2013 3:13 PM
OK 54--Cummings should be ashamed of his two-faced little "carry the water" self~!!!!! If you believe that dribble can I interest you in one of the Rolex watches I have in the trunk of my car.
Carol Martin on June 12, 2013 4:37 PM
I could not find a Senator Cummings; however, I did find a Rep. Cummings from Maryland. Cookie and Carl, does he belong to you? 54, would you please ask "Senator Cummings" staff why SWAT teams with automatic weapons raided Gibson Guitar for using illegal wood, while Martin and other major guitar companies use the same wood and were not raided. I am sure it had nothing to do with Gibson's CEO donating to the GOP, while the Martin CEO donated to Obama.....
Cookie on June 12, 2013 5:14 PM
No, Congressman Cummings does not represent my district. Unfortunately mine is Minority Whip Hoyer who violated all rules on election day by entering the preceints and working the line of voters. When reminded he was in violation of election laws and needed to exit the building immediately he stated, "Don't you know who I am, I MAKE THE LAWS. What is your name and address?"
How can you tell when they are lying? Their mouths are open!
Carl on June 12, 2013 5:19 PM
As all o' y'all oughta know by now, I really don't like to brag, but have you noticed my amazing success in drawing Democrats onto the Blog? My powers of persuasion just astonish me.
Carol Martin on June 12, 2013 5:31 PM
54, I too am losing my patience with your dribble. I am a member of a tea party in Upstate SC and this year, I serve on the Board. I am providing our mission statement. What on Earth could any red-blooded American disagree with?
"Promoting governance of the United States of America strictly within terms of the Constitution, educating members on the Constitution, conservatism, and the political process; promoting a forum for We the People to have our voices heard.
Promoting limited taxation, spending and size of Federal, State and Local goverments and limited terms of office for public officials; promoting state sovereignty, protection from the Federal Government from overreach and intrusion into personal liberties and property rights; promoting full transparency at all levels of government.
Promoting personal responsibility and engagement in local/state government by providing information about candidates and campaigns, and the legislative process, promoting and investigating free market solutions to replace burdensome public programs.
Yes, we are aligned with the republican party, but don't support all republicans. E.G, most tea party members will not support Senator Lindsey Graham in the republican primary next year. I cannot speak for others, but my family will not support him if he wins the GOP primary. We will probably look for a third-party candidate.
Carl on June 12, 2013 6:03 PM
54, I believe that between Cookie and Carol, you've been called for "double dribbling."
54 on June 13, 2013 10:19 AM
Our President is a Harvard Educated Constitutional Lawyer, who promotes progressive policies. Surley we all want to be progressive!
54
Cookie on June 13, 2013 2:01 PM
Could I write a book? Instead I'll go do something important like make a grilled cheese sandwich with a great big ole' fat tomato and a glass of sweet tea. Go sit on the backporch and finish my book on the Bilderbergers. You 'ain't' pullin' my chain today baby!
Carol Martin on June 13, 2013 4:31 PM
54, if by progressive you mean taking the life of the unborn, no, the unborn are entitled to protection of life just as you and I. Your Harvard educated president voted (in the Senate) to allow killing of those born alive via attempted abortion. I understand that since marriage is not mentioned in the Constitution, this is a state issue. I choose to live in a state that recognizes only traditional marriage. I do believe in liberty, so if one feels otherwise, he/she can live somewhere other than South Carolina or other states that support traditional marriage.
Another frustration is if I can take the time to stay informed of important bills in South Carolina and Washington and know how our elected officials vote, why can't others? There is so much apathy.
Back in 2010, Senator Jim DeMint was running for re-election and the democratic party had a primary to determine his running mate. Much to the surprise of most everyone, the winner was Alvin Greene, a newcomer with 59%. Mr. Greene was unemployed, and facing felany charges for showing porn to an under-aged girl. In addition, Mr. Greene appeared to be challenged. After the dust settled, and folks were asked why they voted for Mr. Greene, they said, "well, his name appeared first on the ballot" his opponent's name began with an "R." Ignorance and apathy!
Why would I give a rat's behind where or if the president went to college, as long as he defends our right to life, property, speech, bearing of arms etc.
Cookie on June 13, 2013 6:12 PM
54 is having a good laugh at the conservative's expense. Even Ray Charles could see through these Washington clowns and I see through 54!
Carol Martin on June 13, 2013 7:39 PM
Carl, fess up! Are you 54? I did want to share the Alvin Greene story. It speaks volumns about democrats.
BTW, Carl, thanks for forwarding the Ryan group picture. I sure miss seeing Irwin there, but am glad her husband still attends. I didn't see Pat Smith. I thought she attended the gatherings.
Carl on June 13, 2013 10:00 PM
Carol, Carl blogs only under his own name -- with an occasional reference to his alter ego Deeter. I must admit tho' that 54's ability to "stir the pot" is one that I have a certain regard for. I sense that 54 just might be a leg puller, so don't make more of his/her "needles" than they deserve.
Voice of Resistance on June 14, 2013 9:17 AM
When government commits criminal activity, it is the duty of its citizens to expose such activities. Thank you, Edward Snowden, American Hero!!
Mike Murphy on June 14, 2013 12:36 PM
Until I know more, I consider Snowdon guilty of espenoage, give me a break running to China to blow the whistle?
54 - you are making a weak case for the most untruthful, opaque, vengeful president in history. he does give a good speech and is a great campaigner, but when it comes to leading the USA he SUCKS!
Keep the faith
Delores on June 15, 2013 9:32 AM
To all who have children or grandchildren in college: Have you received your notification regarding their health insurance? You must report proof of health insurance coverage by September 10. Otherwise, you will be charged $600+ each semester to be placed on the college's plan. There you go 54! Chip! Chip! Chip!
Carl on June 15, 2013 2:01 PM
NEWS ALERT!!!
On June 20 -- the eve of Wm. Thos. Dillon turning a prime-number age -- West Virginia will celebrate 150 years of statehood. I'll bet that Kenna will be ablaze with revelry; I trust that Princeton will do itself proud too. I'll be bedding down in another mountain state, Vermont, that night. But I plan to salute my cherished heritage. Hail to my classmates, proud and strong.
Carol on June 15, 2013 7:10 PM
I miss "54." I was hoping he/she would tell us about Obama's wonderful friends, communist Andy Stern and Weather Underground, Bill Ayers. Didn't
Bill try to blow up the Capitol and the Pentagon, but we all make mistakes. And what about Obama's kind, loving pastor and his praise for America. Rev. Wright kinda reminds us of the Rev. Billy Graham, doesn't he.
What has happened to our country?
Cookie on June 15, 2013 7:21 PM
Maybe 54 is on the Ireland and then Africa junket. $100,000,000 trip. If they are real good maybe they can finish off the summer on the Cape. They should have room for at least a couple more sheep. Just sayin'.
P.S. Carol: Could you please do something about Graham. That fools getting on my last nerve. Who the hell is he kidding?
54 on June 16, 2013 9:46 AM
Oboma has given out the most food stamps in history and is offering free health care if you rich people will only pay your fair share.
54 on June 17, 2013 10:00 AM
Why is everyone hating on Oboma for taking a well deserved vacation?
Cookie on June 17, 2013 11:49 AM
"Crickets"
54 on June 17, 2013 12:48 PM
Crickets ??
Carol on June 17, 2013 11:52 AM
Cookie, I have a "replace lindsey" bumper sticker on my car, I wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper last week criticizing Lindsey, and just made a contribution to his opponent, Richard Cash. There may be more candidates to enter the race. One problem in SC is we have open primaries. That means that democrats can vote in republican primaries and vice versa. I am not optimistic. I don't expect Lindsey to do well in the Upstate; however, he is very popular on the coast.
I wonder if Lindsey has a "list." If so, I am sure I am on it.....
Cookie on June 17, 2013 1:40 PM
Yes 54 ~ "Crickets". You'll figure it out!~
Mike Murphy on June 17, 2013 4:37 PM
Geno - whereforth art thou?
Seriously are you and yours OK?
Keep the faith
Cookie on June 17, 2013 7:54 PM
OK 54
So, I read on line today that a middle school kid in Logan, West Virginia faces a year in prison and/or a $500 fine because he refused to either remove or turn his NRA T-shirt (complete with rifle) wrong side out. Now, thats right up there with the first grader just up the road from my house in Anne Arundel County, Maryland *(Annapolis) who chewed his pop tart into the shape of a gun and said "bang-bang." He was suspended from school. He is also in the same league with the kindergarter here in Calvert County who took the pop gun his mom and dad purchased for him on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland to school. The principal kept him in the office for 2 hours, he wet his pants and mom and dad picked him up at the County Detention Center at the end of the day. Both these little tots are being represented by legal council from our prestiious webmaster's neighborhood in Montgomery County--"go Robin, I didn't vote for you back in the day but call me if you need a legal donation".
In assessing these cases I have deducted its a damn good thing I grew up along the Old Bluefield Road in the 50s and not today. We used to play cowboys and indians along Brush Creek--tie the weaker kids to a tree and spend the afternoon convincing them we were going to burn them at the stake. Of course I was Princess Hiawatha!
Murph on June 18, 2013 12:21 PM
I remember Brush Creek (AKA Sh* t Creek) , where I learned to swim, still can't put my head under water when swimming! The PC police have gone wild and the school system is crazy liberal, I would last about 1 day teaching today, although the mean boys I had in class had more common sense than to adhere to BS like this. Heard the other day that you are considered mature at 43? On parents insurance till 26, just encourages freeloaders. We just don't have high enough expectations of young folks today and our government is the worst offender.
Chad - read today that there is a 2.36% manufacturers tax on fishing rods, electric motors, arrow tips & shafts, coal etc. Check out www./irs.govpublications/p510/ch05.htm
Again Putin just ate Obama's (cool amateur) lunch in Dublin.
Keep the faith
Carl on June 18, 2013 10:25 AM
I too have been wondering about Gene Law. Geno, unless you've adopted a numeric moniker, we haven't heard from you in awhile. Hope you're OK.
Voice of Resistance on June 18, 2013 7:25 PM
The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first. T. Jefferson
Fred Lucas on June 18, 2013 8:05 PM
Mike Murphy,
The local WVU Alumni Chapter had Oliver Luck the Athletic Director in town to speak before 65 alumni. He was pleased that all of the medical students passed their national exams.The rifle team which is co-ed won the NCAA Championship. The women's soccer team defeated Stanford at Penn State. The men's baseball team had a new three thousand seat stadium and was able to defeat a number of Big Twelve opponents. The football and basketball teams need more development. Why the Big Twelve? WVU needed to be in a power conference to be able to compete in championship games. The college needs to find recruits for a golf team.
Since I enjoy ice hocky, I will support Miami since WVU doesn't have a team. I explained that to Luck. He is now known as Andrew's father. This is the latest from the world of WVU sports. Fred Lucas
Carl on June 19, 2013 1:45 PM
Fred, thanks for the WVU info, but I was REALLY hoping that you were answering my call for Democrats. Come on Dems. Expose yourselves!
Murphy on June 19, 2013 3:01 PM
Hi Fred
Thanks for the info.
Doesn't look good for WVU in football, most sportswriters look for them to win about 50%, but as you well know they tend to do the unexpected. They are playing with the big boys now. Best we can do is wish them luck and hope they don't embarase us.
How is your health?
Keep the faith
Fred ILucas on June 19, 2013 3:52 PM
Hi Mike,
My health is much better. I am taking the medication prescribed by the cardiologist and I am still working out at the fitness center. Carl, I am an Independent Over the years in Ohio, I voted Republican. The Democrats had this pay to play rule. They would ignore civil service rules and give positions to those who worked in campaigns for their candidates. The Republicans tended to follow civil service tests in all but the top key positions. I was employed by the Ohio Department of Joband Family Services, a state agency. Fred Lucas
Carl on June 19, 2013 6:05 PM
Fred, thanks for the clarification. I've always admired your Independence -- political or otherwise. Can you help me locate any Democrats in PHS60? Some (besides the Mayor of Salt Lick) gotta be out there, but they're harder to flush than a _______________ (fill in the blank).
HELP ME! ANYBODY!
Thomas Dillon on June 20, 2013 7:35 AM
Carl, did you catch the NBC nightly news last evening? The Fauquier county, Virginia newspaper (FauquierTimes -Democrat) announced that it was dropping "Democrat" from its title. Democrats are running for their lives as they (we formerly) know that we will be eventually and severly punished for the multitude of sins of the current administration -- $100,000,000 for a road trip.
Fred, when I worked for the state of NC, a new governor Jim Hunt came into office in 1973. The institution for the mentally retarded than I supervised employed about 1500, most were direct care staff (house parents) and dietary and maintenance personnel, but we also employed physcians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, speech therapists, special education teachers, and many other professionals.
After Hunt came into office , a new policy was implemented that required our calling in the names of all potential new hires above a certain pay grade to a central phone # in Raleigh -- you were not authorized to offer employment until the name cleared. Hunt was a democrat and the central clearing house was looking for republican ties. The principal of our school offered employment to a master's degree, licensed special education teacher as there were several weeks delay between our calling and hearing anything, so we thought everything was OK. A call finally came. The young girl had a relative who was active in the republican party in the western part of the state. We were ordered to terminate her, but could not give her a reason! Hunt served two terms, had a break for a term, and then was elected again for two more terms.
Carl on June 20, 2013 7:59 AM
"If o'er land or sea I roam, still I'll think of happy home
And my friends among the West Virginia hills."
(And friends now removed from those hills.)
HAPPY 150th BIRTHDAY, WEST VIRGINIA!
Carol on June 20, 2013 9:56 AM
There is corruption everywhere. The tea party exposes both parties. There is a group in Greenville called RINO Hunt and they are actively exposing republicans in name only. Republicans are called to a higher standard and should live up to the calling.
Fred, good to hear from you. Have you talked with Jerry lately? They usually make an effort to stop by going or coming to Michigan where they spend summers with Susan's folks. I guess you know Jerry and Susan moved to Sun City near Orlando in the spring. Jerry never cared much for Naples. It was so expensive and crowded. He is an avid golfer but quit because of the outrageous fees.
54 on June 20, 2013 1:32 PM
Our President is world class promoting a necular free world. Who can argue against that?
Cookie on June 20, 2013 3:32 PM
OK "Bama Sheep Man/Woman"
Check spelling!
54 on June 22, 2013 12:39 PM
It is hard to reason with you people, you want to change the subject and attack spelling, please stick to the subject.
Our President also wants to cure global warming. Who can argue against that?
Green 54
Cookie on June 22, 2013 2:38 PM
Baa! Baa! Baa!
54 on June 23, 2013 6:55 PM
3 bags full
Cookie on June 23, 2013 7:21 PM
LOL
And you 54 are either "Full of Sh..." or suffering from a serious case of
"Old Timers" Disease!
P.S. I have you narrowed down to 2 people and sooner or later you are gonna' slip up and I'm gonna' nail you.
Voice of Resistance on June 22, 2013 9:23 PM
IRS agents to receive $70 million in union bonuses. Repeal the 16th Amendment! "Tolerance is the last virtue of a dying society." Aristotle
Mike Murphy on June 25, 2013 4:25 PM
Good news I heard from Geno and his doing OK.
Doesen't want to particapate in the political stuff. He wants to throw all of them out for which I support fully.
Quiz for Geno et al, Who won the Bluegrass tourney at the Mercer (Elks) Country during the 50s and lived within a 1000 yds of where you live now?
Keep the Faith
Carl on June 25, 2013 5:48 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aloma (only one name needed).
R.I.P.: Rhythm-and-blues historian Robert Pruter once said, "It is not an exaggeration to say that Bobby Bland is one of the titans of late 20th century African-American music, close to equal in importance to Ray Charles, Arethra Franklin, Sam Cooke and James Brown." For my money, he was the best of the best of blues singers. Bobby Bland died Sunday at age 83.
On a more upbeat note, greetings classmates from coastal Maine (Blue Hill) where it's been nearly record hot since our arrival Saturday. Relief is forecast by Thur., so our primary reason for escaping the DC area should be vindicated. Our secondary reason -- escaping political overkill - remains in place no matter the weather.
Speaking of things political, how can Geno not jump into the blog's political vibrancy? Could it be that he's 54? (He's been conspiculously absent since 54's appearance.)
Gotta go: lobster's calling.
Delores on June 25, 2013 6:15 PM
Mike:
Fletcher????
gene law on June 25, 2013 9:05 PM
Mike do not know anything about golf, always thought that was an unending game, if you make your shot, you go in the hole. I certainly cannot figure going in the hole is a winning thing. As for 54, Carl I remember 54, 2 cops one dumb and the other dumber, Tooty and Muldoon, I believe were their names, I am not sure which one was smart, however whoever 54 is he,she,it, or whatever certainly qualifies. You called for dem's to speak out, most of the democrats, I have met and they are many, I myself have been a dem for almost 50 yrs. this party that is in now is not democrat, they are DSA, I know in Mercer county this democrat party does not know the difference, nor does most of the party nationally, You need to go back in history, when Ronald Reagan changed his politics from dem to rep, if you remember his speech , he said he could not support this group, besides he could not win the democratic primary away from Jimmy Carter, who had the full support of the DSA, Obama has always been DSA all the way, one only has to read their creed and beliefs, and when you do, compare to Nazi party in the early 30's. I doubt if you can find 10 democrats out of 100, or if you can find 10 republicans out of 100 that has actual party beliefs. You have to go back to Andy Jackson, who incidentially adopted the emblem of the jackass as the party'mascot. If you know anything about history, besides being an absolute jerk at times he was a good President. absolute stubberness. But absolute American. believed the people had the right to govern themselves. The democrats used to be for the working man and the working man's rights, this dam er dem party believes that you have no rights, the govt. owns all. knows all and you are too ignorant to have an idea. So fellow democrats hold on with both hands, cause the ride is going to get rough, starting Jan. 2014.
Cookie on June 25, 2013 9:51 PM
God Bless Geno!
He gets it!
This will probably be the most successful administration in history!
All their objectives are being met.
King Coal better be ready to fight....try paying your power bill in a couple of years!
I'm done!
Stick a fork in me!
Mike Murphy on June 26, 2013 10:08 AM
Cookie - what was his first name?
Give them hell Geno, I remember back in the 50s & 60s in Mercer Co that you had to be a democrat to have someone to vote for, Republicans held their rallies in a phone booth.
How absolutly stupid to declare war on coal!! I suppose Oboma expects this will detract from the IRS scandal. Good time to eliminate or drastically down size IRS, Judicary and State others could easily take a 20% cut and services would improve. Time for impeachment!
Keep the faith
gene law on June 26, 2013 4:04 PM
Cookie, that "GOD BLESS GENO", got me, shame on me I should have never said anything, I know from reading God's word the Bible, that when God is about to send judgement upon a nation, He always puts bad leaders in power to bring them down, and there's the rest of the story.
Mike Murphy on June 28, 2013 9:53 AM
Geno - This too shall pass!
I just wish it wasn't so slowly and folks would wake up.
Mountani Semper Liberi & Non Illegitimus Carborendum
Keep the Faith
Cookie on June 28, 2013 1:57 PM
Mike:
Armand Fletcher????? Not sure of the spelling. Like to know if I'm right.
Voice of Resistance on June 28, 2013 4:08 PM
"Everyone wants to live at the expense of the State. They forget that the State wants to live at the expense of everyone." Frederic Bastiat
Mike Murphy on June 29, 2013 10:15 AM
Cookie - You are right. I am not sure about the spelling but I thouht it was Arman, perhaps thats was just the pronounciation?
