MAIL CALL
from Shirley Roll Rabuck from HMMMMMM
(I apologize to Joy. She sent this July 8th. I just came across it in my TJ files.)
It's a real joy to read the updates and catch up on old friends. Our home in Montgomery is on the market. We will spend Oct-April at our farm in Woodville and May-Sept. at our home in the mountains in Angel Fire, NM. The golf is wonderful, air-conditioned all summer long, at 8,500 ft (that is above sea level.) The fishing is great, lake stocked with Rainbow Trout. Philmont Scout Ranch is 40 miles away. It has beautiful views of Baldy, Wheeler and the ski mountain. It averages 75 during the day and in the 40's at night.
We have 6 granddaughters (11, 7, 3, 2, 1, 3 mo), 2 grandsons plus one in the oven (22 yr. old came with the marriage, he was 8 at the time, an 8 yr. old with a little brother due soon). Our three sons have been busy. Our oldest lives in Madisonville, La, our middle son live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and our youngest lives in Baton Rouge, LA. It's lots of fun when the families all get together. We are "Honey and Pops" to the grandchildren, it's music to our ears to hear them call us.
My husband, Paul, is doing well. He has been battling cancer for 14 years, multiple myeloma. He was diagnosed in Feb. of '98 while we were living in Shantou, mainland China. Needless to say, we left there the next day enroute for MD Anderson and the rest is history. He hasn't been on chemo or steroids for the last 8 months and feels really good. We are very thankful that his cancer has been manageable.
(Glad to hear good news about Paul.)
from Hal Ross in Nederland
On September 27, Pete Huber, Pat Lange, and I are going to George West for a three day dove hunt. I'll send photos and a report later. I just got back from Philadelphia for a three day weekend of skeet shooting and sightseeing. Aside from getting trapped on the legendary New Jersey Turnpike, I had a great adventure. One of my favorite activities when I travel is hanging out with the locals and listening to the stories about the politics and economics. Once again, I'm glad I live in TEXAS!
(I bet the "locals" didn't know what hit them when you came to town. I know you had fun.)
from Jan Russell in Spring
A month ago, I had a horrible scare with my precious dog, Jeb (Jeb Stuart!). About 11:30 pm he jumped down from the bed as he has done thousands of times, but he landed wrong and ruptured a disk in his back. It paralyzed his back legs. I rushed him to the Emergency Animal Clinic where they told me he needed surgery immediately. I then had to take him to the North Houston Veterinary Specialists where he had surgery in the wee hours of the morning. He stayed in the doggie hospital for a week. I am so impressed with the professionalism and compassion of the staff at that facility. Jeb is now walking and running, although his front legs go faster than his back legs! He still stumbles but he gets right back up and keeps going. He wants ot jump but can't and it's against doctor's orders anyway. But, he's on the mend, and I think he will make a complete recovery. He's a tough little guy but such a sweetheart. Jeb is a Jack Russell/miniature schnauzer mix that I adopted from the Harris County Animal Shelter 7 years ago.
(Glad Jeb is on the mend. I know many classmates feel like their pets are their other children.)
from Phillip Romero in New York, NY
Thank you for reaching out to reconnect me with my roots. Thank you, also for the link to our class website. Very impressive!! As I am launching my own new project--a 30 year endeavor--Art Imperative Quest based on my book The Art Imperative. I will be happy to link more with my childhood roots. Here are some of my sites you might find of interest
(I was really happy to hear from Phillip when he returned my call. It was fun reminiscing about our TJ days.)
from Mike Soileau in Atlanta, TX
Thanks for the work you and Mike are doing. I am still here on the farm. I have recovered from my heart attack and the stents are working. Happy to be here. I am still working with my company in Houston but from my house! Not much hay from the farm this year. Too dry but fresh cut hay smells good. The fishing is starting to get better. Yes, we are getting older but still young at heart. I'm keeping prayers going up for those who are sick and have lost love ones. You guys are doing a great job.
(Thanks for sharing your news. That is what keeps the NEWSLETTER going.)
Class of '70 Website
Hal Coward is working on getting a website started for
TJ class of '70. He is to be commended on his efforts. Mike can tell you that it is a monstrous undertaking to get one off the ground and a lot of work to keep it current. We are proud of him and
Rhonda Carleton Richey, who planted the idea and his biggest cheerleader. You may contact him
hcoward01@comcast.net
45th REUNION (Save the date)
Aug. 2-3, 2013
Social....Aug. 2 at the Holiday Inn-Park Central in PA on Jimmy Johnson
Social/Dinner/Dance....Aug. 3 at the Jefferson County Adult Singles Club in Nederland
Theme will be Mardi Gras
We haven't sent any notices by mail just through E-MAIL and Face Book. We are still trying to confirm addresses before we spend $$$$ on postage and send notes to the WRONG ADDRESS!
Notes from classmates about the upcoming reunion:
from Loretta LaLonde....We will be there. Can't keep us away.
from Laura Meece and Bart Darby.....We will definitely be there.
from Jane Lippincott....We will be there but hope it is 2013 instead of 2012 because if it isn'????
from Paula Daigle....Can't wait to see everyone.
from Linda Langhoff...I am looking forward to my FIRST reunion!!!
from Harold Erixon....I will put it on the calendar.
from Sara Little....Puttin' it on the calendar
from Fred McCarty....I'll be there.
from Jeanette Constantine....Thanks for the info. Planning on being there.
from Ellen Fawvor, Sheridan Jones & Susan Reagle...The dates are confusing. (Yep, they are correct now!)
from Norma Gayle Guidry....I will probably go, also.
from Dianne Dupre....will try to be there. Looking forward to seeing old friends!
from Ms. Nancy McLain (pe and Hussar advisor)....Plan to be there.
from Richard "Dick" James....Sounds like a party. You know I'm always up for a PARTY! We party just as hard and just as fast as when we were younger, BUT it is the gettin' over it that takes a whole lot longer. Hopefully we have learned by now to party at a different level and frequency.
Mike is going to put a list on the website front page with the classmates that hope to be at our reunion. I will send him names every week to update the list.
WEBSITE $$$ DONATION
(donation from Janis Hamilton Lee)
I've been meaning to send in a contribution. I was glad to see the reunion date will be the first weekend of August instead of later in August. My my tennis team wins in the spring then the state tournament would be the second weekend in August.
(Thanks for your monetary support to help the website and also your contributions having news and photos that you send in often.)
SUPPORT
a note from Arleen Lange Hulin
"Okay, I am moving on up the liver transplant list! Hopefully in the next year. Could you add me to the support list?"
(Of course, and we are praying that all goes well and that a donor is found soon.)
Arleen Lange Hulin
11402 Sageperry Dr.
Houston, TX 77089
CONDOLENCES
Florence "Sissie" Woods Kilcrease
(death of her father, Earl Edgar Woods, Sr.)
March 20, 1032-August 20, 2012
Florence "Sissie" Woods Kilcrease
525 Magasco Dr.
Pineland, TX 75968
***********************************************************************
I need to close for now. I have to take Dad to the doctor in Port Arthur. Until next time.....
Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden