Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

Robby,

Bike ride, count me in.  I will just be returning from a cruise where I will spin each day, so I should be in good shape and ready to go.  Come on, who else will go?

My brother, Joe asked me to be his date to the '67 reunion.  His English wife isn't coming this trip, so I lucked out to have a fun date with lots of "kids",  I used to boss around all the time.  In fact, I probably did my share of that with my own age group!

Richard Meek

Morning Waltripians. Had the flag flying all weekend. The civic association (so glad we have one of those and not a homeowners assn.) had a nice display of flags at the entrance to the subdivision and then put a small flag at each home in Candlelight Estates, nice touch. Following a Houston tradition of many years it was hot and humid! Which meant I followed another Houston tadition. . .I sweated a lot working in the yard. It's always satisfying though to see everything looking good.

Memorial Day is about a serious subject but it reminded me of a lighter side to military service. One night many moons ago when Johnny Carson was still the Tonight Show host he asked Lonesome George Goebel if he was in the service in WWII. George said yes he was a fighter pilot. His job was to prevent the attack of Oklahoma City by the Japanese. If you recollect he was successful. They never did attack OC! Hope you had a good MD!

Rich

Anita Marbury (Marbury)

The Baton Rouge wedding was spectacular for me. Lindy's son married a Miss LSU who happens to be a wedding planner. A true Southern wedding. Our girl trip Tonda, Sandi and Sharron and I had special time together . The lighning bugs and the butterfly at the wedding told us Lindy was with us watching over her child.

Back in Durango and the summer is in full bloom here. All of my flowers are gorgeous thanks to the tremendous snow load from the winter from hell. Going rafting down the Animas next week with friends should be a hoot considering the river is running high in June. I'm driving my 1950 International PU truck and loving each day as I cruise Main St. My truck will be in the July 4th parade in Durango.

I fly back to Houston June 15 for my Texas trip. When I return to Colorado some friends and I are heading to the NW to be tourists in Canada driving a Cruise America. Talley, hope to catch up with you when we hit your state. Summers in Durango make up for the work of shoveling snow and grumbling over the  icy roads. I celebrate each day that I have because tomorrow it could snow.

Bernard Brady

Sweetie-

I understood your snow comments.!!  We lived in Boulder, Co from 1974 to 1986

and have seen it snow in June and also in August. They told me when we moved

to Co. that there were only 3 seasons- June, July and Winter.

TN. weather is in between CO. and TX.  Been here 24 years and love the

people. They are independent cusses like Texans.

Enjoy your Summer !!

Bernard

Talley Hudson

Sweetie, you'd better plan on coming my way!  I couldn't believe last year when I saw that you posted a picture of Puget Sound and I didn't even know you were here!!  Just let me know about when you plan on being in the area and we'll make arrangements to get together.

Robby, you asked about Boise.  So, their weather was about the same as Seattle.  It's been a very strange year as usually Memorial Day in Boise would be hot.  The grandkids were fun--growing like weeds.  My daughter-in-law took me to look at a 55+ community.  It was nice enough but was really more of an 85+ community--I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet.  Her mother came over for a visit, which was fine except that she was sick.  I brought it home with me and have been battling this rotten cold ever since.  I am sooooooooooo ready for summer.  It's supposed to be nicer tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath. 

I hear that Texas has been getting its share of thunderstorms.  Have they hit Houston??

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 I found the last gathering at Fuddrucker's very interesting.  Tony Maddox shared some war stories of a neighbor, Mr. Clappert, I think was his name.  The group of us started talking about how our parent's seldom, if ever talked about their war experiences, so we didn't know a lot about what happened on a personal level, just what was always shown on the news.  In fact, the news is my main memory of any war stories, never coming from Oak Forest.  I thought it might be interesting if any of you out there had any stories  you heard when you were a youngster that you would like to share with the rest of us. Besides we would have a written record and I will copy and paste them for a written record if anyone is interested.  My own father played basketball on the main Navy team in Norfolk, VA, so the only war stories I have to share are those on a basketball court!  My Uncle did fight in Anzio.  When the movie Patton came out, my aunt wanted to go with him to see it and he said he  saw enough of Patton in Italy and would never go see anything having to do with him. 