He was about 6'4" and had stiff Knees, he walked stiff legged, but was a great golfer.
The Bluegrass tourney had 5 flights and you qualified with 2 rounds 18 holes prior to the tourney. Dr Gum who was a professor at concord was a fair golfer and knowing the odds intentionly qualified in fifth flight. He should have been in 2nd or 3rd. In the tourney he posted a 28 tying the course record. He got so much guff over his high qualifying that the shot in the high 40s the next round and lost, didnt even place.
Keep the faith
Cookie on June 29, 2013 12:19 PM
Thanks Mike
I received an e-mail from one of our classmates who trolls but won't blog and said it was indead Arman. He and his wife were at one of the 50s mega reunions about 10 years ago and they were fabulous ballroom dancers. Thanks for the information. My daddy spent a great part of his retired life on the course there and was a pretty decent golfer. I still miss that little piece of heaven.
54 on June 29, 2013 1:04 PM
With the new EPA policies we will have clean air and water which will save thousands of lives especially if we continue the present course. 98% of the scientists agree with the President and many predict that Florida will be under 6 feet of water in 20 years. Who could be against clean air water and healthy children and Polar Bears?
Also Rep Cummings has shown that Progressives were targeted by the IRS and he wants to uphold the constitution for Lois Lerner, I thought you conservatives were all for the constitution.
gene law on June 30, 2013 3:49 AM
Everybody knows if they would pass a law against shooting arrows into the air, the water would clear up, we would have no more droughts, electricity would flow through the wires more efficiently and the rates would go down, those arrows cause air currents to follow them into the air, the waves in turn cause lower air currents to tremble and pulsate, and that affects the upper levels which in turn causes drought and flooding, and has been known to cause hurricanes and tornados out west, its always beem worse out west, on account we had so many indians that shot bows and arrows, 54 if you were really a good American and concerned about helping epa you could lead a campaign to outlaw arrows, of course you realize then only outlaws would have arrows. Thought I would join your cause and help you out, of course I'm not sure which way you came in, but I'm also not sure you know either.
Carl on June 30, 2013 10:43 AM
WOW!!! I'll bet that Myron had no idea back in 1960 when he posted that "54s" comment what it would lead to in 2013. Good work, Myron.
gene law on June 30, 2013 3:47 PM
I just got an email from Wayne Jones sister saying Wayne passed away last night.
Carl on June 30, 2013 6:29 PM
Another sad day; I will miss him.
Thomas Dillon on July 1, 2013 1:10 PM
Again, I am reminded of a quote from the movie "Stand by Me". To paraphase, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had at Princeton High School. Jesus, does anyone".
Miss and love all you! I know we will be together for all eternity. Have a great 4th with your friends and family.
Mr. Jones, rest in peace. See you in a few.
Fredrick Lucas on July 2, 2013 6:54 PM
I would like to express my sadness at Wayne's passing.I understand that he had several serious health problems. I want to offer my condolesces to his family.
Like Tom, we will be with Wayne and the others in time. Take care and God Bless.
Mike Murphy on July 4, 2013 9:54 AM
Happy Independence Day
Thanks again to those who gave us and keep our freedom!
Keep the faith
Fredrick Lucas on July 4, 2013 4:08 PM
Like Mike, I would like to remember Independence Day. The first three days of this month marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. More than 50000 soldiers lost their lives in the worst loss of life on American soil. Free blacks were captured by rebel forces and sent south into slavery.Residents of the town and surrounding area also lost their lives. Freedom sometimes comes at a high price. Fred Lucas
gene law on July 6, 2013 9:30 AM
Time to put off the blues, put on your dancing shoes, its Saturday night and I just got paid, you know I got sme money, time for dancing, a little romancing, gonna see my honey. Remember that? An ol' 50's song, woke up this morning with that thing in my head. Thought if I wrote it down it would get out of there. Can't remember the name of the song or who sang it, just those words, anyway good morning bloggers, browsers and non-bloggers, enough of politics blues and blurbs, need some quips, Carl poems, odes and such like, some jollies, follies and I can't rhyme every time, but Carl can and Cookie can make with the funny stories, we can have a little too much fun, remember "too Much" Honey I love you too much, need your hugging too much, ain't no use lying baby got me trying to love you too much. Those were songs that made ya feel good. It's not a bad thing to rouse up your old memories, make yesterday come alive, "sing me back home to the place I belong, make my memories come alive" Come alive bloggers lets read some of those ol' hilarious stories tall tales, quips, poems, old jokes, some of that '60 stuff we are made of, hows bout it. There's a sign, I see the code today 1867, civil war is over, the sun is out, sky is blue, I think all the blues we need is in the sky.
Mike Murphy on July 6, 2013 10:04 AM
Geno - Little Richard -gona rock it up
Great songs -just renewed my Sirius to play the 50s 60s and 70s also listen on direct tv sometimes.
Geno - good to hear you are in good spirits!
Keep the faith
Carl on July 6, 2013 1:15 PM
Geno, I'm almost sure that I've warned you before to be careful what you wish for. But since you've ignored my advice, you get what's coming (with apologies to Little Richard).
Well it’s July the sixth and I just got news,
Geno wants our comments to remind and amuse.
My mind says go, go, have a thought
Cause it’s Saturday noon and I’m good for naught
Unless I rhyme it up; and divine it up;
I wanna lighten up; and delight it up.
I wanna loosen up, and please Gene Law.
I’m tryin’ to beat the heat here in Blue Hill, Maine
Supposed to be so balmy that I couldn’t complain
Had started feelin’ sorry for myself, what a shame
‘Til the Law-man spoke and reminded me plain:
I oughta cheer it up; persevere it up;
Even dance it up; perhaps romance it up.
So let’s en-trance it up, with proud proclaim.
We PHS’ers have a point-making way
To say what we mean and to mean what we say
Including nostalgia and some good-natured fun
From a’spreadin’ the wealth to controllin’ the gun.
We gotta chill it up; maybe thrill it up;
Willy-nil it up; goodly feel it up;
I’ve sorta trilled it up, and had my fun.
(in collaboration with Deeter)
Thomas Dillon on July 6, 2013 1:47 PM
Geno, Carl, glad you two brought some jocularity back to the blog. Guess Cookie is loading her latest volvo to fire at 45 when he/she makes another ludicrous statement about Oboma.
Had my multi-annual dream the other night about two-a-day football practices beginning shortly and my needing to get into shape. This time, however, I was going out for the Florida State team because I would have at least 4 years of eligibility and with "red-shirting" several years, as I would surely substain some major injuries playing with 300 plus pound young men. I was going to tell them that I was just 50 (don't know where the other 21 years went). Geehole Goins was the most agressive and fear-producing opponent on the PHS team when we were in school at a scrapping 135lbs., soaking wet. Before he found Christ, you would not have wanted to meet Tom in a dark alley.
In my dream, all of the coaches sported long beards like the Robertson men on Duck Dynasty (Willie had been in Indy for Father's day and spoke at a nearby church -- couldn't get a ticket.)
gene law on July 6, 2013 4:22 PM
THAT'S WHAT I AM TALKIN BOUT. TNKS FOR SHARING.
Carl on July 6, 2013 11:18 PM
Tom, Geno,
As James Stewart said to Henry Fonda (or vice versa) in "The Cheyenne Social Club, "Harley, if it pleases you, then it tickles me to death." Keep smilin'.
Mike Murphy on July 7, 2013 12:33 PM
Hail Duke Carl the technocrat Poet. May he reign long as the greatest provacture of great wisdom and joy!!
Pete - everything OK?
Keep the faith
Carl on July 7, 2013 4:10 PM
Echoing Geno's point, I'd sure welcome a memory-lane stroll led by Delores, or a daily-life rant from Cookie. OR similar comments from any other PHS60 class member.
Carol on July 7, 2013 4:52 PM
I need to get the new "rules" straight. No politics, no civil war anniversary talk and lots of funny poetry. (BTW, good job, Carl)
As Jack Nicholson said to Tom Cruise (A Few Good Men) "you can't handle the truth." We can either stick our heads in the sand or work until we die to try to preserve some of the liberties we had given to us. I highly recommend the video on youtube "Agenda." by Curtis Bowers. If this doesn't wake you up, am I to assume that the class of 1960 was full of girly men.... No, I know better than that.
Thomas Dillon on July 8, 2013 10:13 AM
Carol, "Have you eaten anything today, you seem a little grouchy". I think you have been 54'd or 45'd and I agree with you.
Carl, you also seem a little discombobulated (for Kookie, "thrown into a state of confusion"). I think your movie quote came from "Cat Below" with Jane Fonda and Marvin Lee.
Something is not clicking this morning!
Pete Stephenson on July 8, 2013 11:33 AM
Pete here, Doing just fine Mike,thanks for asking.Dr.turned me loose this past Tuesday.Still have knee problems but going to tough it out for awhile.How many of you remember dancing to the real music at the Suzy Q back in the day.Some good times for sure.Thomas,I can't imagine 2 a days at this stage.Even though i surely would like to go back there for a time.The most memorable for me was the initiation when we first got into high school.Never was very fast and Wandell and some of the others like to have beat me to death.Oh what good memories we have.Carol,you might have thought that some of us were girly,but you needed to see the other side in the life of a PHS boy.A whole lot of good and some bad I might add.Glad to have made It this far with all of you. We are truly blessed. Faith, Hope, and Love to all of you my brothers and sistersStay well my friends.Sorry to have hear about Wayne Jones passing.
Delores on July 8, 2013 9:23 PM
I heard from Cookie today. She is at the beach with her children and teenage grand children and all their weird high school and college age friends. She said she would be full of RANTS by the time she gets home. One other thing. She said, "What the hell! I just discovered I was born about 50 years too soon. I'll have what they are having."
