NEWSLETTER

Hi friends,

It has been awhile since my last NEWSLETTER. When I don't get mail or have items to report I don't get to write one. I am happy that I have some news to report.

MAIL CALL

from Georgia Peterson Winkler in Austin

I really enjoyed the reunion. It is always nice to reunite with friends. Thanks to the committee for the effort put forth.

from Cherlyn Hebert in Houston

I got back in early November from a river cruise through Germany. I flew into Zurich, Switzerland, a few days early because I had never been to Switzerland. I took a couple of day-long excursions, one to Mount Jungfrau and one to Mount Pilatus. The views were spectacular; and we traveled on cogwheel trains to get to the top of each one, so that was a lot of fun. After my stay in Zurich, we were taken to Basel, Switzerland, where we boarded the Avalon Affinity for a 12-night cruise down the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. It was the end of the season, so it was pretty chilly and damp; but nothing that kept us all from enjoying the sights. My favorite stop was the cathedral in Cologne, Germany; the stained glass windows were so beautiful.

My only other news is that I have finally found a volunteer program that I love and that fits my life. I am working with Houston Ground Angels, which transports cancer patients between M. D. Anderson here in Houston and the local airports. I can just log onto the website and pick a mission (as they call them), depending on my schedule. I originally intended to do one a month but just found it so rewarding that I try to do at least one a week. Just knowing that, for this one day, you have made someone’s life easier is such a great feeling. If anyone knows of someone flying into Houston and M. D. Anderson for cancer treatment, tell them to get signed up with Houston Ground Angels; it will be a blessing to them.

I will be pretty much homebound from my traveling in 2014 because I am having my left knee replaced on January 20 and intend to do the right one whenever I am recuperated enough. Like they say, getting old ain’t for sissies.

from David Elliott in Dallas

(received before Thanksgiving)

Below is a quote I read this morning and wanted to pass along. It struck a chord in my heart and I hope it does in yours as well......I relate it to attitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Happiness is a choice, one you have to make every day when you wake up. If you wake up and decide to be angry, pessimistic, and ungrateful – it affects not only you but everyone around you. It’s not easy to choose to be happy, especially if you are awake and paying attention to what is going on in the world.

You can’t renew yourself without first taking a personal inventory of the things you are thankful for.

This Thanksgiving, make the choice to be happy. Make the choice to be thankful. First and foremost on the list is giving thanks to God - because all things come from Him and it is He alone who provides hope, even in (especially in) the difficult times.

So think long and hard about the good things in your life. Get on bended knee and be thankful for all of the blessings you have received. But more importantly, be thankful during your trials and difficult times as well. For while they aren't any fun, they mold our character, teach us important lessons, and grow our faith.

Have a blessed weekend, a blessed Thanksgiving, and for all of our gifts, we give praise tovGod!"

(Credit to Glenn Beck)

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT

Pretty quite around here. We stay in during the cold weather because Dad doesn't like being cold. I went pretty low-key on my Christmas decorations. I was a little down in the back and didn't want to be bending up and down digging through boxes. I did put up my big tree in the family room, my granddaughters' tree in dad's room, and my sports tree in my office. I put a wreath on the front and back door and added a large poinsettia in the den. I did put out my CARDINAL collection that I display during the holidays. I started it when we lived in Bridge City. The mascot there was Cardinals and also my alma mater, Lamar University.

Debbie Borres hosted our annual girls' Christmas luncheon. Debbie, Ernie Castaneda, Diane Richmond and I have been doing this for a few years. It is fun to get together, enjoy the comforts of a home instead of a restaurant, and just reminisce. Love you girls! Looking forward to Ernie hosting next year. Her Christmas tree is Dallas Cowboys and Coca Cola ornaments.

Dad's has had a couple of health issues we are checking on. Maybe I'll have more on that next update.

My side of the family is having their annual Christmas gathering in Huffman at my nephew's beautiful home. It is good to see all the nieces and nephews, the greats and of course, my sister and brother. Dad is the patriarch at 97 years old.

We will spend Christmas day at my daughter's in-laws home in Orangefield. They are always so cordial and their home is so inviting. I am looking forward to spending the day with my two granddaughters who are growing up WAY TOO FAST!

REUNION PICTURES

It makes me smile to look through the newest published REUNION weekend pictures. If you need a pick-me-up or just a time to enjoy the pictures, check them out. We add new ones weekly.

SUPPORT

(update from Susan Reagle Duplant in November)

For my friends and family that have wanted an update. I went to the doctor today. My hemoglobins were finally up to 11.6. Not quite normal, but he is cutting my predisone from 100mg. to 60mg. He will keep cutting it back for about two months. If my numbers stay up, it will be great. If they start dropping we will have to try another route. There is one more medicine he can try, then the last option will be removing the spleen. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, they are greatly appreciated. ( I go back in 3 weeks, unless I need him sooner)

texasbeargrammy@aol.com

from Janice Jones Kelly

My husband and I are on our way home from Blocker Burn Unit in Gaveston. My daughter,Stephanie, had a skin graft on Tuesday, Dec. 10 as she dropped a casserole that she was taking out of the oven. The potatoes stuck to her leg. She had second and third degree burns. She is doing much better. She was blessed with the most wonderful staff. The many prayers going up for her were answer. Thank you prayer warriors. God is so awesome.

lsuaggiemom@yahoo.com

from Jack and Charlotte (Cunningham) Etheredge concerning their small granddaughter, Sydnee Jo

To all my family and friends who prayed, called and sent text, I can't say Thank You enough. Sydnee is home and doing fine. Doctor's at Texas Children determined along with the vaculitis she had a condition called Erythema Mutiforme. This came about from a reaction to a drug she was taking for an infection. Like the doctor said it's "impressive" to the eye, but not harmful to the child. Thank You Jesus!!!!! We are truly blessed to have all the family and friends who prayed for Syd and during this stressful not to mention scary time. God Bless you all. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

CONDOLENCES

Our class has lost the 5th class member since the week of the reunion!

CHRISTINE SMITH HOOD

August 30, 1950 – December 1, 2013

May she rest in peace

James Miller

(death of his father, Francis Miller)

2514 Post Oak Dr.

Orange, TX 77632

millerfrancis@sbcglobal.net

Vicki Verrett Chase

(death of her father, Jack Verrett)

2409 Sinclair Ave.

Midland, TX 79705

Also, our sincere condolences and support to two classmates that recently lost a family member. This first holiday season will be especially hard for them.

Debi Tate Pigg

(death of her son, John Austin)

18040 Magnolia

Beaumont, TX 77705

dabadeb2@aol.com

Fred Hollier, Jr.

(death of his wife, Norma, after a two year battle with cancer)

14126 Queensway

San Antonio, TX 78217-1339

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May you all have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and the best of the holiday season to everyone!

Stay in touch and contact a classmate,

Linda DeCuir McFadden

lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com