Hope to be reading some memories here! 

Richard Meek

Jennie, I will be happy to contribute what I know. Just tell me how you want to gather this information. I can tell you a fair amount about my dad who served in the OSS in Europe. My sister, coincidentally, is in the process of getting his entire service record from the Dept. of Defense. As I mentioned the other night I know that Roy Ooley who lived down the street,Cheshire, from us was a survivor of the Bataan Death March. His widow, Elsie, still lives on Cheshire so you could talk to her directly. Or I can probably locate their daugther Carol '68 through Deborah Bay '68.The Bay's lived at the other end of the block. I know a little about Ben Bay's time in the Army. Ben passed away recently but he had written an autobiography a few years back that is really very interesting. So I can put you in touch with Deborah to get the full details on him. Franklin Smith was in the Army Air Corps I believe. Katherine and Franklin live in San Antonio now. their son Greg '64, Kathy '68 or Ann '70 can tell you something. I think Art Mahnke was in the Army but that's about the extent of my knowledge. But Art still lives in Shepherd Park Plaza or contact his daugther Connie '65. I can tell you some info about my uncle Bruce who was in the Army Air Corps. If you want to visit with him we can go talk to him. He lives in Garden Oaks. Another source would be the folks that organized the WWII Memorial on Heights Blvd. I think it was the Heights Rotary Club but I'm not sure about that. I'll probably think of some more, just let me know how you want to get started.

Rich

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 Great ideas Rich, but I think you would probably understand the stories more if you heard them then I would.  You could summarize and post them on this site and then I could copy and paste on Word.  If other's could share some of their stories here I think it will generate more sharing then what is happening, because there isn't that much going on lately here. I found the other night fascinating from a personal level, but I'm a novice at gathering war stories!  I know I would enjoy reading some though. So, I'm looking forward to your Uncle's story.  What is it?

Teddie Jordan ' 64

Jennie, Jackie has started a Military section on the '64 website asking for photos and stories from classmates' father's, our many classmates who served, and now our childrens service. She also has some awesome music to accompany it. It is just starting and I know from experience that most of our classmates who saw the real action in Vietnam, just like our fathers who served in WWII, really don't care to talk about much less relive those memories, but hopefully we will get some recollections and we hope a lot of photos too.

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

 Oh Teddy, that is great.  I wasn't aware of that, but am happy to know it exists.  I will go to the site and do my reading.  Thanks!

Jan Barnes (Nimtz)

VIRGIE LEE EMMONS DECHMAN, 78, of Harwood, TX, passed away Monday, June 14, 2010, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. She was born February 21, 1932, in Houston, TX, to Charles Cecil and Ethel Mae Cochran Emmons. She fell in love and married the love of her life, Jimmie Neil Dechman on June 1, 1958, in Richmond, TX.Virgie Lee was the owner and operator of Virgie Lee Emmons Dance Studio in Houston for 31 years and 10 years in Gonzales. Her studios were the largest in the south with over 1000 students. She was very proud that over 100 of her past students now have their own dance studios throughout the United States. She taught on National Dance Conventions across the country every summer for 30 years, teaching millions of dance students and their teachers new techniques.

 Complete obit can be found in today's Houston Chronicle.

Bernard Brady

Hello to all:

Now that the date has firmed up, Susan and I can announce that we will be closing on our

Patio Home in San Angelo, Texas around 8/1/2010. We are currently selecting paint colors

and flooring. We will be Texans again soon after being gone for 36 years. Praise God.

My Dad graduated from Tex A&M in 1942 and became a Lt. JG on a sub in the

Pacific. He ended up staying on Tinian Island until the Enola Gay dropped the BIG ONE.

He is not hesitant now to tell of his adventures, but when I was a kid, he never mentioned

it at all.

Stephen Ray Puckett

My Dad was a Navy petty officer during WWII and would not talk about it except that it was a bad, bad thing.  He was in several Pacific battles (we did get that out of him or somebody) and may have been shot a couple of times.  My uncle, who lived in Houston until the 1970's, was also in the Navy as a yeoman to an admiral, on the Atlantic side.  He would not talk about it either except for some of his adventures in Europe after the war ended.  He also said it was a bad thing.