If you want to know who is the oldest person at the table in a Red Lobster. Its the one who gets the bill.
gene law on July 9, 2013 9:10 AM
Blessed is he or she who can spend time with kinfolk, even if they wind up paying for everything, what else you gonna spend your money for. All my kinfolks disowned me years ago, miss 'em sometimes. Oh well good morning Princetonians, 60tonians, children of the enlightenment, may you be blessed beyond belief this day, free from encumbrances, full of cheer, and love for your fellow men and women, equally please. Got to be politically correct these days. I know, right now you're thinking geno needs to increase his intake of prunes, you might be right , but I do wish you a day of wellness and cheer,(inside,and not from a glass) may the joy of the Lord fill you as never before, and the happiness of life abound in your hearts.
Mike Murphy on July 9, 2013 12:33 PM
Carol - Keep up the good work. The liberal liars are trying to wiggle out of all the scandals. If this were Bush he would be impeached over the IRS, but if you question Obama you are racist.
Some one has to stand tall against incompetence, indifferent arrogance, lieing and complete disregard for the Constitution.
Change the balance in the Senate in 2014 and defund all of this big government. We need a balanced budget and a President who will follow the law for everyone not just his followers ie beer sumit, travon martin and energy -epa.
Tea Party - third party?
keep the faith
Becky Novarro on July 10, 2013 2:09 PM
Changing the subject!!! Last Saturday Princeton had an open house and tour of the old Lavon Theatre. There is a group of young people who are trying to resurrect downtown and their ideas are wonderful. The hookers....well, if the "nice" people help with the changes, they will either go away or dress better. For information look up Princeton Renassiance (sp??) and look at all the plans. It really warms your heart to see.
Also, a website was shown from You Tube. Look up Athens Princeton 1941 and see what Princeton used to look like.
Glad all of you are well. Hope you are enjoying your summer....I love being in the mountains.
Carl on July 10, 2013 3:51 PM
Thanks cuz;
here's the link that Becky referenced:
https://www.facebook.com/PrincetonRenaissanceProject
gene law on July 10, 2013 8:31 PM
Thanks, I watched the video, good good good.
Fredrick Lucas on July 14, 2013 7:36 AM
I read Becky's comment about changing the situation on Mercer and Thorn streets. Various communities have changed and are better for the changes: Roncevert, Lewisburg, Martinsburg.., Clarksburg, Morgantown to name a few.
I enjoy the mountains. In Europe, I enjoyed the Swiss Alps. In Colorado, I enjoyed the Rockies between Denver and Colorado Springs.The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Ashville NC to Fancy Gap Va is most enjoyable.Finally, West Virginia has some beautiful areas. In the eastern areas, there is Snowshoe Ski Resort ,Smoke Hole Caverns,Pipestem State Park, Hawks Nest, the New River Gorge to name a few.Incidentally, the Boy Scouts are developing a reservation near Mt. Hope.
I trust that everyone is well. Some time ago, I remembered a special person, Pacie. I would also like to remember Julian Huffman and Claude Long.
Carl on July 14, 2013 10:32 AM
Fred, you have a good heart.
Mike Murphy on July 16, 2013 10:24 AM
Carl - Please take a look through the blog. I usually "grab" the side bar and go to the end, but slipped and saw so much junk that appears to be some Asains writting English about blogs and juvinele philosophy. also large areas of code characters that looks like someone tried to paste a program into a non compatable program.
Keep the faith and WWWblog
Carl on July 16, 2013 11:39 AM
Murph, what you're seeing is the result of our "open access/open comment encouragement" policy that allows anyone to post comments onto our Blog. [And not a damned one of them has explained who the 54s were. Can you believe that?]
Sadly, it may be the price that we must pay for convenience. MyEvent has no means of blocking them. They offer 2 options:
1. All comments require my approval before they're posted. I reject this one because I want people's comments to appear immediately vs. being delayed until I a) get an email noticification, b) go to MyEvent to read the comment, & c) sift out the spam from the legitimate comments.
2. Require a password for comments. I don't like this either. While it would be simple and relatively convenient for the "usual suspects," it could pose a problem for first-time or only occasional commenters.
So for now, I'm inclined to ignore it. If it becomes a serious problem, we'll deal with it then. [I've just thought of a 3rd alternative that I'll run by the MyEvent professionals when the time comes.]
P.S. You don't suppose that one of those "Anonymous" characters is now disguising himeself/herself behind such pseudonyms as "Hakim Hakim" do you?
Mike Murphy on July 16, 2013 12:18 PM
Thanks Carl, I praze your patience and masterful management skills. Keep up the marvelous work.
By the way what the hell is wrong with my heart??
Keep the Faith
Carl on July 16, 2013 12:25 PM
Murph, I never meant to imply that Fred is the only PHS60'er with a good heart.
Cookie on July 16, 2013 4:02 PM
I cannot lie! I don't have a heart! Just ask my kids. Hum Bug!
Carl on July 16, 2013 5:41 PM
Cookie, at your suggestion, I called your kids to test your claim. They didn't confirm your charge. In fact, each of them insisted that they don't even know who you are.
Thomas Dillon on July 16, 2013 5:41 PM
I cried when Travis had to shoot Old Yeller. Does that mean that I have a heart?
Carl, why didn't you counter my suggestion that your quote came from another movie?
I think we all went to the movies often , and the drive-in most frequently during our school years at PHS. Perhaps some scenes and plots were missed while we were waiting in line at the snack bar.
Cookie on July 16, 2013 5:57 PM
With all due respect Mr. President--thats not how you missed half the drive-in movie.
And Webmaster, I'm not surprised my kids didn't know who I was when you called. They usually don't until it hits the fan. The grands on the other hand know me well and think I'm smart, funny, have a big heart and love to hang out with me. None of their friends have grandparents who drive them around in a convertible and use four letter words of reprimand. Woo Hoo!
Carl on July 17, 2013 2:11 PM
Tom, I let your movie quote "correction" go right on by because every several years or so, I have a heart. It turns out that your timing was perfect.
Mike Murphy on July 17, 2013 4:51 PM
Tom, et al - The Charleston Dailey Mail today has several articles about the Scout Jamboree here in WV. I recommend reading. I was especially taken by article about 1913 Presidental enaugeration where Boy Scouts aided police in calming men thugs who were attacking suffrage women who were protesting and scouts administering first aide. The new headquarters sounds terrific with a lot of cool activities. Read about it!!
I still don't understand the libs wanting homosexuals to be scout leaders?? Perhaps they are also OK with homo & petofile priests?
Also Tom - if we had had better gun control laws old yeller would still be alive?
Carl please put the link to Daily mail on site. In my heart I know that your good heart will do the right thing!
Keep the faith
Mike Murphy on July 18, 2013 10:15 AM
Hi Carl et al
The email you sent about Bobby Hawks Obituary was unfortunately my great friend and our PHS60 Classmate.
We Played little league, softball, basketball and track together. We tore up a lot of good cars trying to work on them.
He was a kind, thoughtful and intellegent gentleman. We lost another of the "good guys". Lets pray for his family and hope to see him in heaven. Bobby you will be missed.
Keep the Faith
Thomas Dillon on July 18, 2013 10:59 AM
Carl, I didn't receive the e-mail regarding Bobby. Have you defriended me?
Carl on July 18, 2013 11:18 AM
Tom, I would never "unfriend" you. [Even in my normal state I have almost half a heart.] I was awaiting confirmation that the Bobby Hawks whose obit in the BDT was "our" PHS60 Bobby Hawks. Thanks Murph for the info. Here's the obit:
PRINCETON – Elder Bobby Wayne Hawks, age 70, of Princeton, W.Va., died Monday, July 15, 2013 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born December 30, 1942 in Coalwood he was the son of the late Reuben and Kathryn Belcher Hawks.
Bobby had previously worked for the Princeton Elks as a Golf Course Superintendent and later for Industrial Plating and Machinery. He was an Elder in the White Oak Primitive Baptist Church and loved his church and the members that belonged there. He was a true man of God.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: James Edward Hawks and an infant sister: Shelby Jean Hawks.
Survivors include his wife of over 50 years: Sue Wilson Hawks. Children: Anthony Hawks and wife Kathy of Princeton, David Hawks and wife Lorrine of Floyd, Va., and Jeffrey Hawks of Princeton. Grandchildren: Daniel, Allison, Chris, and Mark Hawks; and one brother: Sam Hawks and wife Barbara of Princeton.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the Rowland H. Bailey Funeral Chapel of the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Elders Jerry McGrady and Teddy Billings officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Thursday, July 18 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton.
To send the family online condolences please visit
Carl on July 19, 2013 2:20 PM
BIRTHDAY ALERT!!!
We have only one birthday for July posted on our classmate profiles, but it'a good one:
July 25: Ginger Goings Clower
Thomas Dillon on July 19, 2013 2:27 PM
Carl, there was a somewhat confusing blog entry this morning from a Tom Cooper. The entry has vanished -- shades of Tom Riddle.
Happy Birthday, Ginger.
Carl on July 19, 2013 2:45 PM
Tom, I think the Tom Cooper comment was a spammer. We've received lots lately, but the previous names have been "dittos" (e.g., Hakim Hakim). They will vanish as I delete them; a pleasurable exterprise. I wish I could block them, but alas . . .
Carl on July 19, 2013 5:05 PM
Report from Maine
The record and near-record high temperatures seem finally to be passing. Wonderfully normal weather – high around 74 – is expected to return by Sunday. A/C is rare here on the Blue Hill peninsula, so high-80s/low-90s temps have made for a brutal existence. But I’m not writing to whine. Instead, to share some observations.
Despite dissimilar cultural and geographic stereotypes, I find ME and WV much alike in many respects. Neither has a really large city (Portland, 66,363; Charleston, 51,400) and most of each state is rural; the native peoples are generally blue collar, in essence or in spirit; they’re friendly, helpful, independent and tough-minded. Change comes more slowly, it seems, than in other places.
One shared characteristic is that the Appalachian Trail runs through both, each having beautiful mountain landscapes, even if the general tourism photos of Maine feature a bit more coastline. Highways in many sections of each state still require skill and alertness to navigate safely, but also provide a close-up look at modest Main Streets and unspoiled scenery.
But Maine retains one classic feature that occurs few other places. All along the coastal roads where tourism flourishes, post-WWII era motor courts prevail. What a stroll back through time these provide, recalling for me the late ‘40s, ‘50s and early ‘60s before the proliferation of Howard Johnsons, Holiday Inns, and other lodging chains. These tiny, white-fresh (usually) "cabins" set just far enough apart to provide a sense of privacy beckon for simpler pursuits. The look and feel seem to whisper "community," and to ease making acquaintance with neighbors. You know at once that the couple in Number 6 is from Georgia, the Wisconsin family in Number 11 has two small daughters.
Lobster is, of course, the distinguishing restaurant fare, but everything blueberry is right here too. Like most vacation spots, weight control is a daunting challenge. It’s clear that the locals find it equally so. Almost everywhere you look there are sights of 1950s attitudes and activities. (Granted, you sometimes need a bit of imagination.)
So for a nostalgic old coot like . . . oh, never mind who . . . the scenery and mood can transport you back to your youth, even making the sometimes long wait in line at the ice cream stand an added memory-lane pleasure.
Wish you were here.
Mike Murphy on July 20, 2013 1:02 PM
Cookie - did you ever attend the outdoor theatre and sit in the open air seats that were down front? Not so good when it was raining but when you dodn't have a car it was great!
I remember sneaking into the OT back right corner had some of the tin turned back, but you had to wait till after the show started or you would be caught by Mr. Belcher, who would throw rocks at you. Also some kids would hide in trunk and get out after light went down.
Keep the faith
Fredrick Lucas on July 20, 2013 3:17 PM
Hello Gang, For those who are fans of the folk singer, Pete Seeger, his wife died last week. She was 90 years old. She took care of bookings, the children and paying the bills.Seeger played the banjo and sang with a group known as the Weavers. He composed the songs Where have all the flowers gone, We shall Overcome and If I had a Hammer. I enjoyed his work along with Peter Paul and Mary. Mary died of cancer.The Seekers, an Australian g roup recorded Georgy Girl Speak to the Sky and 500 Miles written by Hedy West.They are great.Finally, I enjoyed Joan Baez.
For some unknown reason folk singers have never been featured at a class reunion.
Carl on July 20, 2013 4:14 PM
Fred, some of us regard Little Richard as a folk singer -- Good Golly!!! -- and Sonny always played several of his hits at our reunions. As Satchmo famously said, "All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song."
gene law on July 20, 2013 5:30 PM
ROCK ON BIG C!!!!!!
Cookie on July 20, 2013 5:54 PM
Hey Mike, Of course we went to the outdoor theater at the crossroads and sat on the benches down front. I went there a few times the summer after we graduated but nuf said.
Fredrick Lucas on July 20, 2013 9:44 PM
Hi Carl, I should say that I never heard We Shall Overcome, If I Had a Hammer, Georgy Girl or 500 miles at a reunion. My emphas in this communication is about the death of Pete Seeger's wife.
We Shall Overcome is a classic and became the theme song for civil rights marchers.Peter Paul and Mary sang Puff the Magic Dragon. That song was also among those missing in action so to speak.So was Georgy Girl which was the theme song of a movie Georgy Girl. Carl if it aint got no hillbilly twang hit aint gonna be heard ha ha. Fred Lucas
Cookie on July 20, 2013 10:43 PM
Freddie: I would like to hearat a reunion-- "Rocky Top." A little "foot stomping" is good for the soul. I'm sailing out of Cincinnati in a few days on the American Queen...5 days up the Ohio River to Pittsburg with my grandson and friends. For just a few moments I'm pretending I am Scarlett O'Hara. We're going to learn a bunch of stuff about the Indian Wars of the Ohio.
Carl on July 22, 2013 10:48 AM
Fred, I was just joshin' about folk music -- for which I have an abundant fondness. More seriously to your point, I believe there are three reasons why we haven't had folk music at our reunions:
1. Sonny didn't own any such recordings (explaining Friday night)
2. Oldies bands didn't have any in their repertoire (explaining Sat. Night)
3. Bob Lambert refused to jitterbug to "Good Night Irene" (enuf said)
Mike Murphy on July 21, 2013 12:17 PM
Another Bobby Hawks memory. Ted Hatfield, Kirkies Father arranged for our little league team to go to a Baseball Game at Bluefield. Satchel Paige was pitching and Bobby had seen him before and commented that Satchel was putting dirt over his shoes and said he was cooling his dogs. Satchel pitched 4 innings and did ok but was kind of over the hill at that time. For those of you that don't know Satchel Paige was a famous Negro league player google him.
Still miss Bobby - RIP
Keep the faith
Mike Murphy on July 24, 2013 8:38 AM
Sad to announce that my Brother, Howard Freeman passed Sunday, July 21. He attended the Mini Reunion with me last fall.
He will be sorrly missed and loved by his family.
Obit at:
http//bdtonline.com/obituaries/x59695395967/Howard-Freeman-Murphy
Keep the Faith
Mike Murphy on July 24, 2013 8:44 AM
Carl - please put the hyperlink on the blog for my brother's obit. I did something wrong as usual and it won't work. Perhaps it is the color?.
Thanks for your kind assistance and friendship.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on July 24, 2013 10:11 AM
Mike, I am so sorry to hear this...I remember Howard coming with you to our get together. I really enjoyed talking with him. He was a gentleman. Keeping you and the family in our prayers.
Carl on July 24, 2013 12:46 PM
Here's the link to the obit of Mike's brother:
http://bdtonline.com/obituaries/x596953967/Howard-Freeman-Murphy
gene law on July 24, 2013 6:01 PM
Mike, sorry about your brother, wishing you inner peace at a time such as this, Howard smiled all the time, that's a good remembrance.
Carl on July 25, 2013 10:24 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ginger
Pete Stephenson on July 25, 2013 11:38 AM
Pete here,Mike,my prayers go out to you and your family for the loss of howard.God bless you and your family my friend.
Carl on July 30, 2013 3:12 PM
As July winds down, here are upcoming birthdays for August:
Scott Reid - August 3
Adell Modad Pettrey - August 14
Tracy French - August 17
Brenda McDonel Persin - August 20
Becky Arney Novarro - August 23
Terry St. Clair - August 28
Happy Birthday all o' y'all.
P.S. I'm limited to those PHS60ers whose birthdays are listed on our "Birthdays" page at above tab. I'd very much welcome info re other classmates' birthdays. Lemme hear from you.
Carl on August 1, 2013 4:10 PM Just posted a photo of the PHS60 "Five Satins" (or some such worthy title) on the "BREAKING NEWS!" webpage above. Take a look.
Pete Stephenson on August 2, 2013 9:53 AM I'm planning on attending the dinner this month. Hope to see a good crowd. lets get the ball rolling
Carl on August 3, 2013 12:16 PM HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Scott Reid!!! We'd enjoy hearing from you on the class Blog -- something from the horn section, if you please. Whattaya say?
mike murphy on August 3, 2013 4:07 PM When is the next Princeton Dinner? I might be in town next week. Thanks
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 3, 2013 8:45 PM Mike, this Tuesday, August 6th. Looking forward to see you and Pete!!!!
Carol on August 6, 2013 8:44 AM I received Carl's email about the "54s" and I sure hope someone will find the answer he seeks. We don't want Carl to be stressed out. He is the glue that holds us together. I can attest that the Beaver Class of 1960 has nothing like this.
Hope all are well. Mike, I just read about your brother and I am sad for your loss.
Last month my son took me to VA to see my brother. It rained most of the day and I was thankful to have younger eyes driving. Anyway, Jimmy is so weak and frail and just two years older than I am.
I am always awed by the beauty of VA. I have been to most states and haven't seen one any prettier than VA. This may be the first year ever that we haven't visited West Va.
Thomas Dillon on August 6, 2013 9:16 AM Wish Kay and I could join you for dinner this evening. I need a Princeton fix. Take pictures.
Delores on August 6, 2013 10:39 AM My condolences to Patty and Myron on the passing of her mother. Mrs. Baker was always such a nice and elegant lady. May best to the family.
Carl on August 6, 2013 2:24 PM My condolences too to Myron & Patty on the passing of Patty's mother. Here's a link to the Blfd. Daily Telegraph obit:
http://bdtonline.com/obituaries/x1981928884/Charlotte-Peggy-Marie-Baker
Brenda Persin on August 6, 2013 10:42 PM Becky, I think you know Dout McNutt. Call him, and he will explain the 54 Club. It was because of him that I was a member. We must answer this question for Carl!
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on August 7, 2013 12:41 PM Brenda...why all the hush hush about the 54's??
Brenda Persin on August 7, 2013 1:48 PM Becky, there is no hush hush--it's just that I can't remember. The 54 came from the chapter number of the group that sponsored it. I'm almost sure it was a military-based group. Doug's father was a war veteran and that might be why he was in it. We did civic projects and met at the Memorial Building. I also remember Levy Cruise being a member--anyone remember him? I'm sure Doug will be able to answer all questions.
Thomas Dillon on August 7, 2013 5:06 PM Could it have been an escort service? Or perhaps a Bluefield-based trerroist group that had only learned their 5 times tables?
Kookie, surely you and/or Geno have takes on this.
Thomas Dillon on August 8, 2013 3:28 PM Check out Pete's "outside interests" on his graduation bio page on this site. Methinks something is amiss.