This refusal to talk reminds me of asking the elderly to talk about the old days, family history, growing up, etc. - they wouldn't talk about it, dismissing it as old stuff, unimportant, etc., perhaps because of modesty.  A lot has been lost because of that reticence.  I putter around with genealogy/family history and have to ask around to find someone who will finally talk.  It seems the younger generations will talk more.

Bernard Brady

Steve, my dear old friend-

You could get a rock to talk.

Love ya, brother, B

Jennie Anderson (Dylan)

Having never fought in a war, I can only imagine how one might not ever want to talk about it, but it is lost history also.  I was married for 17 years to a man who served in VietNam and the most I ever knew was that he served as a typist during interrogations of captured Viet Cong or suspected enemies.  He NEVER shared any more than, "I wouldn't want to know".  So, I guess that is how one deals with so much ugliness.

I think in the next few weeks I'm going to head out and visit some different places mentioned on The Forum.  I know little of these places and would like a dose of country.  I'll take my bike and ride in the early morning checking out some of the little towns.    So, some of you out there may be getting a call for a cup of coffee as  I travel around your little country worlds.  

Richard Meek

Afternoon Waltripians. I always feel good when I tell this system that I want submit a response. It then puts up this nice little box on the screen and the first word your eyes fall on is normal. It's sort of reassuring, don't you think?

Jennie, when I was in the Hill Country in April I saw a lot of bikers riding around. I was going between Wimberley and Canyon Lake when I saw the most. That area around San Marcos, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Fredricksburg and Canyon Lake is pretty nice. The terrain might not be as challenging if you go visit folks around Navasota, Anderson and College Station. I guess for someone who has ridden on Mt. Haleakala in Hawaii the Texas Hill Country is no big climb, right?

I'm off to the Astros game tonight.  Going out to a ball game at Minute Maid is always fun. I just hope the old 'Stros play well tonight. Friday nights are great because they have a half hour fire works display after the game. They really put on quite a stunning show. You leave the game feeling good even if the Astros lose. Then tomorrow I'm taking a run down to Caney Creek /Sargent just to get out of town. It's so relaxing down there . . .you just don't think about much of any importance. . . .just enjoying the day.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and get to indulge in whatever makes you happy!

Rich

Margaret Anne Ewing (McNabb)

Haven't read all the responses.  Just wanted to say it's great catching up with what's going on with some of you.  For those of you going to the reunion, have a blast.  Hope there'll be some great pics posted.  MM, aka The Magster.....I've changed a little over the years.

Linda Webster

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU FATHERS Hope you all have great one!!!! Don't forget to send your money in for the REUNION coming up on 9/10/10.  Hope to see as many people there as can possibly make it.

Always remember "We're not promised Tomorrow" Don't say I'll wait for the 50th Reunion, because we don't know HIS plan for us*********

Everyone have a wonderful day.........

Richard Meek

Hey Bernard, I saw your posting last week that you're scheduled to move back to Tejas in August. San Angelo is a very nice city. An insurance agency out there tried to hire me but we never came to an agreement on compensation. Some cousins of mine lived there so I've been there several times. I think you'll like it. I think the Air Force base there is still the primary foreign language school for all the services. They have some other specialized training there also.

You mentioned about your dad graduating from A&M. One of my uncles went there in 1943. After his freshman year he was went into the Army Air Corps (there wasn't and Air Force then). He wound up being a gunnery instructor in Las Vegas. When he got out of the service there were so many men attending A&M they had a housing problem. The only housing he could get was in a former Army barracks. He tells me that he had all the barracks living he cared for on active duty. so he got a degree. In architecture from the U of H. just a little note. Even though the Air force is now a separate branch of the military the Army has been back in the aircraft business in a big way. They have more aircraft than the Air Force.

Good luck on your move. Moving is a chore but at least you're moving in the right direction.

Keep on dancing,

Rich

Bernard Brady

Thanks Richard-

My Dad worked as an Arhitect in Houston from 1949 until 2001, retiring at age 81 !!