Myron, Brenda, Pete (and now Linda) ??? Has everyone conveniently forgotten? Who stole the milk money?
Geno, get your sleuthing acumen up and running.
gene law on August 8, 2013 3:43 PM Tom, I looked through my magnifier glass and it just reminded me of when I used to drink, every thing was and is a blur.
Thomas Dillon on August 8, 2013 3:46 PM Dillon here, Hey, I just quickly perused the bio's of other classmates. I came up with at least another dozen who mentioned 54's including my dear friend, Geehole Goins. Check White, Wiggins, Wood, Wiley, etc., etc., . The plot thickens!
Voice of Resistance on August 9, 2013 11:57 AM "There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true. The other is to refuse to believe what is true." S. Kierkgaard
Carl on August 9, 2013 2:47 PM VoR -- may I call you "VoR"? -- am I to conclude then that those of us who believe nothing are immune from being fooled?
Carl on August 9, 2013 3:59 PM SKierkegaard SKares me, but Nietzsche is pietzsche.
Mike Murphy on August 9, 2013 2:19 PM Had dinner last eve with Doug Neal at Ninas, Pat Smith's Resturant. I had Egg Plant Parmesian, it was excellent and an antipasto big enough for a horse. Doug Pat and I reminised about PHS and solved most of the worlds probems, seriously was most enjoyable! Keep the Faith
Fredrick Lucas on August 10, 2013 11:48 AM I would like to offer sincere condolences to Mike Murphy on the death of his brother and to Patti and Myron Anderson on the death of her mother. In one of my correspondences, I mentioned the singing group from Australia, The Seekers. Their lead singer Judith Durham has had a stroke amd is undergoing physical therapy.The group sold 60 million albums world wide. Judith turned 70 this year. She is learning to write.
Two weeks ago, the fiftieth anniversity of the March on Washington was observed. Pete Seeger, a Harvard man was there singing as well as Peter Paul and Mary. I was moved when the group sang We Shall Overcome. Martin Luther King gave the I have a Dream speech. Seeger is still living and is 96 years old. I don't remember Richard Little. Was he a flash in the pan Carl?
Mike Murphy on August 10, 2013 12:47 PM Wow - Fred does have a sense of humor! Seriously thanks for the condolenses, also Pete,Geno Carl Darla Fran and others. Also Classmates Doug Neal, Rodney Williams, and Charles Kasssay attended the Funeral w 21 gun Salute. Interesting fact Freeman was in the Army before I was born (2 months),was double promoted, Joined at 17, and was awarded the Bronze Star for grenading a machine gun nest in WW II. Keep the peace
Carl on August 10, 2013 6:29 PM Woohoo! A shout-out to Rodney Williams. I've been wondering through years of class reunion mailings where he was and how he was. Good to hear that he's functional. Any additional info about him would be appreciated.
Rodney, if you read this, please give us a comment.
Mike Murphy on August 11, 2013 10:12 AM Rodney looked like he was 50 and had the same warm disposition. he said his twin Roger was doing well. Went to Voc school with them and saw them often at Douglas Sporting goods where they worked. Keep the Faith
Carl on August 12, 2013 12:41 PM Speaking of Rodney Wms. looking 50, a fascinating article in today's newspaper speaks of scientific advances that could allow people to live to the age of 120 and beyond in the not-too-distant future. Captivated by the idea, I tried to imagine how I might look at 120. Suddenly, the only image that my mind could conger was that of Keith Richards. While it wasn't quite a bad enough experience for me to say, "Lord, just take me now," it sure lent perspective.
Cookie on August 12, 2013 1:04 PM Dear Keith Richards, All my life I've wanted to look like Elizabeth Taylor. Got out of the shower this morning, looked in the mirror and said, "Liz, for God's sake what has happened to you? Have you been eating with a shovel?" I finally look just like her!!!!!
Thomas Dillon on August 12, 2013 6:49 PM Moonbeam here -- The annual Perseid meteor shower is on and we have cloudy skies again tonight.
I (we,and you know who you are) missed the beginning of two-a-day football practices last week. One of you locals could have alerted me. I called the new coach and tried to explain my absence and told him that I would be there asap. He was none to happy with my having disturbed him with such a !@#$%^&*+ stupid idea.
President Thomas Dillon on August 13, 2013 1:24 PM I guess it is better to simply be ignored rather than Missouried. Is everyone on vacation too?
kaye williams on August 13, 2013 2:36 PM You asked about Rodney Williams, my ex-brother in law--he still lives in Princeton on the Athens RD, is retired from Downard Hydralics and is married to Judy Williams, a beautician at the Hair Station in Princeton. I will be glad to send him messages for you.
Carl on August 13, 2013 4:39 PM Thanks Kaye. Please give Rodney my regards. While I didn't know him well at PHS, I liked him, and remembered that he was always friendly toward me. Please share with him that PHS60 has maintained a nice little family relationship and that I'm sure that i speak for all in saying he'd be mighty welcome at the monthly dinners and all other class events.
Do you know if he or Roger has an email address?
Carl on August 15, 2013 11:45 PM BIRTHDAY ALERT!!!
Birthdays for the 2nd half of August:
Adell Modad Pettrey - August 14
(apologies to Adell for not posting these earlier;
hope yours was a happy one)
Tracy French - August 17
Brenda McDonel Persin - August 20
Becky Arney Novarro - August 23
Terry St. Clair - August 28
gene law on August 16, 2013 7:57 AM HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TO ALL THE AUGUSTINOS.
Pete Stephenson on August 17, 2013 10:45 PM Thomas, in 1960 Annual, stated is that my outside interest is 54's...don't know who came up with that but I don't know who or what the 54's are. Still confused...someone please explain the 54's to all of us!!!!! By the way, I'm getting married to someone that some of you might know...."Little Blevins" (Carol Blevins Staffords younger sister, Linda). Introduced her to our group at Ryans in August. Planning to return to Princeton to live, selling my house in Vinton, hope all will be taken care of soon. My door is always open to all of you. Looking forward to a new beginning and a new life with a wonderful lady..we are so happy and pray we have many years together.
Carl on August 17, 2013 11:52 PM Pete, occasionally there are Blog posts that inspire and "warm my cockles," and yours just did. Congrats on your marriage and "geographical" return to "the fold." [You've always maintained a spiritual connection to PHS60.] May the years ahead be filled with satisfaction and contentment, amid the people who helped to form the good person that you became. I expect to see you in almost all the Ryan's crowd pix in the future.
Cookie on August 18, 2013 12:59 AM Congratulations to Pete and Linda...its been a long time since I've seen her and, she is a great girl. Such a nice personality. Best wishes to you both and may you have many happy years.
gene law on August 18, 2013 4:35 PM Hey Pete, glad to hear the good news, good news, twice because 2 good news deserves 2 good news, got a place picked out in Pctn? We'll see more of you now and then, hows body parts functioning? knees and such, wishing you the best. Pat Smith has got a new thing going in Pctn. that woman will gather no moss, busy busy busy, good to see folks like that, I thought I was a hard worker, but maybe not, I only put in about 9 hrs. a day and that wears me out, I am thinking she might be putting in a lot more. I have almost froze this August, don't know what it'll be like this winter. Listen close, I think I heard a katydid night before last, pretty sure I did, never fails, six weeks or there about we have a frost after the katydid sings. catch y'all later
Thomas Dillon on August 18, 2013 9:07 PM Pete & Linda, congrats! You have my prayers for many years together.
Geno, I hear a katy 24-7, 365 days a year. Mine is a katydo, i.e., Tom, you need to do this. I do love it however, as "a body at rest tends to remain at rest" and I am not ready for that state as yet.
Pete Stephenson on August 19, 2013 12:01 PM Thanks all for your comments. Geno, we are going to live here down the road from your old stomping grounds.The sub division is Sunny Meadows off the old Pisgah road.I know you know where that is.Actually about a mile from where I grew up and you also as the crow flies. Lot of things going on now,selling my place and getting rid of things that we have 3@4 alike, I'm really looking forward to my relocating and re-connecting with ole classmates and ole friends from Lerona area etc. Our house will always be open to all who would like to visit and renew old aquaintenances. Anytime day or night.Just remember that I hold the classs of 1960 dear to my heart and enough said. Love all you.
Mike Murphy on August 19, 2013 1:39 PM Hi Pete, I said congrats at the last PHS 60s dinner to you, but would like to reiterate. Your bride to be is beautiful, which leads me to ask, what was she thinking?
Seriously best of luck to you and yours for health wealth and happiness!
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back and until we meet again may God hold you and yours in the palm of his hand. Also may you be in heaven two years before the devil finds out you have passed. Keep the faith Your Friend Mike
PS - If anyone is looking for a 2 bedroom brick house at 200 Fellers Street w 2 lots adjoining on Princeton avenue, I have them for sale. I am executer for my brothers estate
Pete Stephenson on August 19, 2013 4:32 PM Thanks big mike for your wonderful accesment of my on going delima.I must have caught this pretty lady when she was having a bad day or a crappy glass of red sweet wine.She hasn't given the ring back yet/////Maybee just maybee she found a keeper.Hope so anyway.Thomas,living about a mile from Gee hole,don't know if that is a good thing or not.time will tell
Pete Stephenson on August 19, 2013 4:45 PM Mike if you don't sell you bros place and want to rent pleas give us first option.Thanks.
gene law on August 19, 2013 7:01 PM Hey Pete, know that place well, nice sub-d, remember when it was a huge field, used to collect pollen there, sold for 7 bucks an ounce, had wild dreams of getting rich off that gold dust. I belive you have some good friends there, John Dye and wife Mary, I think they live in Sunny Meadows, ex Pipestemers also, anyway congrats.
Fredrick Lucas on August 21, 2013 6:00 PM Hi Pete, I was out of town and returned yesterday.I would like to wish you and your fiancee my best wishes as you continue on your journey through life. I would also like to wish you and her a happy marriage.