He is now 89 and lives with my Mom Elvina (88) in San Angelo. She was born and raised in Paint Rock,

which is about 25 mi from San Angelo. Susan and I and ALL OF THE BRADY BUNCH are

thrilled that we are coming to San Angelo. Our remodel should be completed in Aug. Hopefully, we

will be able to be in Houston for the reunion as my Daughter Kristen (age 38) will turn 39 on

Sept. 11th. She lives in Katy with hubby and the two granddaughters.

Should be a busy Summer. Mucho hot here in Tenn - 99 degrees rat now. Bernard

Bernard Brady

Jan-

I love outdoor parties and your home is gorgeous! My younger brother travels all over Texas,

and he recently told me that Boerne has become a wonderful place to live. If you havent seen

San Angelo recently, it is just a clean, beautiful, culturally rich city of 85,000. The whole Brady

Bunch lives in and around there and they are as thrilled as we are. Life is good. Thanks !!!!

Linda Webster

To All

Not only is BJ and his family moving back to Texas but Kirk Thompson and his family are back in Texas as well. They now live in Round Rock and his wife is already working as the Manager of the Yankee Candle store in Lakeline Mall. He has finally come home from Omaha. 

Jan sounds like a great idea about a party for everyone up her in the Austin, San Antonio area. Let's get that going.

It's great to be able to chat and catch up like this and just plain keep in touch. Have a great week everyone.

I am moving within Lago Vista so mine is horendous, but it will get better I know.

Richard Meek

Hey again Bernard. I have actually been to Paint Rock.  Unfortunately the ranch where the Indian paintings are was closed at that time so I'll have to go back to see the cliff paintings. At the time I was there (when I was married, why else would I know this) there was a ladies boutique there that stocked NY designer clothes. It had it's own landing strip so ladies could fly in from several states to shop. They also have a spiffy county court house there. I think Paint Rock is the smallest county seat in the state.

The temp. hit 99 here this weekend with lots of lovely humidity to go with it. It was 91 when the 10:00 news was on. I'd still rather be in Houston in the summer than Chicago in the winter!

Kirk, glad to hear you're back in Texas, pardner! I guess you got tired of hob nobbing with Warren Buffett in Omaha. Well get to know Nolan Ryan since you're in Round Rock. He's not as rich as Warren Buffett but he's a good guy.

Linda my condolences on moving. One of my least favorite things to do.  I've often thought that if I ever sell my current house that after closing, I'd just get in the car and drive away. Just surprise the new owners by giving them all that good stuff!

Everyone just try and stay cool. Which may be a real challenge this summer. If we don't get hit by a hurricane. . .it will be a good summer!

Keep dancing,

Rich

Bernard Brady

Richard- I love ya, brother...

I've got so much stuff here in TN. that is going to stay in TN.  I don't want to

move it one more time. There is an auction business here that sez "you move out what you

want and we'll sell the rest and hand you a check".  I watched them do it for a friend of mine.

Friend said "I didn't get a ton, but I didn't get a wrenched back". Say amen to that friends...

Linda take care of them precious bones, dear.

The painted rocks are lovely.  My Mom grew up with the owner of that ranch.  The courthouse

(built in 1883) is still gorgeous. The Concho River runs through Paint Rock and San Angelo.

Clean, clear water. Good fishing,too. I'm ready to hang it up. Call it a day.  Retire.  BJ

Richard Meek

BJ, do you plan to continue your numismatic activities?

I like my plan of surprising a new owner of my home with a present of most of my earthly possessions. My alma mater, HBU, isn't going to build a library in my honor so they wouldn't want any of my stuff except the bank accounts. Which brings a question to mind. How small will libraries be in the future as books become obsolete.  When I recently visited good old Waltrip HS the library was only about 50% full of books. It seems most of the young people now only have a dim idea of what a book is. they don't seem to even have a glimmer about a newspaper. If it doesn't come out of their laptop or the television they don't know it. I guess books and newspapers will be relegated to museums not libraries soon. Or perhaps libraries will be renamed book museums. Oh well se la vie, right? You just have to keep on dancing.

May the wind always be at your back,

Rich