Fredrick Lucas on August 22, 2013 9:05 AM Hi Carl, I have been listening to vocalists who are our contemporaries. I have a CD by John Denver. He was born in 1943 and sadly died in a plane crash.I enjoyed his songs. Then there are the lovely little Lennon Sisters who still perform in Branson MO. with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra. The Welk Orchestra and the lovely little Lennon Sisters were never featured at our reunions.Neither was John Denver. Another singer was the late Karen Carpenter. She had a nice voice but was never featured at our reunion. Finally there was the late Annette Funicello who sang and made beach party movies. Hope that these vocalists will be heard at another reunion.
Carl on August 22, 2013 9:17 PM Fred, I'm willing to bet that you also miss Gisele MacKenzie, Dorothy Collins, Snooky Lanson, and Russell Arms -- not to mention Richard Little (again).
Mike Murphy on August 25, 2013 1:30 PM Since my Brothers passing I have had the great pleasure of working with the congregation of the Kee Street Methodist Church. John Pucket and others including Charles Kassay have been most helpful in settling my brothers estate and offering true condolences. They are truley an inspiring hard working group for their congregation and community. It has renewed my faith in the Church's good for the community, they offer a food & clothing pantry plus feed the community each week and maintain the Church and Parsonage with their hard labor.
Charles Kassay is a hard working representative of Kee St Meth and was also Chief of Police for Princeton WV. He like most PHS 60ers represents Princeeton well with his accomplishments and kind demeanor.
Thanks for the help and inspiration! Keep the faith
Fredrick Lucas on August 25, 2013 8:53 PM Hi Cookie and Carl, I was going through a joke book and found the following joke about women."The trouble with being a woman thses days is that you've got to look like a girl, dress like a boy, think like a man and work like a dog.
Another one, " The age of some women is like the milage meter on a used car.You know its been set back but you don't know how far"
Finally, "She complained about the rising cost of living." I can help you keep the wolves from your door.How? Stop wearing those tight sweaters."
Carl, I also enjoy some of the older singers such as Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Andy Williams, Perry Como Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Fred Lucas
Cookie on August 25, 2013 11:33 PM Dearest Freddie, First joke: Knocked it out of the ballpark.
Third joke: "Putting a tight sweater on a 70 year old over-weight woman is like putting a speedo on a 70 year old man....it scares the children."
Carl on August 26, 2013 11:27 AM Speedo on a 70 year-old, eh? Reminds me of the 86 year-old man who streaked the women's garden club exhibit. He won 2nd prize for Best Dried Arrangement.
Voice of Resistance on August 26, 2013 7:42 AM The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it. George Orwell
Carl on August 26, 2013 11:30 AM Well I hate them AND the liars. And I'd probably hate that Orwell guy, if I knew who he was.
Deeter the misanthrope
Carol on August 27, 2013 7:56 PM Fred, maybe I am the only one who would choose Elvis over "That Dog in the Window." I had not thought about Patty Page in 50 years. Well, at least you didn't mention rap.
Football Update: Game Day will be at Death Valley, Clemson, SC, Saturday, August 31, when the Tigers have an opportunity to send the #4 Bulldogs limping back to GA. I hope I don't get tangled up in orange traffic on I-85 taking my West Va friend to the airport.
Pete, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Neil asked me today about "My Story" by Neil Diamond. He said someone said it is popular for weddings. (I didn't know golfers talked about weddings, but I guess anything is possible.) I still like Paul Stookey's "The Wedding Song" and "One More Day" by Diamond Rio.
Carl on August 29, 2013 1:27 PM Following my failure to flush out a single admitted Democrat on our Blog, I decided to cast my net a bit wider. Just learned that the current Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is Sylvia Mathews Burwell, born and raised in Hinton, WV, a town well known to several PHS60 hot dog lovers and others. Should you be interested in her most impressive credentials, see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Mathews_Burwell
Mike Murphy on August 29, 2013 5:11 PM Hi Carl, I have talked with Sylvia on two ocasions - First was when Dan Taylor who was WV state superintendant of schools went to work at Harvard and then to Asst Super for Voc Ed at the US Dept of ED, Sylvia interviewed me via telecon about Dan and his positions on Voc ed. She was editor for the Harvard newspaper. Later I contacted her for support on a position with the Clinton admin. which she gave without sucess.
I knew her mother who was a Business Ed teacher at Hinton AND later President of the State Board of Education. She was a great teacher and really looked out for her students.
Yes Carl I used to be a Democrat, but the current regime has gone so far off the rails that it borders on criminal! Keep the faith
Carl on August 30, 2013 10:13 AM Murph, you continue to amaze. I've always identified with the musical lyric, "I've got friends in low places." Only after all these years am I discovering that, with you, I have at least one in high places. Anyway, I'm always pleased to learn of a homebody distinguishing himself/herself in a positive fashion. I assume that with Sylvia Burwell's work history including president of the Walmart Foundation and president of a division of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that she's a good, competent and admirable person (regardless of political persuasion / association). Please don't say it ain't so.
Fredrick Lucas on September 2, 2013 7:43 PM I hope that all of you have had a happy Labor Day Holiday. I spent part of my weekend finishing a book about the history of the Hatfield and McCoy feud by King. The book clairfied for me the feuds between the families and the personalities involved in the feud which ran for more than thirty years.I was interested in the fact that children went to school for two months each year and that Devil Anse was illiterate. One of his main sources of income was a large still that he operated. When an election was held, he and his followers would back a candidate and give the voters the name of the candidate. Then they would give the voters who were men free moonshine. There were many details which are too numerous to mention. In the end, Devil Anse and his family agreed to be baptised and give up their violence.
I was in Metamora Indiana today and met a girl who is a student in middle school. She is in the eighth grade and plays tight end on the boy's football team. In addition to catching passes, she blocks. She told me that the boys really make fun of a boy whom she tackles. She tells me that she is as tough as any boy. She has had one concussion .She was a cheerleader last year.
I couldn't imagine one of the girls in our class going from cheerleading to tight end. I don't think that Carol Blevins or Sarah Evans would have considered making such a change. As they say, different strokes for different folks.
Cookie on September 2, 2013 9:42 PM I wouldn't touch Freddie's last paragraph with a ten foot pole.
Carl on September 4, 2013 8:08 AM I hear that Paul Baker was at last night's PHS60 dinner meeting. I've missed seeing him at recent reunions, and am glad to learn of his re-appearance.
Fredrick Lucas on September 4, 2013 10:57 AM In 2007, physicians at Vanderbilt University learned that the McCoy family had a genetic problem. It is called Von Hipple Lindau. People who have this problem often have tumors throughout their bodies some of which might be cancerous. There is often a personality problem. Sometimes a stressful situation will result in the person becoming enraged. A normal person can often handle stress without becoming enraged . The McCoys had problems according to Mr. Rice who wrote a history of the Hatfield and McCoy Feud
Perhaps Tom Dillon found this problem among people in the nursing home. Fred Lucas.
Tom Dillon on September 5, 2013 1:51 PM Fred, persons with diseases like Von Hipple Lindau would probably have died young due to the severity and complexity of their condition and therefore would not have been seen in a nursing home. However, in the several facilities for the mentally retarded that I worked in over the years; there were many patients with similar diseases. These syndromes were characterized by internal and/or external tumors (some of which would have made the Elephant Man jealous with envy), seizures, ambulation issues, and varying levels of mental retardation. These diseases were inherited and resulted primarily from genetic mutations and/or recessive genes being carried by both parents.
Fredrick Lucas on September 5, 2013 5:56 PM Tom thanks for the information about people with various genetic problems . I have always been interested in the Hatfield McCoy feud. One of my distant paternal relatives married a Hatfield.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 5, 2013 7:59 AM We had a great time at the dinner Tuesday night. It was good to see Tracy's wife, Carol. She is doing so much better and looks great. Pete and his new bride, Linda, was there. They got married last Friday evening at Pipestem. Tracy performed the ceremony. Joe Holdren was there also. Come join us...
Carl on September 5, 2013 1:39 PM If anyone got a photo, I'd sure like to post in on our website. Just email it to carl.thomason@verizon.net. Thanks.
Thomas Dillon on September 5, 2013 1:56 PM I wish one of you rich PHS classmates would fly your jet up to Indiana once a month , pick Kay and me up, and fly us back to Princeton in time for the monthly dinner. Any takers?
How long would a helicoptor ride take?
Thomas Dillon on September 6, 2013 4:12 PM Ever since Fred's comments about cheerleaders and football players, I have been thinking (which is dangerous). Carl, do you think the 54's referred to a super,secret female football team made up of PHS ladies?
Does not a 5-4 designation refer to a defensive alignment? George and Selig were so protective of our equipment after a practice week or Friday night football game and our uniforms always appeared in our lockers freshly laundered the next week. They smelled of Channel #5, but the managers claimed it was the laundry detergent. Was Gain even a product then? Were our mangers loaning uniforms to the 54's?
Is anyone brave enough or plumb crazy enough to play fantasy football with me and begin developing your team's rosters? Female classmates as we remember them in 1960?
I am afraid to venture into this game as our next reunion is too close for our female classmates to have had time to forgive me/us for any slights in our drafting and/or assignment of positions.
Pete Stephenson on September 7, 2013 8:11 AM Thomas, good thinking on the Co-ed team.But like you i would not know where to start.Making up a team from our 60's group,probably would raise a few eye brows.Maybe our fearless leader Sir Carl could help us out here.Big Mike might add his expertise to our delima.Lets start with Goins,You and me for our first 3.Can't handle 2 a days anymore.Maybee just watching film,eating rinky dink hot dogs,and drinking belly wash,and chasing with moon pies and popcorn.I believe that Kookie might be a good tight end If we can get her to run faster.Me thinks that I just started a war of attrition on our ne co-ed team.What do you think?Last night the Mighty Tigers beat the Bluefield Beavers 32-29 with A 1 yard goal line stand as the clock ran out. Gooooo Tigers.DC
Thomas Dillon on September 7, 2013 3:28 PM Pete, I was thinking of an all female team, but ----.
I liked Cookie also for tight end, but then thought that it would be nice to have a quarterback who could see over the rushing defensive linepersons. M. Herring could barely see without his contacts, much less see over anyone. Ditto for Jimmy Dillon.
All of our female classmates were sweet, young things, but I do see the potential for some to have played very agressively at linebacker, defensive corners and safety, and loving every minute.
Again, better keep my mouth shut.
Pete Stephenson on September 9, 2013 5:10 PM Thomas,I believe you and i are on our own when it comes to our co-fball team.I really thought our webmaster.Mike,and even Geno would have chimed in by now.I feel that we also p----- Cookie off also.maybee we will get our team together before seasons end.later.Peace,Hope,and Love.
Mike Murphy on September 9, 2013 7:57 PM Pete you and Tom have got yourselves in deep enough without my help. Geno Smith did fairly well in spite of the knee jerk pistol offense by the stupid coaches. Whenevever Geno would get in rythm they would run the pisstol! Can't think of a worse team for a rookie quarterback!
Had dinner with Pat Smith at Nonas and she was talking about Trupo pulling Curly (she thought) out the window of a car and adjusting his attitude?
Pat plans to open a Bakery in addition to Nonas. Not sure where she gets all the energy. She also mentioned having another mini at her school house in Oct. Carl and Doug any news? Geno was going to invite you to join us but couldn't find your number.
Keep the faith
Rebecca Novarro on September 10, 2013 5:57 PM Hey Guys, I don't want to join your football team as I am just plain ole chicken but I love talking football....not too intense, please. So, who was at the Friday nite game of the Tigers?? The lineup was so strange even Jerry Tennant commented. The quarterback is behind the center in a catcher's stance and the back is on his hands and knees. Even see that before??
FYI, Concord's Homecoming is October 5. When they honor the OLD people, they are younger than we are. However, it is still fun to stomp your feet and have the bleachers vibrate. Hope to see some of you. Hope I am going. ha
Carl on September 13, 2013 5:01 PM Tom, Pete, thanks ever so much for asking:
Our PHS60 Class President
Each September finds glory resident:
imaginings of
the game he still loves
with aged classmates, wisely hesitant.
But this Fall he's grown more sensational.
attempting to be inspirational,
he's calling our gals
to suit up with pals
for fantasy co-educational.
His reverie has a strange focus,
but sights in his mind form a locus,
for what he proposes
somehow just supposes
that fate will provide -- hocus-pocus!
Clung tight to his dreams of past killin'
opponents in games truly thrillin',
his mind may be gray
recalling "the day"
but such seem the thoughts of TDillon.
["A man's reach should exceed his grasp. Or what's a heaven for?" Robt. Browning]
(That Browning's ok, but he's sure no Deeter.)
Delores on September 13, 2013 8:15 PM Pete: Neither Cookie nor Kookie is pissed over the football line up. She has been in Nags Head for 10 days hanging out in a 12 room house with 18 retired "rock n rollers" having a ball. Party time! Amazing!
Thomas Dillon on September 13, 2013 9:37 PM Carl, I really enjoyed your "Ode to the Boys of Fall". Nice job! Thank you.
Glad my first round draft choice, Cookie, is back so that we can get her multi-year contract signed. Kookie, I have also drafted Becky A. and Dottie M. as wide receivers to prance and dance up and around the side lines to catch passes from your rifle arm.
Don't wish to share my entire roster as yet. The salary cap is very limited.
Delores on September 13, 2013 11:48 PM I think she would prefer to be a cheerleader or better still Homecoming Queen. But, it would probably rain!
Fredrick Lucas on September 18, 2013 5:14 PM This past weekend, I made my annual trek to Columbus Indiana for the annual Scottish Festival. The dancers were quite attractive and did a good job in the dance competition. The European Car contest featured several Morgans. I was unfamiliar with that brand. The owners did a good job restoring them. There were several MG and Triumphs.I enjoyed the caber toss and the hammer toss. The border collies did a good job bringing the sheep back to their pens. The bands were fantastic. That evening we has a dinner with singers, dancers and bands.
On Sunday I went to Brown County where I visited the shops of Nashville. That area features artist colonies. They make jewelry and paint landscapes.They sell those items. There are also restaurants and inns. Many of the commercial establishments are located in old homes and commercial buildings. Tamarak carries many similar items as Nashville . It doesn't have that old flavor.
Back in the Columbus Indiana there is an outlet mall at the intersection of I-65 and Route 135. Tom Dillon is probably familiar with the area since he and his family don't live too far from there.
Carl on September 18, 2013 5:35 PM Fred, I've had the good fortune to visit Columbus & Nashville, IN. Very nice places. And I used to attend Highland games near Grandfather Mtn., NC back in the 70s. Always enjoyed them.
Now about those Morgans. I've never heard of a car by that name either. Are you sure that you hadn't nipped a bit too much Scotch whiskey and were mistaking horses for cars?
Fredrick Lucas on September 19, 2013 4:26 PM Hi Carl. There was an English car company called the Morgan. Really. I'm glad that you enjoyed the Highland games at Grandfather Mountain. I hope to go there someday.
Perhaps Cookie will do the Highland Fling at the reunion at Pat Smith's home.
Carl on September 19, 2013 12:56 PM OK now, listen up & listen tight!!!
The 2013 PHS60 mini-reunion is set:
Saturday, October 12
Pat Smith's school house.
Doors open at 11:00 am;
Dogs & Burgers served around noon
Soft drinks/water included
$5 per person at the door.
Other beverages are your own responsibility.
Spread the word; get the vote out; come one, come all.
See "BREAKING NEWS!" link above for further news.
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 19, 2013 4:18 PM Yea!!!!!!!!
Mike Murphy on September 19, 2013 5:40 PM Hi Darla , Was notified today that hooligans had cut the cooper pipes from the air conditioner at my brothers place on Fellers Street, $2500 damage for $5 cooper. While I was staying there I noted many undesirable looking characters wandering through. Realtor said they probably were on their way to McDonnels from Mercer St?
Praise Pat, the patron saint of reunions along with sir carl and earl doug. look forward to seeing youall. keep the faith
eating a popsicle so i can use only one hand
Carl on September 19, 2013 7:45 PM Just when I thought that life couldn't get much more fulfilling, the image of Murph at his PC with one hand on the keyboard on the other on a Popsicle -- yes! a Popsicle!!! -- just sent my spirits soaring.
Darla Winfrey Pitgzer on September 19, 2013 8:00 PM Mike...I hate to hear that!! Look forward to seeing you and everyone else at Pat's on the 12th.
Carl on September 19, 2013 8:38 PM Expecting the following at the mini:
Pat Smith (hostess extradinaire)
Darla & Johnny
Doug Neal
Murph (and, I hope, Aretta)
Carl (no Joan)
(others to expose themselves)
Pete Stephenson on September 20, 2013 9:28 AM Big Mike, Since I've been back in Princeton,I have found out that a lot of copper is being stolen around town. Linda's son works at a plant here in town that has been hit 3 or 4 times for approx.250 lbs of copper at a time. I do have to say that the timing for me and the mini reunion are not on the same page. I already have a 3 day event scheduled with my Corvette club in Fincastle Va, on the same day. I will definitely miss seeing all that will attend.
Carl on September 20, 2013 3:08 PM BIRTHDAY ALERT!
Sam Goodall - September 28
Carl Thomason - Sept. 28
Linda Phlegar Mills - September 30
Darla Winfrey Pitzer on September 21, 2013 7:36 AM Yesterday was our anniversary. We went to Pat's restaurant with Jeff and Betty Shumaker. We were there for 2 1/2 hours. The food was good and we had a great time!!! Thanks Pat!!
Carl on September 21, 2013 9:18 AM Happy Anniversary, Darla & Johnny.
Coincidentally, I'm leaving this morning to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of Stan & Brenda (Meadows) Hill.
Darla Winfrey PItzer on September 21, 2013 3:38 PM Tell Stanley and Brenda a very "Happy Anniversary" for me.
Carl on September 22, 2013 9:33 AM updated mini-reunion list:
Pat Smith
Barbara & Harry Fields (just added)
Darla & Johnny Pitzer
Doug Neal
Murph
Thomason
Fredrick Lucas on September 22, 2013 12:53 PM Carl, I plan to attend the reunion at the Smith homestead. The Morgan Car Company in listed on the internet if you and the others are interested in learning more about it.
If there is a PHS football game on Friday, perhaps we can go.We can stomp on the bleachers and cheer.
Congratulations to all who are celebration 50 year wedding anniversaries.May you have many more.
Mike Murphy on September 22, 2013 7:50 PM Add Doug Coburn to the list, he is going to contact gene Clark.
Geno haven't heard from you, wouldn't be the same without you! Keep the Faith
Carl on September 22, 2013 11:51 PM "...like the size of the fish that the man claims broke his reel . . . it's growin'"
updated mini-reunion list:
Pat Smith
Buddy & Rachel Belcher
Barbara & Harry Fields
Darla & Johnny Pitzer
Doug Coburn
Doug Neal
Edward & Evie Tomchin
Gene Clark (tentative)
Murph & Aretta (alrighta)
Jeff & Betty Shumaker
Terry St. Clair (I think)
Thomason (no Joan)
Mike Murphy on September 24, 2013 3:26 PM
Geno - Are you OK, hope so, Tell us a story to cheer us up!!
Pete -skip the car show and drive to the mini in your Corvette. We will ooh and ahh it making your day and ours more enjoyable! keep the faith